About us
A charity that began with sight
Al-Ain, meaning “the eye”, was founded in 2003 to give free eye care to people with treatable blindness. Today we bring healthcare and hope to families across Pakistan and Azad Kashmir.
Our story
Al-Ain International Welfare Trust is a small charity based in Nottingham. It was founded in 2003 by our Chairman, Haji Taleh Mehdi, to give free eye care to people with treatable blindness. Over time our work has grown to include basic healthcare and education in developing countries.
Our largest project is Umeed (Hope) Hospital, near the village of Murid in District Chakwal, Pakistan. Its 40-bed facility is open, with two operating theatres (one for eye surgery), a pharmacy and a laboratory. It provides primary and secondary eye care alongside free GP clinics, and since opening it has served over 60,000 patients.
Our mobile teams also run free medical camps in remote parts of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir, bringing care to people who have no way to travel to it.
Our vision
No one should have to pay for healthcare at the point of care. Too many families lose loved ones because they cannot afford treatment. All of our trustees share this vision.
Our mission
To prevent and relieve sickness, provide education and training, and reduce poverty in Pakistan and other developing countries, by supporting hospitals, free camps, clinics and welfare organisations.
- Giving free eye care since
- 2003
- Patients served at Umeed (Hope) Hospital
- 60,000+
- Beds now operational, with two theatres
- 40
- Of cash donations reach people in need
- 100%
Our goals
What we are working towards
Umeed (Hope) Hospital
Ongoing support to run and grow the hospital towards 100 beds.
Free eye and healthcare camps
Camps in remote and underserved areas of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir.
Clean water
Water supply projects for remote communities.
Skills for young people
Training workshops for young people from families on low incomes.
Higher education
Helping students from families on low incomes reach university.
Our journey
Milestones
- 2003
Al-Ain is founded in Nottingham. Our first free eye camp, in Sehnsa, Azad Kashmir, treats over 1,500 patients and gives 132 people cataract operations.
- 2004
At a free medical camp in Murid, the idea for a hospital is born.
- 2005
The foundation stone of Umeed (Hope) Hospital is laid on 19 June.
- 2006
A primary health clinic opens at the hospital on 28 January.
- 2013
The eye operating theatre opens, and weekly cataract surgery lists begin.
- 2018
The Bhatti Clinic opens in Gujar Khan with the Rotary Club of Northampton.
- 2021
The hospital becomes a COVID-19 vaccination centre for District Chakwal.
- 2025
Around 900 patients are seen at our free camp in Tando Koi, Swabi.
How we are funded
We raise most of our funds through our own trading, including clothes recycling. That income covers all of our administration costs, so we can run a 100% donation policy.
We have a sister charity in Pakistan with the same name and its own board of trustees, which oversees the hospital and our camps. Funds are transferred directly from bank to bank.
Registered charity in England and Wales, number 1100246.
The Al-Ain promise
Every pound you give goes to patients
Our administration costs are covered entirely by our trading activities, so 100% of cash donations help those in need.
Make a difference today
Support a free eye camp in your village
Call us on
0115 845 1217