Hyderabad|India|March'2009: VisionSpring (India), the subsidiary of New York based International NGO with operations in 11 developing countries gave a presentation to the media in city on 19th March about its on-going program of “Access to Eye Care Services in Rural India”. Speaking on this occasion VisionSpring’s Regional Director – Asia, Mr. Arunesh Singh highlighted that VisionSpring’s Vision is “To provide Vision for a dignified future and the Mission is “To reduce poverty and generate better income opportunities in the developing world through the sale of affordable eye-glasses.

Presbyopia (blurry up-close vision) is one of leading causes for decreased productivity among people over the age of 37. In India alone there are over 25 crore people who need Reading / Working Glasses.

VisionSpring trains local community members in rural India as Vision Entrepreneurs for conducting Eye Health Awareness Campaigns. The Vision Entrepreneurs are provided with a Kit that contains eye charts for performing pre-screening of vision problems. People in need of diagnosis and treatment are referred to reputed eye hospital/clinics such as LV Prasad Eye Institute’s Vision Centers. Also, the Vision Entrepreneurs provide Ready-made Reading Glasses at affordable prices for those in need.

Currently VisionSpring is running its program in Andhra Pradesh and 5 other states in India and is planning to expand its services to other parts of the country through partnerships with other rural based organizations.

Mr. Arunesh Singh stated that VisionSpring through its program is providing affordable Reading/Working glasses at the door step and thus is helping in sustaining the livelihoods of many rural people who are dependent on an occupation that requires good up-close vision. Also, VisionSpring is creating livelihood for local community members by training them as Vision Entrepreneurs.

Reachout's News Bureau
 March' 2009