Sightsavers India gifted mobile eye health van by Alcon

Sightsavers India has welcomed the donation of a mobile eye health van, which will allow it to bring eye care to around 7000 people living in urban slums in Bangalore.

The van was donated by Alcon India, as part of an ongoing corporate social responsibility initiative.

It is hoped that the van will help to address the significant barriers in accessing quality eye care that are faced by those living in low-income areas.

Issues faced by those living in Bangalore’s slums include financial constraints and a lack of local healthcare facilities.

The van will offer comprehensive eye exams, early detection of vision problems, and immediate treatment for common eye conditions.

It is enabled with a fundus camera for diagnosing diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma and a slit lamp to aid in the diagnosis of retinal diseases, as well as teleconsultation facilities.

 

Patients will be referred to Shraddha Eye Clinic Trust when required, where their treatment will be free or subsidised based on their economic status.

Shraddha Eye Clinic Trust is a charitable arm of Bangalore’s Nethradhama Eye Hospital, and has been in operation for two decades.

Dr Sri Ganesh, of Shraddha Eye Care Trust, said that he was “honoured” to partner with Sightsavers India and Alcon in launching the mobile eye health van.

“This mobile van will enable us to extend our reach even further, bringing essential eye care services directly to those who need them most,” he said.

It is hoped that accessible and affordable eye care will help reduce the prevalence of avoidable blindness and improve the quality of life for those living in Bangalore’s urban slums.

The van will service areas across Bangalore North, Bangalore South, Bangalore East, and Bangalore West.

It has come about as part of Sightsavers India’s Urban Eye Health Programme, which aims to provide eye care in slums across India.

Sightsavers India has worked with India’s Ministry of Health to integrate the Urban Eye Health Programme into the country’s Urban Primary Health Centres, which are responsible for providing primary health care services in their local areas.

RN Mohanty, CEO of Sightsavers India, said: “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.”

Bangalore, also known as Bengaluru, is the capital of southern India’s Karnataka state, and has a population of more than eight million people.

The van’s inauguration took place at Bangalore Diabetes and Eye Hospital, and was attended by representatives from the Government of Karnataka state.

Amar Vyas, country head of Alcon India, said: “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.”

Lead image, left to right: Amar Vyas, country head at Alcon India; Dr Sri Ganesh, managing trustee at Shraddha Eyecare Trust; Dr Shamsundar, Shraddha Eyecare Trust’s joint director and ophthalmologist; Dr Ravindranatha Meti, and RN Mohanty, CEO of Sightsavers India, at the van’s inauguration.