Donor Profile: Neya Chander

Portrait of Neya Chander as she smiles at the camera holding a painting on canvas
Written by Leanna Smashnuk, published on June 21, 2022 Give the Gift of Sight

At just 17, Neya Chander is painting the vision for her future as an artist. She recalls always feeling drawn to blank canvasses, eager to share images conceived in her imagination.  

“Every piece represents a unique experience or time in my life,” she says. “When I was little, my grandfather would tell stories of a pond in India that was covered in water lilies. After years of hearing about the lilies, we finally visited the pond together. That memory was so meaningful that I felt compelled to capture it in a painting.” 

In early 2021, the proceeds from her works Trippie Hippie and Halcyon became the first of many philanthropic gifts from sales of her work through Kai Art Work (www.KaiArt.Work). Operation Eyesight was grateful to be a recipient of her generosity. Neya plans to expand her website to include other artists who want to donate the proceeds of their work and incorporate more charities as beneficiaries.  

“I want to create a space for artists and buyers to come together to foster change,” she says. “The proceeds from each piece will go to the buyer’s charity of choice.” 

Neya appreciates Operation Eyesight’s model for sustainable development and the efficacy of interventions like prescription glasses and cataract surgery.  

“I need glasses for all my daily activities. Without them, I couldn’t drive, do homework. It’s easy for me to get a prescription for a new pair,” she says. “But globally, access is limited. A simple intervention like prescription glasses or cataract surgery can have a profound impact on someone’s quality of life. Supporting organizations that create meaningful impact is extremely important to me.”