Making a Difference: Curing Blindness and Transforming Lives

Tej Kohli
4 min readJun 14, 2023
Dr Sanduk Ruit and Mr Tej Kohli in Bhutan

When the Tej Kohli and Ruit Foundation was established with the audacious goal of eradicating extreme poverty by curing blindness, little did we know the incredible journey that lay ahead. Driven by the conviction that our work could be truly life-changing, we set out to make a difference and have since surpassed our wildest dreams.

Impactful Beginnings

Our foundation was formed to provide support and assistance to those suffering needlessly from cataract blindness. As we embarked on this mission, we quickly realised the profound effect our interventions could have on individuals and communities. In our first year alone, we conducted over thirty-six thousand surgeries in three different countries, touching lives and igniting hope.

Transforming Lives, One Surgery at a Time

Venturing into various regions of Nepal, we witnessed firsthand the power of our work to uplift individuals from the depths of extreme poverty. Through outreach camps in remote and challenging areas, we screened and cured entire communities, witnessing the incredible transformations that occurred as people regained their sight. Our efforts not only cured cataracts but also gave people a second chance at life.

Beyond Curing Blindness: Building Sustainable Communities

While the primary focus of the Tej Kohli & Ruit Foundation remains on curing blindness, we recognise the importance of creating sustainable infrastructure that empowers communities to thrive. Our innovative surgical methods have not only provided immediate relief but have also been taught and implemented across Asia and Africa, positively impacting medical infrastructure in partnership with various hospitals.

Aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals

Our mission aligns closely with the United Nations’ number one sustainable development goal: eliminating worldwide poverty (SDG1). By reducing blindness and its socioeconomic consequences, we contribute to making this goal a tangible reality. We are proud to be part of the global movement towards a more equitable and prosperous world.

A Tej Kohli & Ruit Foundation patient in Nepal. Credit: Michael Amendolia

Driving Towards a Brighter Future

With each surgery and every life transformed, our determination to make a lasting impact grows stronger. By maximising our social and economic influence, we are committed to reaching our ambitious goal of curing up to 500,000 people by 2030. Throughout our first year, we have had the privilege of working alongside selfless and dedicated partners in hospitals and at our outreach camps, fostering collaboration and amplifying our collective impact.

A Conviction to Change Lives

What began as a simple idea to cure avoidable blindness has evolved into a profound conviction to contribute not only to the UN’s SDG1 but also to the social and economic development of impoverished communities worldwide. We believe that by coming together, we can create a better future for everyone, where poverty is eradicated, and opportunities abound.

As we reflect on the incredible journey of the Tej Kohli and Ruit Foundation, we are humbled by the lives we have touched and the impact we have made. From the humble beginnings of striving to cure blindness, we have expanded our vision to encompass the holistic transformation of impoverished communities. Together, with unwavering dedication and a shared purpose, we are working towards a world where extreme poverty is vanquished and hope is restored. Let us continue to drive change, making the world a better place for all.

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Tej Kohli

Tej Kohli is an investor & philanthropist who is the co-founder of the Tej Kohli & Ruit Foundation. To find out more visit tejkohli.com or tejkohliruit.com