Sight First program in Eastern India, MD 322, is administered through a network of 66 eye hospitals run by various lions clubs. More than 80000 cataract surgeries are conducted each year at these hospitals. In order to facilitate exchange of information and learn from the success stories of each other, Sight First Conclave is an annual feature in this MD. Each unit is represented by three individuals at the conclave: hospital chairperson, manager and resident medical practitioner. This year the MD 322 SF conclave was held on 6th November at Durgapur.

Some of the lions hospitals are developing as comprehensive eye care units with separate departments for diabetic retinopathy, childhood blindness, low vision and cornea transplant. Lions Siliguri Greater hospital made an impressive presentation on strategies to develop into a super speciality centre.

Representatives from LAICO, which happens to be the prime man power training centre sponsored by LCIF, presented a paper on learning opportunities and need to remain contemporary. Lions Jorhat hospital has a success story to share in respect of community involvement and raising funds from people of the town where the unit is located.

SF programs today are aimed at bringing excellence in each of the hospitals. It is more a matter of attitude than anything else. Continuous improvement and evaluation have to become an integral style of working by these hospitals. Dr Deshpande from Pune presented a paper on methodologies for adapting to change and maintaining excellence. This was the sixth conclave attended by 184 participants with representatives from Vision 2020, government sector and senior health department officials. Honorable Minister of Health, Govt of W Bengal, appreciated the lions for the ongoing support for blindness prevention. A total of 16 papers were presented, with Phillip Albano, Manager SF department from Oak Brook addressing through a webinar.