In May 2024, our dedicated volunteers Ian Christie and Ronya Naeem embarked on an unforgettable journey in the Hindu Kush mountains. They fully embraced the local culture and engaged hands-on in providing eye care, dispensing glasses and eye drops after completing a one-day training workshop.
Upon their arrival, Ian and Ronya explored the main sites of Islamabad, immersing themselves in the vibrant atmosphere. Their adventure continued in Rawalpindi, where they navigated bustling bazaars and experienced the rich local culture, including a visit to the optical wholesale market to see how affordable glasses can be.
Their next stop took them to a rural village in the foothills of the Himalayas, starting with their first eye camp in Rehana, Haripur. Here, the Sight Relief team screened 604 patients and dispensed over 500 pairs of glasses. The following day, they held another eye camp in Swabi, assisting 391 patients.
Ian and Ronya worked wonderfully with the local team, witnessing the entire patient journey firsthand. A 4×4 ride took them to Chitral, where they enjoyed a rest day exploring the local culture. The next day involved a scenic yet bumpy three-hour trip on a single-track road to Bindo Gal Valley, where they treated 220 patients. While Ronya found the off-roading challenging, she shone at the eye camp and displayed remarkable patience on the return journey.
Volunteering in Upper Chitral is perfect for you if you seek a thrilling off-roading adventure. However, if you prefer smoother travels, consider projects in the Karakoram Mountain range, which offer more accessible roads.
In total, the team tested 1,297 patients, experienced breathtaking scenery, and savored some of the world’s finest cuisine. As their trip came to an end, Ian and Ronya reflected on their incredible experiences.
If you’d like to hear firsthand about their trip, please contact us, and we’ll connect you with Ian and Ronya!
