Dr. Uday Gajiwala
M.S Ophthalmology, 1991 ;
Area of Intervention
Ensuring Access to a Full Spectrum of Eye Care Subspecialties, Comprehensive Training for All Eye Care Personnel, and Advancing Ophthalmology Research.
Approximately 75% of his efforts are dedicated to offering state-of-the-art tertiary eye care services with 100 beds, free of charge. His organization’s mission is to deliver top-tier, affordable, and all-encompassing eye care services to underprivileged rural and tribal communities. They provide a one-stop destination for all aspects of eye care, including prevention, promotion, treatment, and rehabilitation.
About
Dr. Uday Gajiwala is the Vice President of DivyaJyoti Trust.
He holds membership in various prestigious organizations, including the All India Ophthalmological Society, Delhi Ophthalmic Society, Indian Medical Association, BJ Medical College Alumni Association, Hospital Infection Society of India, and he is an International member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
He also served as an Institutional member representing the Divyajyoti Trust in the Vision 2020 India forum and holds a position on the Editorial board of the Community Eye Health Journal.
He has held the position of President for both the Vision 2020 Gujarat Chapter and the Indian Medical Association’s Mandvi chapter. Additionally, he is a co-founder of the Divyajyoti Trust and Ophthalmic Mission Trust in Dahod. His expertise extends to serving as a Technical Advisor to the Vision Foundation of India and RNC Free Eye Hospital in Valsad. He is recognized as an expert in infection control practices and has authored and co-authored numerous manuals and guidelines in the field. His contributions have also led to several publications in national journals, and he has been honored with the Vision Award by Vision 2020.
In October 2010, during the World Sight Day celebration, Dr Uday Gajiwala participated in the Right to Sight India program held in Udaipur. The Rotary Club of Ahmedabad recognized his vocational excellence by presenting them with the “Vocational Excellence” award in 2011.
In October 2013, he had the distinct honor of delivering the Dr. R. N. Mathur oration at the 41st All Gujarat Ophthalmic Conference in Rajkot. His dedication to their work was further acknowledged when he received the Vocational Excellence award from the “Philanthropic Society of Ankleshwar” in May 2014 and the “SEWA SUWAS” award from Surat Manav Seva Sangh – “Chhayando” on July 12, 2014.
In 2014, the Rotary Club of Surat Main also recognized his vocational excellence with an award on October 10th. In 2015, his remarkable contributions to community ophthalmology earned him the Dr. Aroop and Dr. Mrs. Meenakshi Midya award for excellent services from the Association of Community Ophthalmologists of India in Lucknow. Furthermore, he received the Dr. G. Venkatswamy memorial award from the Community Ophthalmology Society of India, Delhi, in the same year.
Prior to his current endeavors, he dedicated 20 years of their career to SEWA Rural in Jhagadia, where he played an instrumental role in developing comprehensive eye care services. Under his leadership, Divyajyoti had a significant outreach program, including diagnostic eye camps, satellite OPDs under the PPP mode, and an impressive annual surgical volume of close to 6000 procedures. He was actively involved in community-based rehabilitation efforts for the blind, successfully rehabilitating nearly 800 incurably blind individuals in seven blocks around Jhagadia. Additionally, he spearheaded an integrated education program for incurably blind children, benefiting nearly 100 blind children through this initiative.
Dr. Uday Gajiwala's Contributions with Divyajyoti Trust:
- Over a span of nine years, the trust has provided medical care to an impressive count of more than 775,000 OPD patients through base hospitals, diagnostic camps, and outreach centers.
- Dr. Gajiwala and his team have successfully performed over 85,000 eye surgeries, alleviating vision impairments and restoring sight to many individuals in need.
- The trust has played a crucial role in advancing the academic pursuits of over 50 blind students, promoting education and empowerment within the visually impaired community.
- In a significant endeavor, they have established a tertiary eye care facility in an interior rural tribal area, bringing quality healthcare closer to underserved populations.
- Driven by a commitment to preventive care, the trust has screened more than 122,654 school children in their service area, ensuring early detection and treatment of eye conditions.
- Additionally, they have screened more than 4,515 truck drivers, contributing to road safety by ensuring that drivers maintain good vision while on the road.
- A commendable 85% of cataract surgical procedures are performed free of cost, making essential eye care accessible to those who might otherwise be unable to afford it.
- Going beyond medical interventions, the trust has successfully rehabilitated and supported the livelihoods of more than 500 incurably blind individuals, promoting their independence and well-being.
