More than 250 guests assembled on the evening of April 26, 2026, at Royal Albert’s Palace in Crystal Hall, New Jersey, for a charity gala dedicated to supporting SGML Eye Hospital located near Ujjain, India. The event brought together philanthropists, community leaders, and supporters who shared a common goal of improving access to quality eye care for underserved and rural populations. Organized by SGML Eye Hospital USA, Inc., a registered nonprofit based in New Jersey, the gathering aimed to strengthen healthcare services that help prevent avoidable blindness and restore vision to those in need.
The evening successfully raised $50,000 through contributions and fundraising efforts. These funds are expected to directly support critical medical programs focused on cataract surgeries, vision restoration, and preventive eye care. The initiative highlighted the importance of collective action in addressing healthcare gaps and improving quality of life for economically disadvantaged communities.
Since its establishment in January 2023, SGML Eye Hospital has developed into an important healthcare center in the region. It has performed more than 2,000 eye surgeries and conducted over 20,000 outpatient consultations, many of which have been provided at little or no cost to patients facing financial hardship. Despite this progress, the demand for eye care remains significantly higher, with the region requiring an estimated 50,000 to 60,000 surgeries annually while current capacity meets only 20,000 to 30,000 cases. The hospital continues to work toward expanding its infrastructure and services to bridge this gap.
The gala also featured a vibrant cultural program that added celebration to the philanthropic mission. The evening opened with a traditional Ganesh Vandana performed by Nitya Rhythm Dance Academy under the direction of Nisha Parikh, setting a graceful tone for the event. Musical performances by several artists, including Sanjay Shah, Priti Kandlur, Lipika Jena, and Dr. Tushar Patel, accompanied by a live band, entertained guests with a mix of classical and contemporary music. An art-based silent auction by award-winning artist Medha Atre-Kulkarni further contributed to fundraising efforts.
In his keynote address, Dr. Tushar Patel, President of SGML Eye Hospital USA, emphasized that the gathering represented a mission of compassion and action. He highlighted the urgent need for eye care in rural Madhya Pradesh, where many individuals still suffer from preventable blindness due to lack of access to surgeries. He acknowledged the vision of the hospital’s founders and encouraged continued community support to expand life-changing medical services.
The event also recognized several key contributors, trustees, and co-founders across the United States and India for their ongoing commitment to the mission. The evening concluded with appreciation for all donors, volunteers, and organizers whose efforts made the fundraiser a success and will help expand essential eye care services for underserved communities.
