Did you know that according to the National Institute for Health, currently, there are an estimated 4.95 million blind persons and 70 million vision-impaired persons in India, out of which 0.24 million are blind children? Early detection and treatment of the leading causes of blindness such as cataracts are important in reducing the prevalence of blindness and vision impairment.
In that context Alcon and Sightsavers have partnered to reach and provide access to eye care to the slum dwellers of urban Bangalore. This partnership is part of an ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative by Alcon India, which is committed to helping people see brilliantly. The initiative aims to provide quality eye care services to approximately 7000 people in these underserved areas.
The Mobile Eye Health Van’s inauguration took place at Bangalore Diabetes and Eye Hospital. It was attended by the esteemed Dr. Rajani, Deputy Director-Ophthalmology, Government of Karnataka, and Dr. Shamsundar, Joint Director NPCBVI, Government of Karnataka, along with distinguished guests, including Dr. Girish, District Leprosy Officer—BBMP.
The Mobile Eye Health Van addresses the significant barriers faced by individuals living in low-income areas in accessing quality eye care, including financial constraints and a lack of healthcare facilities nearby. Enabled with state-of-the-art technology like a Fundus Camera for diagnosing Diabetic Retinopathy and Glaucoma, slit lamp for diagnosing retinal diseases and teleconsultation facilities. The van will offer comprehensive eye exams, early detection of vision problems, and immediate treatment for common eye conditions. Patients will be referred to Shraddha Eye Clinic Trust for further treatment in case of major eye care diagnoses. Depending on the patient’s socioeconomic status, the treatment will be free or subsidized.
This initiative will cover key areas within Bangalore, including Bangalore South, including HSR Layout, Madiwala, Koramangala, Kumaraswamy Layout, and Jayanagara; Bangalore North, including Abbigere, Amruthalli, Dasarahalli, Yelahanka, and Hebbal; Bangalore East, including Avalahalli, Dommasandra, and Bidarahalli; and Bangalore West, including Basaveshwaranagara, Chandra Layout, Kengeri, Mahalakshmi Layout, and Mathikere. By providing accessible and affordable eye care, the Mobile Eye Health Van will help reduce the prevalence of avoidable blindness and improve the overall quality of life for Bangalore’s urban slum dwellers.
Amar Vyas, Country Head of Alcon India, expressed, “Through our longstanding partnership with Sightsavers India, we are proud to unveil the Mobile Eye Health Van today. Its mission is to bring high-quality eye care to all corners of Bangalore, especially to remote areas, bringing our mission of helping people see brilliantly.”
RN Mohanty, CEO of Sightsavers India, stated, “Our Urban Eye Health Programme, dedicated to enhancing the eye health of underserved urban populations, is proud to launch a Mobile Eye Health Van in Bangalore. This initiative aligns with our mission to eliminate avoidable blindness and ensure equitable access to quality eye care for all.”
Dr. Sri Ganesh of Shraddha Eye Care Trust added, “We at Shraddha Eye Care Trust are honoured to partner with Sightsavers India and Alcon in launching the Mobile Eye Health Van in Bangalore. This mobile van will enable us to extend our reach even further, bringing essential eye care services directly to those who need them most.”
The launch of the Mobile Eye Health Van is a significant step in improving eye health access in Bangalore, showcasing the commitment of both Alcon India and Sightsavers India to prevent avoidable blindness and promote eye health across India.