Balrampur is a prime district in the state of Uttar Pradesh and has a long history dating back to the Awadh dynasty. The region is located on the banks of the West Rapti river and is best known for its historic ruins and the adjoining city of Sravasti, which is now a pilgrimage site to Buddhists and Jains. The city has a population of about 2 million people mostly of whom are below the poverty line and are unable to bear the cost of basic eye treatment.
The major reasons for avoidable blindness in this district are much deeper than the disease that cause them. The reasons range from poverty and illiteracy and are often accompanied by social exclusion. Understanding the needs and requirements of individuals and how blindness can lead to adding economic burden, Baidyanath Prasad Memorial Eye Hospital was set up in 2013 by Dr Girish Chandra and his team of experts. The society was registered in the same year and is being run by eye experts which includes both ophthalmologists and opticians.