India Vision Institute celebrated World Sight Day 2023 on October 12 with vision screening initiatives benefiting communities.
Special vision screening programs were conducted for the Irula community of snake-catchers, honey gatherers of Chengalpattu, and transgender communities in Kannagi Nagar,Chennai.
The screening programs for the Irula community, honey gatherers and transgender communities benefited some 140 individuals. As many as 73 were identified to have uncorrected refractive error, and 43 pairs of glasses were given at camp sites.
Campaigns were also organised in Delhi and Chennai for school children and truck drivers in Namakkaland Bangalore, benefitting some 200 children and 421 drivers. As many as 273 drivers and 20 children were identified to have uncorrected refractive error. Earlier during the week, on October 8, IVI in association Dr Agarwals collaborated to form a large human pair of spectacles at Elliot’s Beach in Chennai, creating a world record for such a formation. Some 500 students, citizens and children with visual impairment participated in the event that also included a blindfolded walk.
To mark World Sight Day 2023, IVI has pledged to directly vision screen 100,000 underprivileged adults and provide corrective glasses to those in need, August 1 – October 30, 2023.
IVI’s CEO Vinod Daniel said, “Our activities for these communities have a special significance. We thought it fit to include snake catchers and honey gatherers, who are miles away from the organised sector, in the ‘workplace’ category The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) has set this year’s theme to mark the day as Love Your Eyes at the Workplace. Several organisations partnered with IVI in the events, including the Great Lakes Institute of Management, Dr Agarwals, OneSightEssilorLuxottica Foundation and Equitas.”.
“A pair of corrective glasses will make people more productive, secure their livelihoods, and also be able to work safely.” he said.
“This is the third year that IVI is participating in IAPB’s World Sight Day campaigns. We believe it will lead to more awareness of eye health issues and make a difference overall by securing commitments on vision health by governments, individuals, business, and not-for-profits”, Mr Daniel added.
About India Vision Institute
India Vision Institute (IVI) is an Indian not-for-profit established in 2012 and working to provide access to primary eye care services for underprivileged Indians and a pair of corrective glasses to those in need.
Our Mission is to augment the country’s Primary Eye Care Capacity.
IVI’s work has benefited 950,000 adults and children in 22 states.
We also work to advance the optometry sector through capacity building, advocacy, and leadership development, as well as helping young optometrists equip themselves in their career advancement and practice.
Our awareness and advocacy activities include vision walks and engaging with communities, schools, partner institutions and others through talks, education, skill enhancement, and leadership development.
Vision and Road Safety is another IVI priority area and involves working with corporates/organizations on screenings and providing free spectacles for commercial vehicle drivers. These help in making our roads and highways safer by reducing accidents.
