Former Indian cricket team captain and renowned batsman Krishnamachari Srikkanth has been appointed as Goodwill Ambassador of VISION 2020 India, an initiative dedicated to eliminating avoidable blindness and improving eye care across country. His role will include raising awareness about eye health, participating in campaigns, and advocating for accessible eye care services, particularly for underserved communities.
Key Highlights
Blindness as a Public Health Challenge in India
- 4.8 million blind individuals in India, one of the highest globally.
- 70 million people suffer from some form of visual impairment.
- Over 80% of blindness cases are preventable with timely intervention and medical assistance.
Objective of Initiative
- Free Eye Check-ups & Surgeries: VISION 2020 India will provide free eye examinations, vision correction services, and surgeries, especially for poor and underserved populations.
- Awareness Campaigns: With Srikkanth’s involvement, the initiative aims to spread awareness about the importance of early diagnosis and prevention of visual impairment.
Major Causes of Blindness in India
- Cataract – The leading cause of blindness in elderly people.
- Refractive Errors – Affect millions due to lack of early diagnosis and proper treatment.
- Glaucoma – Causes permanent damage if identified at a late stage.
- Diabetic Retinopathy – A growing issue linked to the rise in diabetes cases in India.
- Vitamin A Deficiency – A key cause of blindness in children.
About VISION 2020 India and Shankar Nethralaya
VISION 2020: The Right to Sight – INDIA is part of a global initiative launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) to reduce avoidable blindness and improve access to eye care.
Key Objectives:
- Provide free eye care services (check-ups, cataract surgeries, vision correction) to the poor and needy.
- Spread awareness about eye health at the community level.
- Enhance the quality and accessibility of ophthalmological services in India.
Partners and Collaborators:
The initiative includes contributions from INGOs, NGOs, eye care organizations, and the Dr. RP Centre, AIIMS, working together to coordinate, share knowledge, and implement solutions to improve eye care services.
Shankar Nethralaya, Chennai, plays a leading role in research and treatment and is a key partner in VISION 2020 India campaigns.
Historical Background
- VISION 2020: The Right to Sight – INDIA was formally launched on May 26, 2004.
- The first national secretariat was established at LAICO, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, inaugurated by Dr. G. Venkataswamy (Dr. V).
- Mr. R. D. Thulasiraj served as the first president of the national forum.
- Preparations for the formation of VISION 2020 India began in 2003, with the goal of addressing blindness as a national health priority.