Mumbai: Vision India Initiative, a pioneering project initiated by Yashvi Lodha, is making significant strides in providing crucial eye healthcare services to children residing in Mumbai’s underserved communities. Launched on October 3, 2023, this laudable undertaking has already begun to cast a profound impact on the lives of young beneficiaries aged between 0 and 17 years. By March 2024, Vision India Initiative aims to provide comprehensive eye care services to 18,000 children in Mumbai. Since its inception, Vision India has been unwavering in its commitment to achieving this goal.
Over the past weeks, Vision India Initiative has taken substantial steps towards accomplishing this mission. So far, they have conducted eye camps in ten schools across Mumbai, reaching out to 5,504 children through comprehensive eye screening. The outcome of this endeavour is that 820 children are set to receive prescription spectacles, helping them lead healthier and more productive lives.
The Vision India Initiative is the brainchild of Yashvi Lodha, the daughter of Sheetal and Abhinandan Lodha. This programme focuses on bridging the gap in eye care services for underserved youth and children from marginalised backgrounds. The initiative was inspired by Yashvi’s deep concern for the eye health of these disadvantaged children, who often do not receive timely check-ups, potentially leading to undiagnosed visual impairments.
The impact of Vision India Initiative is far-reaching, as it not only enhances the children’s visual capabilities but also contributes to their overall academic performance and well-being.
In the most recent development, a remarkable eye screening camp was held recently at V.L. Napoo School in Chinchpokli. This event provided a profound testament to the positive changes Vision India Initiative is bringing to the community. During the camp, 150 students from Std I to XII were screened for eye-related issues. As a result, 34 students will receive prescription spectacles, correcting their vision and empowering them to excel in their academic pursuits. 13 students have been referred to hospitals for further treatment, ensuring that no child’s eye health is neglected.
Speaking on the success of this initiative, Yashvi Lodha, the visionary behind Vision India Initiative said, “Vision India Initiative is a heartfelt endeavour, aimed at illuminating the lives of the children in Mumbai’s underserved communities. Our mission is clear: to ensure that every child has access to essential eye health care services. It is our duty to empower them with the gift of sight, enabling them to chase their dreams with clarity and confidence. With unwavering determination, we strive to brighten the future of these young minds, one pair of spectacles at a time.”
Vision India Initiative’s dedication to enhancing the lives of Mumbai’s children is unwavering. With upcoming plans to organize eye camps in approximately 50 Anganwadi centres and 20 more schools, the initiative is poised to positively impact the lives of approximately 13,000 students, moving closer to its goal of providing eye care services to 18,000 children by March 2024.
