CPO officials, VisionSpring team and others at Chozuba village on November 2.
Our Correspondent
Chozuba | November 2
The eye check-up camp organized by Chakhesang Public Organization (CPO) in collaboration with US based VisionSpring for Phek district in Chakhesang-inhabited areas, primarily focused on weavers and artisans, culminated on November 2 at Chozuba village.
The camp, which started on August 19, screened 7000 individuals and issued 5557 spectacles.
Addressing the culmination program, CPO president Vezuhu Keyho, congratulated VisionSpring for successfully completing the project in Phek district, acknowledging their sacrifice, love, and dedication to serving the people.
He also recognised Sophy Lasuh, filmmaker and researcher, for connecting the VisionSpring team with the CPO to collaborate on this philanthropic endeavor. Keyho expressed his delight that over the 72-day period, the rural community benefited tremendously by regaining vision, enabling them to read and work better.
He affirmed that the CPO would seek further partnerships with government agencies to continue supporting the people. He also announced that the ambulance provided under MPLADP by MP (LS) S. Supongmeren Jamir would be available for public use, encouraging people to make the best of the facility. Keyho also thanked Chozuba Village for hosting the Vision Spring team during their stay in the Chozuba range.
VisionSpring interest in continuing work
Ruman Konwar, team leader of Vision Spring thanked the CPO for their logistical support, which enabled the team to reach all the villages. He shared his positive experiences during the two-month project and expressed his interest in continuing work with the community even in the near future.
Dr Sophy Lasuh Kesiezie, filmmaker and researcher, shared that during her research on stinging nettle, she discovered that many elderly individuals struggled with poor eyesight, hindering their ability to continue artistic work or pass on their knowledge to younger generations.
This inspired her to reach out to philanthropic organizations, leading to collaboration with VisionSpring. She then coordinated with her friend Nokho Nyekha, general secretary of Chakhesang Youth Front (CYF), and discussed the project with the CPO, eventually launching the initiative. She also emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts among community organizations to find more opportunities for supporting rural villages through shared objectives for community welfare.
Chozuba Town Council (CTC) Chairman Sevonyi Keyho commended the CPO and VisionSpring for their collaborative efforts in reaching the community. He suggested organizing more camps to address cataracts and glaucoma, noting that many rural residents cannot afford necessary eye surgeries.
Chozuba Range Public Organization (CRPO) president Velapra Shijoh expressed gratitude to the CPO and VisionSpring Foundation for their philanthropic work, which greatly benefited the Chozuba range and the Chakhesang community. He highlighted that financial limitations often prevent people from seeking eye check-ups, but this free service has had a significant impact on restoring vision and enabling work and reading.
Chozuba Village Council chairman Dusapra Nyekha, also commended the eye check-up initiative, which provided invaluable assistance to the rural community at their doorsteps, avoiding costs they would otherwise incur.
The programme was led by CPO vice president Vecuto Dozo while Rev Thepupa Swuro, Senior Pastor of Chozuba Village Baptist Church invoked God’s blessings.
