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Over 20,000 school children in Delhi, Kolkata, vision plays a crucial role in both education
and Bengaluru were screened, and of these, 1,535 and employment. He said that correcting
children diagnosed with refractive errors received refractive errors enhanced a child’s ability to
free corrective glasses, ensuring they can perform learn and improve an adult’s earning potential.
better in their studies. Alongside screenings, These programmes, he noted, demonstrate
students and teachers were educated on eye care IVI’s dedication to ensuring quality eye care is
and the importance of regular check-ups. accessible to everyone.
At a spectacle distribution event at IVI AND OPERATION
Government Girls High School in Anekal, EYESIGHT UNIVERSAL
Bengaluru, Dr. Marjorie O’Neill MP, Member
of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly, IVI and Operation Eyesight Universal (OEU)
commended the initiative, stating, "Every child have partnered to conduct vision screenings for
deserves access to quality resources that improve 40,000 schoolchildren across 300 government
their development. By providing spectacles, we and government-aided schools in Kurnool
are not only improving vision but also opening up district, Andhra Pradesh. The initiative aims to
a world of possibilities." address uncorrected refractive errors and ensure
that children receive the necessary corrective
IVI AND VEEDOL measures to support their education and overall
CORPORATION LIMITED well-being.
IVI also launched a vision screening The programme has reached 17,000 students
programme for underprivileged communities so far, and free spectacles are provided to
in Chennai, including fisherfolk, in association those diagnosed with vision impairments. On
with Veedol Corporation Limited. The initiative 7 January, an event was held at Indira Gandhi
aims to screen over 3,000 people, with 1,700 free Memorial Municipal Corporation High School in
spectacles expected to be distributed. At the Kurnool, where 205 children who had previously
programme’s launch in Nochi Nagar near Marina been screened and identified with uncorrected
Beach, 70 fisherfolk received corrective glasses. refractive errors received spectacles. The event
was attended by M. Sandhya Reddy, District
Warren Kirby, Member of the New South Programme Manager of the District Blindness
Wales Legislative Assembly, praised IVI’s efforts, Control Society in Kurnool.
stating, "I am pleased to be part of a programme
that brings vital eye care to underserved Vinod Daniel, CEO of IVI, noted that without
communities. IVI’s work is truly life-changing." proper vision, educational opportunities were
often limited. According to him, children who
According to IVI’s CEO, Vinod Daniel, these receive the necessary eye care can, on average,
initiatives have an important impact as clear earn 55.6 per cent more over their lifetime
compared to those who never have their vision
IVI AND VEEDOL CORPORATION LIMITED
corrected.
Kashinath Bhoosnurmath, President and CEO
of Operation Eyesight Universal, emphasised
the initiative’s impact, stating, “We are delighted
to join hands with IVI to implement this
transformative school eye health project in
Kurnool. Through this collaboration, we aim to
empower thousands of children by ensuring
a clear vision, enabling them to excel in their
studies and pursue a bright and promising
future. Together, we are making a meaningful
difference in their lives and building a healthier,
more equitable tomorrow.”
50 ̶ THE INDIAN OPTICIAN | JAN-FEB 2025 | REPORT
