AEH Tirunelveli
Aravind Eye Hospital (AEH) in Tirunelveli is dedicated to leveraging technology and expertise to enhance accessibility and rehabilitation services for visually impaired individuals. Since July 2023, Vision-Aid’s collaboration with AEH Tirunelveli has focused on several key initiatives to improve the quality of life for those with visual impairments, in addition to comprehensive low vision evaluation and care.
Focus Areas
- Assistive Technology Development: Collaborative efforts focus on developing and implementing assistive technologies such as screen readers, magnification software, and navigation aids tailored to the needs of visually impaired individuals.
- Early Intervention Therapy for Children with Cerebral/Cortical Visual Impairment: Providing early intervention therapy to support children with cerebral or cortical visual impairment.
- Training and Education: Initiatives include training programs for healthcare professionals and visually impaired individuals to enhance accessibility to eye care services and promote independence through education and skill-building.
- Community Outreach: Joint outreach programs aim to raise awareness about eye health, preventive care, and available resources for the visually impaired within local communities.
Highlighted activities of the year 2023:
The center offered over 600 services to nearly 400 beneficiaries. The visually impaired people also benefitted from various other training such as orientation and mobility and computer training.
Group Counseling on Orientation and Mobility (O&M)
A successful group counseling session on Orientation and Mobility (O&M) was conducted for eight patients and their caregivers, enhancing their ability to support visually impaired individuals.
Vision Therapy Room
The center has established a dedicated vision therapy room equipped for vision stimulation exercises and serves as an Early Intervention Unit, providing essential support for individuals with visual impairments.
Special School Camp
A special school camp held on September 22nd, 2023, benefited many participants by providing tailored support and resources to help them overcome challenges in their educational journey.
Continuing Medical Education (CME)
Participation in the ‘Unlocking the Mysteries of CVI’ CME and the Neuro-In Sight CME included lectures on CVI etiology and practical training on utilizing technology for visually impaired individuals.
Inauguration of Digital Resource Training Room – NVDA
On December 7th, 2023, the resource center inaugurated a digital resource training room for visually impaired individuals, enhancing digital accessibility and independence through NVDA (Non-Visual Desktop Access) training.
World Sight Day Faculty Development Programs
In observance of World Sight Day, the center organized Faculty Development Programs, including a guest lecture on “Advanced Assistive Device Technology for Persons with Visual Impairment,” focusing on leveraging technology for independent learning.
Group Counseling and Training on Orientation and Mobility
On November 22, 2023, the resource center conducted counseling and training sessions for 74 visually impaired individuals, providing personalized training on protective techniques, sighted guide techniques, search patterns, and cane techniques.
Highlights of the year 2024:
The Vision-Aid Resource Center at AEH Tirunelveli has offered service to 400 beneficiaries through more than 680 sessions. The visually impaired received training in orientation and mobility, computer and mobile training, education and counseling.
NVDA Training
In our newly inaugurated NVDA training room, we have started training 6th-grade students. So far, two sessions have been completed, focusing on orientation and keyboard skills.
World Optometrist Day
To celebrate World Optometrist Day, our Low Vision Department participated in an exhibition at our hospital and presented a poster detailing environment and home modifications, low-vision devices, and a demonstration of Smart vision glasses.
Home Modification Album
AEH Tirunelveli has created an informative album that provides practical solutions for home modifications. This resource aims to empower individuals with low vision to navigate and engage more comfortably within their homes.
Vision Enhancement Case Study
The resource center has produced a video case study showcasing the remarkable progress in vision enhancement among children trained at our clinic. The video features before-and-after footage, highlighting significant improvements in their visual capabilities.
Raising Awareness
Dr. Fathima partnered with All India Radio to deliver an impactful talk on the prevention of blindness. Her discussion emphasized crucial measures and interventions to deal with vision loss.