Timeline of Srinivasan-Sundara Vision-Aid Resource Center in VHS
Since the inauguration in February 2021, the centre is equipped with infrastructure and equipment required for clinical low vision evaluation and to evaluate the role of low vision devices. There is a spectrum of devices available ranging from basic optical magnifiers to advanced electronic devices. The residual usable vision of a person is important rather than the loss of vision. The low vision care specialists are aimed at maximizing / optimizing the patient’s vision in order to perform the functional vision abilities.
The Journey so far
Despite the COVID pandemic, the centre has screened and evaluated more than 1000 patients. Out of which nearly 400 patients required complete clinical assessment and low vision care and prescription of low vision devices / counselling / referral / training. The enhanced functional vision is important to increase the independence, access, societal involvement and contribution of the visually impaired to the society.
Major Highlights
As per the Vision-Aid’ s vision and mission, educating and empowering the visually impaired will help to achieve their individual goals of pursuing and completing education, improving skills for better job opportunities etc. The center provides empowerment through a range of programs for the visual impaired community. Some highlights of this programs are
- An exclusive computer training facility equipped with screen reader / magnification software for training the visually impaired. The programs offered are specialised from basic computer training to advanced job-oriented training.
- Ongoing Smartphone distribution under Trees for Life and exclusive training on how to use the accessibility features and more. Smartphone technology is a life changing assistive aid for the visually impaired
- Innovative Artificial Intelligence based Smart Vision Glasses distributed to nearly 20 individuals. 90 percent of the individuals received the device through donations.
Glimpses of the centre
Few photographs of programs
First phase of smartphone distribution to 11 Visually impaired individuals
Android phone distribution continuing for next phases along with online Mobile technology training for 2- 3 weeks
Distribution of Smart vision glasses under the donation of the members of Yellapragada Family
Glimpses of training programs
Computer training for visually impaired
News articles
- Voluntary health service articles
- Voluntary health service news articles
- Adyar Times January 10-16, 2021
Highlighted activities of 2022:
The VHS Vision-Aid Resource Center has seen over 500 beneficiaries by offering nearly 800 sessions/interventions. The visually impaired benefitted from various services like computer training, mobile training, education and counselling, and orientation and mobility.
Outreach and Community Activity:
On November 6, 2022, the VHS-Vision Aid team visited Nethrodaya to conduct an outreach camp. The team attended to 52 patients and 11 beneficiaries received low vision devices.
Smartphone and Digital Magnifier distribution event:
Conference:
Vision Aid sponsored two registrations for the International IVI Conference held from October 13 to 15, 2022.
Clinical Learning Experience:
On December 30, 2022, the Vision Aid Resource Centre team at VHS visited Sankara Nethralaya to observe the remarkable child development programs at the Early Intervention Centre.
Highlights of 2023:
The VHS Vision-Aid Resource Center has seen over 650 beneficiaries by offering nearly 800 sessions/interventions. The visually impaired benefitted from various services like computer training, mobile training, education and counselling, and orientation and mobility.
Screening and Outreach:
- The annual multi-specialty camp for Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS), organized by VHS Vision-Aid Resource Center, and a few other common NGO’s took place on January 25-26, 2023, at the VHS Ophthalmology Clinic. Thirty-five beneficiaries were screened, of which few were given glasses and others were referred to higher center for management based on the degree of severity.
- On April 23rd, 2023, the VHS-Vision-Aid Resource Center conducted a camp and screened around 26 beneficiaries and were advised for smart vision glasses and magnifier.
- On May 13, 2023, Smart Vision Glasses were donated to 10 beneficiaries through VHS Vision-Aid Resource Center. These glasses will help the visually impaired and blind read, recognize objects, navigate environments, and support reading in several Indian languages.
- In July 2023, the resource center team visited Thyaga Sudar Home, enrolling patients for Smart Vision Glasses sponsorship and referring two individuals for detailed check-ups at VHS Hospital.
Highlights of 2024:
The VHS Vision-Aid Resource Center has seen over 200 beneficiaries by offering nearly 200 sessions/interventions. The visually impaired benefitted from various services like computer training, mobile training,and screening camps.
Specialized Eye Screening Camp for Mentally Challenged Individuals:
The resource center conducted a screening camp for mentally challenged individuals and glasses and low vision devices and appropriate guidance were given.
Device Distribution:
1. Smart Vision Glasses Distribution:
Smart Vision Glasses (SVG’s) distribution was held at 3 different locations on 5th March 2024 at K S Sanjivi Auditorium, VHS where 17 beneficiaries received the devices, 9th March 2024 where 19 beneficiaries received the devices, and 20th March 2024 where 15 beneficiaires received the devices and training was conducted on the same day by Low Vision department of VHS and SHG team at all the locations.
2. Smart Phone Distribution:
An event on smart phone distribution was held on 30th March 2024, at VHS Dr. Sanjivi Auditorium where 30 beneficiaries were screened, and they were initiated for online training on April 1st, 2024.
Screening Camp:
The VHS- Vision-Aid Resource Centre, conducted an eye screening camp which benefitted many people with visual impairement , 94 beneficiaries were screened in total of which person with vision difficulties were referred for appropriate management and referral, among which 52 beneficiaries were categorized for Smart Vision Glasses (SVG) and Smart Phone, and 9 were registered for SVG alone.
Empowering the Visually Impaired:
Distribution of Smart Vision Glasses PRO was held at the Vision –Aid Resource Centre, Voluntary Health Service, Chennai on 8th August 2024. The VHS Vision-Aid Resource Centre, in partnership with SHG Technologies, distributed eight Smart Vision Glasses PRO to visually impaired. This initiative aims to empower individuals by enhancing their independence and confidence.
The event was attended by Dr.S.Parathasarathy, Head of Ophthalmology, VHS Mr. V.L. Narasimhan, Executive Director, Vision-Aid, India ,Ms. Devi Udayakumar, Head of Low Vision Rehabilitation, Vision-Aid, India, Mr. Ibrahim from SHG Technologies.
The recipients, mainly graduates seeking employment and preparing for competitive exams, are expected to benefit significantly from the devices, which will aid in their studies and daily activities.
Impact:
This event represents a crucial step in bridging the gap between visual impairment and equal opportunities. The Smart Vision Glasses PRO will enhance beneficiaries’ independence, access to information, and mobility, supporting personal and professional growth.
Upcoming Activity:
The Vision-Aid Resource center at VHS is planning to establish shortly an Early Intervention Rehabilitation Center to treat children with Cortical Visual Impairment by providing them with various therapy and counselling sessions.