This week, Essilor Vision Foundation (EVF) India announced the support of the program ”Blindness Free Maharashtra” launched by the Government of Maharashtra in collaboration with the non-for-profit organization Ratna Nidhi Trust. Through this initiative, approximately 2.5 million children from underserved communities will be provided with free eye care and spectacles if needed.
Over a period of three years, from 01 April 2019 to 31 March 2022, the Government of Maharashtra and Ratna Nidhi Trust will organize several screening events for children in need. In line with its mission to eliminate poor vision and its lifelong consequence, EVF will support these initiatives by donating 150,000 pairs of spectacles to children who can’t see clearly.
The launch of the program was attended by the Honorable Chief Minister of Maharashtra Mr. Devendra Fadnavis; Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee, IAS, Secretary, Medical Education and Drug Department (MEDD), along with Mr. Milind Jadhav, Senior Director, Group Mission, Essilor, and other senior representatives of the Group.
A simple pair of glasses has the power to change people’s lives and create a positive social and economic impact.
Mr. Milind Jadhav commented: “Uncorrected poor vision is the largest unaddressed disability in the world. A simple pair of glasses has the power to change people’s lives and create a positive social and economic impact. We hope through our support of the Government of Maharashtra to bring eye care to local children, we will contribute to create a healthier, more productive and a prosperous society.”