Advancing “Care Beyond Cure” Across India
February 2026 marked Low Vision Awareness Month, and Vision-Aid, in collaboration with leading eye care institutions, conducted impactful programs across India to strengthen awareness, rehabilitation, and inclusive eye care services.
Strengthening Early Identification
Sadguru Netra Chikitsalaya – Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh
On February 5, 2026, Ms. Devi Udayakumar, Head of Low Vision Rehabilitation Services at Vision-Aid, led an interactive session for senior optometrists at Sadguru Netra Chikitsalaya.
The session focused on:
- Strengthening the role of optometrists in early identification of functional vision difficulties
- Promoting timely referrals
- Establishing structured and coordinated low vision care pathways
Discussions emphasized that when both OPD and community optometrists actively engage in low vision services, awareness increases, referral rates improve, and footfall to Low Vision Departments grows significantly.
The key takeaway: Effective low vision care begins with early recognition and seamless referral systems.
Community Engagement Under the Theme “Care Beyond Cure”
Aravind Eye Hospital – Madurai
On February 14, 2026, Aravind Eye Hospital hosted a large-scale Low Vision Awareness Program under the theme “Care Beyond Cure.”
- Nearly 250 participants attended
- 70 individuals with visual impairment participated along with their families
- 15 beneficiaries received Smart Vision Glasses
The event featured a virtual address by P. Senthil Kumar, IAS, Honorable Health Secretary of Tamil Nadu, who appreciated the hospital’s sustained efforts in advancing low vision care and rehabilitation.
Key highlights included:
- The importance of rehabilitation and collaborative partnerships
- Vision-Aid’s longstanding collaboration with the Aravind Eye Care System
- Training programs and employment pathways supporting sustainable livelihoods for persons with visual impairment
The event also welcomed representatives from NGOs, Rotary Clubs, and the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD).
A particularly inspiring aspect was the enthusiastic participation of visually impaired students and their families, who actively engaged with available information, assistive devices, and rehabilitation services.
Corporate Awareness Initiative
Online Session with Infosys employees
On February 17, 2026, Vision-Aid conducted an online Low Vision Awareness Session for Infosys employees.
Led by Ms. Devi Udayakumar, the session covered:
- Eye health awareness
- Preventive care
- Low vision management and rehabilitation
The session received an excellent response, with employees raising thoughtful questions on eye health and intervention pathways.
A meaningful outcome followed — a parent reached out seeking guidance for her child’s progressive vision loss. This follow-up reflected the real-world impact of spreading awareness within corporate communities and encouraging timely intervention.
Continuing Medical Education (CME)
Sankara Nethralaya – Chennai:
On February 18, 2026, a Continuing Medical Education (CME) program was conducted at Sankara Nethralaya as part of Low Vision Awareness Month observances.
Ms. Mahalakshmi Narayanaprasad, Lead Counsellor at Vision-Aid, delivered a lecture on:
“The Importance of Counselling for People with Low Vision”
The session generated strong engagement:
- Parents enquired about accessing counselling services
- Clinical staff sought guidance on appropriate referral stages
- Participants expressed interest in further workshops on low vision, blindness, and Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI) counselling
A Month of Meaningful Impact
From hospital-based training and large community gatherings to corporate awareness programs and medical education sessions, Low Vision Awareness Month 2026 demonstrated the power of collaboration.
Through partnerships with leading institutions and continued advocacy for rehabilitation and early intervention, Vision-Aid reaffirmed its commitment to:
- Expanding access to low vision care
- Strengthening referral systems
- Promoting rehabilitation beyond clinical treatment
- Empowering individuals with visual impairment toward independence and sustainable livelihoods
Because care goes beyond cure — it extends to awareness, rehabilitation, and opportunity.
