Restoring Vision, Restoring Hope – Polwatta Eye Care Initiative
Polwatta is a beautiful village surrounded by a river and located close to the Weligama beach in southern Sri Lanka. Despite its natural beauty, the community—like many others across the country—has faced significant hardships in recent years.
Sri Lanka has been going through a severe economic crisis, and its impact on ordinary people has been profound. Rising living costs, loss of income, and financial insecurity forced many families to prioritize daily survival over essential healthcare needs. As a result, eye care was largely neglected by many individuals due to poverty, lack of awareness, and limited access to affordable services.
Responding to a heartfelt request from the villagers, the Peter Bachmann Foundation (PBF) stepped forward to address this critical need. With the aim of restoring vision and improving quality of life, PBF organized a free eye clinic in Polwatta on 4th January.
The eye clinic was conducted with the voluntary support of veteran optometrist Mr. Hemantha, whose dedication and professional expertise played a vital role in the success of the program. The response from the community was overwhelming—over 100 villagers participated in the clinic.
A total of 105 individuals were screened, and the results highlighted the seriousness of the issue:
- 80 participants were diagnosed with vision problems
- All 80 were prescribed spectacles based on professional assessment
Understanding that prescriptions alone are not enough for those struggling financially, PBF ensured that action followed diagnosis. On 18th January, spectacles were donated free of charge to all beneficiaries who required them.
This initiative has not only improved eyesight but also restored confidence, dignity, and daily functionality for many individuals—enabling children to study better, adults to work more effectively, and elders to live with greater independence.
Sri Lanka is widely recognized as the leading nation in the world for eye donation on a per-capita basis, having for decades provided a significant surplus of corneas to countries across the globe. While nations such as the United States are also major suppliers of eye tissue, Sri Lanka’s per-capita donation rate remains unmatched. This remarkable achievement is deeply rooted in the country’s cultural and religious tradition of dāna (giving), which emphasizes compassion, generosity, and service to humanity. The Polwatta Eye Care Initiative reflects this same spirit—transforming a long-standing national value into practical, life-changing action at the community level.
The Polwatta Eye Care Initiative stands as a testament to what compassionate partnerships, volunteerism, and community-driven action can achieve. PBF remains committed to continuing such impactful programs, ensuring that no one is left behind simply because they cannot afford to see clearly.
Future Plans & Call for Support
While the Polwatta Eye Care Initiative has made a meaningful difference in one village, Polwatta is not an isolated case. Across Sri Lanka, thousands of people—especially in rural and underserved communities—continue to struggle with untreated vision problems due to poverty, lack of access, and the lingering effects of the economic crisis.
Encouraged by the impact of this program, the Peter Bachmann Foundation (PBF) plans to expand similar eye care initiatives to other villages and regions across the country. Our goal is to identify communities in need, conduct regular eye clinics, and ensure that those diagnosed receive spectacles free of charge.
To make this vision a reality, we invite partners, donors, and well-wishers to join hands with us. Your support—whether financial, professional, or voluntary—can help restore sight, dignity, and opportunity to many more individuals.
Together, we can ensure that clear vision is not a privilege, but a basic right for everyone, everywhere.
Sanath Liyanage
PBF Sri Lanka Coordinator