Through sustained screenings, the initiative aims to identify people with uncorrected vision problems and provide corrective spectacles, benefiting more than 1,000 residents, including workers, elderly citizens and families. The campaign is expected to improve mobility, confidence and quality of life by enabling beneficiaries to carry out daily activities with greater ease and independence.
At the launch, spectacles were distributed to beneficiaries by guests of honour Paul Murphy and Marius De Beer.
Other dignitaries present included Vinod Daniel, Ramachandran P, Malini Dutt, Dr Vivek G Mendonsa and Bhupesh Banodkar, among others.
The launch brought together community members and eye care professionals to highlight the importance of timely vision screening and corrective care in underserved urban communities.
Speaking at the event, Daniel said, “Dharavi is one of Mumbai’s most dynamic communities, with thousands of families, workers, children and small enterprises contributing every day to the life of the city. This campaign will bring primary eye care closer to the community through access to vision screening, corrective spectacles and referrals to partner hospitals wherever further medical care is required.”
He added, “A simple eye test and a pair of spectacles can make a significant difference — helping a child see the blackboard clearly, enabling a worker to perform with greater ease, or allowing an elderly person to move through daily life with more confidence.”
Highlighting IVI’s broader impact, Daniel said the organisation has reached over two million people across 25 states through community-based vision screening programmes since its inception.
“More than one million schoolchildren have benefited, alongside livelihood groups including commercial drivers, fisherfolk and low-income workers. The Dharavi campaign builds on our larger commitment to making eye care accessible, preventive and people-centred,” he said.
Murphy praised IVI’s efforts, saying, “India Vision Institute is an exemplary NGO that reflects the strength of Australia-India cooperation in expanding access to primary eye care across communities in India. Through timely vision screenings and corrective spectacles, IVI has transformed millions of lives.”
“It is heartening to see this important initiative being extended to Dharavi, where regular access to eye care can make a meaningful difference to the community,” he added.
De Beer said HOYA was proud to support the initiative.
“Clear vision has a direct impact on learning, livelihoods, safety and overall quality of life. Sustained community-based initiatives are essential to ensuring eye care reaches those who need it most. We are pleased to support this campaign in Dharavi and help bring vision care closer to the community,” he said.
The initiative underscores a growing push to make preventive eye care accessible to underserved populations through community-led interventions and partnerships.