Sightsavers Completes 50 years of Operations in India

Sightsavers, a development organisation that works to prevent avoidable blindness, restore sight and advocate for social inclusion and equal rights for people with disabilities recently completed their 50 years of operations in India. The organisation had started its programmatic operations in the country way back in 1966 and since then it has successfully reached out to millions of people living in the deprived regions of the country.

On the occasion, Sightsavers 50 year’s emblem was unveiled by Dr. S.Y Quraishi, former Chief Election Commissioner of India who is currently serving as the honorary Chairman of the board of Sightsavers, India. “I am proud to be associated with Sightsavers as the Chairman of the board, an organisation that works in more than 30 countries and active in India since 1966. I appreciate what Sightsavers has managed to accomplish over the years. Through Sightsavers’ threefold approach covering eye health, inclusive education and social inclusion, the organisation has created a positive impact on the lives of the poor located in urban and rural areas.”, said Dr Quraishi. “This initiative is our effort to showcase the glimpses of our history, our major partnership and key initiatives that we have taken to eradicate avoidable blindness from the country” said RN Mohanty, CEO Sightsavers (India).

A history wall, especially designed to exhibit Sightsavers’ journey through the years, was also unveiled on the occasion. The wall highlighted significant milestones, key initiatives and major partnerships that Sightsavers was able to achieve over the past five decades.

Present at the occasion was Mr. Niten Chandra, IAS, principal secretary of Social Security & Empowerment dept. of PWDs who was the Chief Guest. Niten Chandra deliberated on the need of educating people and raising awareness amongst the youth. Also present was the Honourable Mayor of Bhubaneshwar Shri Ananta Narayan Jena. He said, “It is our duty to spread awareness and also make people aware about the preventive measures. For this initiative to be effective, public participation is an absolute must.”

The event concluded with a spectacular live performance by various differently abled artists.

About Sightsavers: Sightsavers is a global development organisation working in India since 1966 to eliminate avoidable blindness and to ensure that people who are irreversibly blind are supported adequately to lead lives of independence and dignity.
Today, we work with partner organisations across major states in India bringing eye healthcare, educational support, training and leadership development to visually impaired people in some of the least served areas.

We work sustainably for lasting change – by strengthening existing health systems, seeking to advocate with governments and by demonstrating best practises. We network with like-minded organisations to advocate for the rights of the disabled.
Sightsavers believes in promoting indigenous technologies in eye healthcare to ensure a wider reach.