Our work in India
More than 8 million people in India are blind, and millions more have eye conditions such as cataracts. Our work in the country focuses on providing good-quality eye care and fighting for the rights of people with disabilities.
Sightsavers has worked in India since 1966, treating people with eye conditions and bringing eye health services to the most remote areas of the country.
In the past 50 years we have also educated, counselled, trained and rehabilitated people who are blind or visually impaired, many of whom live in the poorest areas.
Despite the nation’s recent advances, a significant proportion of the population has little access to essential health services. This is why our work in the country remains so important.
In 2015, our work in India was streamlined to focus on seven national programmes. Our three eye health programmes cover schools, urban areas and rural settlements, to deliver good-quality eye care to everyone who needs it. Our low vision programme aims to diagnose and treat people with cataracts and other eye conditions, while our truckers programme offers eye checks and treatment to India’s five million truck drivers.
Finally, our inclusive education and social inclusion programmes make sure that people who are blind or have other disabilities are able to go to school, earn a living and take part fully in society.
Watch our video below to see Sightsavers India CEO RN Mohanty giving an overview of our work in the country.
At a glance
Total populationWhat we focus on
Key programmes
How we’re making a difference in India
Disability rights
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sightsavers staff across India are working to make sure nobody is excluded from relief efforts because of disability or gender.
Read what we're doing
Eye care for all
In Kolkata, many people cannot afford eye care. Sightsavers is ensuring it is affordable for the thousands of people living in the poorest areas of the city.
Read the story
Testing the eyesight of truck drivers
Former Sightsavers chairman Sir Clive Jones visited India to find out how we're saving lives by screening truck drivers for eye problems.
Read Clive's blog
Your donation could help to protect sight
DONATEMore from India
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