Narayana Nethralaya in Bangalore is a renowned eye care hospital known for its comprehensive range of services in Ophthalmology. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and a team of experienced doctors and staff, they provide excellent eye care services to patients. The commitment to quality care and patient satisfaction has garnered a strong reputation in the field.
Vision-Aid and Narayana Nethralaya Collaboration
– A groundbreaking partnership for Vision Care and Rehabilitation
On January 8th, 2024, Vision-Aid joined hands with Narayana Nethralaya to establish the Narayana Nethralaya Eye Foundation – Vision-Aid Resource Center. This groundbreaking partnership aims to provide comprehensive vision care and rehabilitation services.
The partnership aims to establish a model for comprehensive vision care, with Vision-Aid contributing vital infrastructure to the Vision-Aid resource center. Essential equipment and state-of-the-art assistive devices will be provided, addressing the needs of the underprivileged and those from lower socio-economic groups.
Specialized care for Cerebral/ Cortical Visual Impairment:
Narayana Nethralaya has a devoted center for pediatric population who are diagnosed with Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI).
CVI therapy involves a multidisciplinary approach for maximizing the functional vision improving the quality of life, helping in educational and vocational support through a holistic approach.
Future joint Goals:
- Comprehensive vision rehabilitation:
Together we aim to achieve the comprehensive model of low vision care accessible to everyone in the region of in and around Karnataka. - Rehabilitation Programs
Integrating Vision-Aid’s proven rehabilitation programs with our existing services including various training facilities including Orientation and mobility training, Assistive technology training. - Community Outreach
Our collaborative efforts focus on raising awareness and promoting inclusivity within communities. - Training and Skill Development Programs:
A diverse range of training and skill development programs will be rolled out, fostering education and empowerment. Professionals will benefit from sponsored training courses, enhancing their expertise in catering to the visually impaired.
Our Impact
The collaboration promises to introduce and run new programs specifically tailored for visually impaired individuals in Bangalore and Karnataka. Narayana Nethralaya becomes a beacon of hope for those seeking specialized services, with the added support of Vision-Aid.
Success Story
From Struggling with Screens to Working with Confidence: Mr. Akbar’s Digital Independence Journey
For Mr. Mohammad Akbar Abdul Rahiman, working on a computer is an essential part of his professional life. However, living with low vision has made digital tasks increasingly challenging every day; he found it difficult to read text on his computer and mobile phone comfortably.
As his job required 6–8 hours of computer use each day, he often had to bring the screen very close to his face or rely on a handheld magnifier to read. This resulted in frequent headaches, eye strain, neck discomfort, and reduced work efficiency. Even simple tasks such as reading emails and messages on his smartphone became difficult.
Discovering Accessibility Within His Own Devices
Mr. Akbar approached the Vision-Aid Resource Center at Narayana Nethralaya seeking support to use digital devices more effectively. Following a comprehensive low vision assessment, the resource center team identified that he could achieve greater independence by making better use of the built-in accessibility features already available on his computer and smartphone.
Through individualized, hands-on training, he learned how to:
- Use the computer’s built-in screen magnifier in different viewing modes.
- Adjust magnification, text size, and display scaling according to different work requirements.
- Use high-contrast and color settings to improve text visibility.
- Customize the cursor and text cursor for easier tracking and editing.
- Optimize brightness and display settings to reduce visual fatigue.
- Use keyboard shortcuts and accessibility features to improve efficiency.
- Maintain an appropriate viewing distance and adopt better ergonomic posture while working.
Similar training was provided for his smartphone, including screen magnification, font and display adjustments, contrast settings, accessibility gestures, and easier navigation of calls, messages, emails, documents, and other applications.
From Assistance to Independence
The rehabilitation sessions were highly practical, allowing Mr. Akbar to use his own computer and smartphone while practicing the tasks he routinely performed at work and in daily life. With repeated practice, feedback, and guidance, he gradually became confident in using the accessibility features independently.
By the end of the training program, Mr. Akbar was able to work at a comfortable viewing distance without bringing the screen close to his face or relying on an external magnifying device.
He also experienced a noticeable reduction in headaches and eye strain, greater comfort during prolonged computer use, and improved efficiency in completing his professional tasks.
A New Level of Confidence
Today, Mr. Akbar independently uses his computer and smartphone with the accessibility features available on his devices. What once required considerable effort and external assistance has become a more comfortable and manageable part of his daily routine.
For him, vision rehabilitation was not simply about seeing better—it was about working independently, staying productive, and continuing his professional journey with confidence.
Mr. Akbar’s journey highlights how personalized vision rehabilitation and computer training can empower people with low vision to overcome everyday barriers, enhance workplace productivity, and live more independently.