In the year 1999, the city of Mumbai, business capital of India, saw Optometry with new light and hope. A team of optometrists under the able guidance of Mr. N. P. Baliwalla, burned the mid-night oil to set up a new school of Optometry in Mumbai. For the first time Mumbai was to have a four-year degree program in Optometry. The H.H.K College of Optometry was established in August 2000. This was a very special year for all optometrists in the city, and World Optometry Day this year was an occasion to celebrate.

World Optometry Day was observed on the 23of March this year. Free eye camps are conducted in several places on this occasion. Students and faculty members of H.H.K College of Optometry organized a free eye camp on the 23~ of March 2001, in the premises of the College.

208 patients were examined during the camp, a complete eye examination was done by an able team of optometrists and ophthalmologists assisted by the students. Patients who, required surgery were referred to the Lokmaniya Tilak Hospital in Sion. Free spectacles were dispensed to 104 patients, the following week.

On the 25th' of March 2001 an inter- college cultural show was organized for all the schools of Optometry in the region. The program was started with a condolence meeting for Dr. E Vaithialingam, who had passed away on the 16th March 2001. He was a very senior Optometrist of India and was the Principal of the Elite School of Optometry, Chennai. Mr. N. P. Baliwalla and Dr. Rastogi spoke a few words in his honor and floral tributes were offered.

This year's Drivisa Award for Educational Contribution was given to Ms. Anju Kuckreja, by Mr.Amod Gogate Incharge of Bharati Vidyapeeth University. She is a faculty of S.N .D. T University and H.H.K College of Optometry. Mr. Nilesh Chavan faculty of H.H.K College of Optometry and Bharati Vidyapeeth University, was honored with his IACLE fellowship award handed over to him by Mr. N. P. Baliwalla.

The occasion was well attended by practicing optometrists irom Mumbai and Pune. 150 optometry students irom various schools in Maharashtra namely the S.N .D. T University Mumbai, Bharati Vidyapeeth University Pune, Janan Probhodhini School of Optometry Pune and the H.H.K College of Optometry, attented the function. The students from the various institutions had put up a splendid cultural show for the audience. An intercollege Anatakshri was also organized for the students, which was very well enjoyed by all.

The program ended with a vote of thanks given by Mrs. Kunda Ganatra, who is a practicing optometrist and is the Western Region representative of the Indian Optometric Association.