Page 80 - Nov- Dec 2024

participants. This was followed by a lively cultural
event featuring performances by students from
GD Goenka University.

India Vision Institute (IVI) is committed to
leaving no one behind in vision screening. To
this end WSD was observed through grassroots
healthcare in Kelur, Melur and Kedamalai villages,
in the 3,600-ft high Bodhamalai Hills of Namakkal
district in Tamil Nadu.
As IVI’s CEO Vinod Daniel said, “Whether it is
a child in the farthest corners of rural India or an
adult in a remote community, everyone deserves
the right to see clearly.”

IVI vision screened eleven children and
provided corrective glasses to two of them with
refractive errors. The team also screened 129
adults. IVI’s goal also highlights that vision is not
just about numbers – it is about the impact on
individuals. “These children, no matter how small
in number, deserve the same attention and care
as those elsewhere, because clear vision is key to
their future and opportunities,” Daniel added.
As part of IVI’s pledge leading up to WSD,
IVI vision had screened 125,000 school children
across India, providing glasses to those in need.
Lotus College of Optometry organised a
variety of activities over ten days. They included
eye awareness and eye examination camps
in schools, rallies, interactive videos, poster
competitions, and colouring activities for children.
More than 1450 people had their eyes checked, OPTOGRAPHY INTERACTIONS
including 1371 children; and 5500 students were
reached through their Project Nayan in schools Optography is an independent, apolitical and
on the importance of eye care. Of the students non-profit educational resource dedicated to the
who were examined in two schools, those who optometry fraternity to learn, educate and spread
had a refractive error were dispensed glasses. awareness among the masses. The eye-care hub
optography.org was founded nine years ago.
The Mumbai-based college had its students
reach out to people in Juhu and Palghar. Their team interacted with more than
The students distributed posters focused on 1500 students in 18 different schools through
paediatric eye care including to local GPs to numerous sessions to raise awareness on the
display in their clinics. They also engaged with importance of good eye care habits including
patients at the clinic by sharing tips on paediatric regular eye check-ups, reducing screen time and
eye care and encouraging regular eye check-ups increasing outdoor activities.
for children.
As its co-founder and CEO, Md. Zakaria Midya
In addition, eye tests were organised for auto states, “World Sight Day isn’t just a time to reflect
and taxi drivers at a camp in JJ Hospital. ̶ it’s an opportunity to take action.”

74 | THE INDIAN OPTICIAN | NOV-DEC 2024 REPORT