Sightsavers launch Mobile Eye Health Van for eye care access in Bangalore

New Delhi: To enhance eye care accessibility, Sightsavers India has launched a Mobile Eye Health Van, generously donated by Alcon (India).

This initiative is part of Alcon India’s ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts to help people see brilliantly, aiming to provide quality eye care services to approximately 7,000 people living in underserved urban areas of Bangalore.

The van is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, such as a Fundus Camera for diagnosing diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma, a slit lamp for diagnosing retinal diseases, and teleconsultation facilities. These advanced tools will allow the van to offer comprehensive eye exams, early detection of vision problems, and immediate treatment for common eye conditions. Patients requiring further treatment will be referred to Shraddha Eye Clinic Trust, with care provided free or at subsidized rates based on their socioeconomic status.

The initiative will cover several key areas across Bangalore, including Bangalore South (HSR Layout, Madiwala, Koramangala, Kumaraswamy Layout, and Jayanagara), Bangalore North (Abbigere, Amruthalli, Dasarahalli, Yelahanka, and Hebbal), Bangalore East (Avalahalli, Dommasandra, and Bidarahalli), and Bangalore West (Basaveshwaranagara, Chandra Layout, Kengeri, Mahalakshmi Layout, and Mathikere). By providing accessible and affordable eye care, the Mobile Eye Health Van aims to reduce the prevalence of avoidable blindness and enhance the quality of life for urban slum dwellers in Bangalore.

Amar Vyas, Country Head of Alcon India, expressed, “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 remote areas, bringing our mission of helping people see brilliantly.”

RN Mohanty, CEO of Sightsavers India, remarked, “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 further, bringing essential eye care services directly to those who need them most.”

The Mobile Eye Health Van was inaugurated at Bangalore Diabetes and Eye Hospital, with notable attendees including Dr. Rajani, Deputy Director-Ophthalmology for the Government of Karnataka, Dr. Shamsundar, Joint Director of NPCBVI for the Government of Karnataka, and Dr. Girish, District Leprosy Officer of BBMP.