Eye health data is the foundation for eliminating preventable blindness and vision loss. Precise, local eye health data helps estimate the burden of blindness and visual impairment, identify barriers to community participation, understand the causes of service backlogs and guide programme decisions tailored to the needs of each intervention area.

To help bridge this critical data gap in one of our key intervention geographies, Operation Eyesight has formally launched the Rapid Assessment of Visual Impairment (RAVI) Study in Pushprajgarh Block, Anuppur District, Madhya Pradesh.

Here is how this milestone initiative is helping set a new standard for evidence-based eye health interventions.

The RAVI methodology: Precision at scale

To uphold scientific rigour, the study is led by two of India’s most respected institutions. The L.V. Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) serves as the principal investigator, while the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bhopal acts as the co-investigator.

The RAVI study is a comprehensive, community-based epidemiological survey that will provide critical insights into effective cataract surgery coverage, effective refractive error coverage, service delivery trends across institutions and the quality of care in the region. It will also examine community behaviours and identify the barriers that limit access to eye health care services. As an internationally accepted benchmark, the RAVI methodology is designed to ensure accuracy and regional representation.

To ensure reliable survey data, three survey teams, each made up of one optometrist and two community health volunteers, have been trained in the RAVI methodology and data collection processes. These teams will cover 80 randomly selected clusters across Pushprajgarh Block and examine approximately 3,700 to 4,000 participants aged 40 and older for various causes of visual impairment and blindness.

The significance: Charting unmapped territory

The significance of the RAVI study lies in what it will make possible. For the first time, this specific geography will have scientifically validated eye health data to guide planning, investment and action.

The field survey is currently underway and is expected to take approximately two months, with a final comprehensive report anticipated by September 2026. The initiative also reflects strong local governance, with ownership and commitment from the district administration, including the district collector and the Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) of Anuppur district, Madhya Pradesh.

Voices from the frontline

Driving this ambitious project on the ground requires strategic vision, technical discipline and consistent local execution.

“The journey toward eliminating blindness and visual impairment is ongoing, but to gauge the impact we create within a geography, it is critical to compare the situation before and after an intervention. RAVI is more than data collection; it will guide our actions in this particular geography during the programme period and will also be critical for planning studies in adjoining similar geographies. By mapping the exact prevalence and determinants of blindness and visual impairment in Pushprajgarh, we can move from generalised care to highly targeted action. This evidence ensures our resources are deployed exactly where they will save the most sight.” — Aditya Sharma, Programme Manager

Objectives and expected outcomes

The data collected through the RAVI study is designed for both immediate action and long-term assessment.

Core objectives:

• Assess the prevalence, root causes and determinants of blindness and visual impairment in the region.
• Serve as the definitive baseline assessment for the ongoing eye health programme.
• Provide evidence to optimise intervention design, direct resource allocation and improve service delivery strategies.
• Support the Government of Madhya Pradesh and the National Health Mission in strengthening comprehensive eye health planning by extrapolating this study across the state.

Expected outcomes:

• Measured impact: Upon project completion, an endline survey using the same methodology will assess the programme’s true outcomes and impact.
• Global contribution: Given the scientific rigour of the study, the findings may be published in respected public health or ophthalmology journals, contributing to global health knowledge.

By validating public health strategies through scientific data, the RAVI study will help guide progress toward eliminating avoidable blindness and visual impairment. It will also help other organisations working in similar geographies use limited resources more effectively by documenting what works, what does not and where targeted action can have the greatest impact.

Stay tuned for our next post on progress updates and learnings from the field.

The post Understanding eye health through data: The RAVI Survey in Pushprajgarh appeared first on Operation Eyesight.

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.