Sightsavers and Bridgenext launch Netra Vasant Rural Eye Health Programme in Hingoli

New Delhi: To improve eye health for low-income residents in Hingoli, Maharashtra, Sightsavers India, in collaboration with Bridgenext, has launched the Netra Vasant Rural Eye Health Programme. 

The initiative, implemented by Aurangabad Chikalthana Lions Eye Hospital, aims to provide essential eye care services, including screenings for vision problems, and referral for treatments like cataract surgery to those in need.

Hingoli, home to over 1.2 million people, was chosen as the focus district due to its predominantly rural population, where 85% of residents rely on agriculture and labor-intensive jobs. The region’s high poverty levels make accessing eye care difficult, particularly for marginalized and tribal communities who are disproportionately affected by undiagnosed or untreated vision issues.

The Netra Vasant Rural Eye Health Programme is set to offer free cataract surgeries to those in need, underscoring the power of collaboration in addressing critical healthcare gaps and improving the lives of underserved populations.

The launch event brought together representatives from Sightsavers India, Bridgenext, Aurangabad Chikalthana Lions Eye Hospital, and local government health officials, all emphasizing the program’s potential to bring positive change to underserved communities in the district. 

Speaking at the event, Maitreyee Mitrasyal, VP of Human Resources at Bridgenext, highlighted the program’s importance, stating, “At Bridgenext, we are deeply committed to supporting initiatives that have a lasting impact on people’s health and well-being. The Netra Vasant programme exemplifies our belief in creating accessible healthcare for all, and we are proud to contribute to the betterment of the communities in Hingoli.”

RN Mohanty, CEO of Sightsavers India, echoed these sentiments, “By partnering with Bridgenext and Aurangabad Chikalthana Lions Eye Hospital, we aim to provide comprehensive eye care to the low-income populations of Hingoli. By contributing towards preventing avoidable blindness, we are aiming to ensure that quality eye care is creating a lasting change for a brighter future.”

Ln. Ramesh Pokerna, Trust Secretary of Aurangabad Chikalthana Lions Eye Hospital, added, “Through this program, we will ensure that the people of Hingoli have access to comprehensive eye care, including cataract surgeries that can restore vision and improve quality of life.”