In 2024, we launched two research initiatives to identify learnings and to share our findings. In partnership with the Pragyaan Sustainable Health Outcomes (PRASHO) Foundation we started an evaluation of the survey tools that we use and an assessment of our Avoidable Blindness-Free methodology and its effectiveness. We look forward to sharing our findings with you!

Award-winning presentations at VISION 2020: The Right to Sight – India conference

Our team contributed four presentations to the VISION 2020 The Right to Sight – India conference, which brought together organizations, hospitals, research institutes and others to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities across the eye health field. We submitted four presentations.

Senior Programme Manager Tapobrat Bhuyan and Project Officer Emmanuel Benia Tanti presented. Project Coordinator Aditya Sharma (left) brought home the award for Best Paper for Oral Presentation. Operation Eyesight was also honored with an award as a founding member for its contributions to VISION 2020.

Recognized nationally and globally

Our poster focusing on our donor-centric approach won second spot for Best Poster at The Right to Sight – India conference.

Above, left, our Head of Resource Mobilization Subhadip Bhattacharya (left) accepts the award. The poster was also selected to be featured at the 2024 IN SIGHT LIVE event organized by IAPB in Mexico City.

Did you know? We share our evidence-based learnings at international, national and state conferences and meetings to inform policies that support universal eye health care for all, particularly in remote and rural areas, which are underserved.

Learn more in our 2024 Annual Report.

The post Research and advocacy 2024 highlights appeared first on Operation Eyesight.

In 2010, Heeralal became a para medical ophthalmic assistant (PMOA) after the Government of Madhya Pradesh called for MPWs to undergo PMOA training. He conducted regular eye exams at CHC Niwas but was disheartened by having only two or three patients a day. He took part in school screenings and cataract camps as awareness grew.

In 2022, Heeralal saw a turning point when we launched our Integrated People-Centred Eye Care project in Singrauli. CHCs were upgraded to vision centres, equipped with slit lamps and essential ophthalmic tools. PMOAs received refresher training for comprehensive eye examinations to build eye care capacity. A series of targeted interventions rolled out.

We trained community health officers, accredited social health activists (ASHAs) and community health volunteers (CHVs). Screening camps were organized with a mobile vision van to boost awareness. With support from ASHAs and CHVs, Heeralal soon saw 12 to 15 patients daily.

Today, Heeralal feels more inspired than ever by the transformation in rural healthcare. His motivation grows with every person whose sight is restored.

Did you know? Integrating eye care into universal health care is one of the five recommendations of the World Health Organization 2019 World Report on Vision.

Learn how you can help support integrated eye health efforts here.

The post From health worker to eye care champion appeared first on Operation Eyesight.

Vishnu pursued a community health volunteer (CHV) role at Fatehagar Vision Centre, established through the Promotion of Avoidable Blindness-Free Communities in Rajasthan project. We implemented the project with Alakh Nayan Mandir, through support from Standard Chartered Bank.

Once Vishnu began working, she quickly earned respect. Encouraged by her mentors, she took a two-year diploma in optometry form Aalakh Nayan Mandir. In 2024, she became a vision technician at the Fatehnagar Vision Centre. She now sees 10 patients a day.

“I want to grow, and I will never allow anyone to stop me from doing my job. I’m happy that girls in my community have started dreaming of having careers after seeing me. This job has given me a chance to change my life, and I want to motivate as many girls as possible to dream big and fight for their happiness,” Vishnu says.

She remains deeply grateful to Alakh Nayan Mandir and Operation Eyesight for the opportunity that changed her life as she now changes the lives of others.

Did you know? There is a global shortage of eye health care professionals. The World Health Organization recommends four ophthalmologists for every million people. While India has 11 per million, many are based in urban areas, leaving rural and remote areas underserved according to the IAPB Vision Atlas on India.

Learn more about how we help strengthen eye health care resources and grow human resources here.

The post Changemaker: From community health volunteer to eye care specialist appeared first on Operation Eyesight.

Once cheerful and independent, she became totally dependent on her family. Financial struggles and fear of surgery kept her from seeking treatment. She felt isolated, helpless and like a burden to her loved ones.

One day, an Operation Eyesight-trained community health volunteer named Daiboki visited Debeswari’s home. Together, they worked through her eyesight issues and her fears. Later, a team from our partner, Chandraprabha Eye Hospital, visited Debeswari and explained cataract surgery. Reassured, she accepted treatment and was transported to hospital that very day.

Now, Debeswari again walks independently to her nearby village – a freedom she hadn’t enjoyed in years. In having her vision restored, she has also recovered her dignity and joy.

Did you know?

Globally, 100 million people have cataracts, the leading cause of blindness. In India, cataract causes 66 per cent of blindness, 81 per cent of severe vision loss, 70 per cent of moderate vision loss and 24 per cent of mild vision loss according to the IAPB Vision Atlas. Cataract surgery is one of the most cost-effective treatments at approximately INR 4,712.

Learn how you can support cataract surgeries here.

With files from Senior Programme Manager Tapobrat Bhuyan.

The post Cataract surgery counselling helps senior regain independence appeared first on Operation Eyesight.