Standard Chartered Bank and LV Prasad Eye Institute Launch 'Closing the Gap' Program to Bring Vision Care to Siddipet

Standard Chartered Bank and the L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) have joined forces to launch a groundbreaking community eye screening program, aptly named 'Closing the Gap,' in the Siddipet district of Telangana, India. This initiative seeks to address the global challenge of vision impairment, which affects approximately 253 million people worldwide, with the majority residing in developing countries where access to quality eye healthcare is often limited.

This collaborative effort is an extension of the partnership initiated in April 2019 under Standard Chartered Bank's 'Seeing is Believing (SiB)' program, aimed at making eye care services accessible and affordable. The SiB program has played a pivotal role in expanding community outreach and education efforts through the LV Prasad Eye Institute's network. Key achievements to date include the Standard Chartered-LVPEI Academy for Eye Care Education and the establishment of Futuristic Vision Centers, which have positively impacted over 270,000 individuals, with a particular focus on empowering women and providing employment opportunities to underprivileged members of society.

With the launch of 'Closing the Gap,' the partnership is taking a significant step forward in bringing high-quality eye care to the people of Siddipet. This project will span over four years, benefitting more than 500,000 individuals residing in 180 villages across nine mandals in the Siddipet district, with special attention to vulnerable groups such as the elderly, women, and children.

The project's core objectives include building the capacity of local healthcare resources, engaging community eye health workers, conducting door-to-door eye screenings, and providing referrals and services at primary, secondary, and tertiary eye care facilities. The initiative's epicenter is the 'Krishna Sindhura Eye Centre,' a Secondary Eye Care Centre within Siddipet, which will serve as a hub for these critical services.

Upon the project's completion, Siddipet will have a strengthened eye care infrastructure, complete with well-trained personnel, enabling sustainable eye care services. This is expected to significantly reduce the current prevalence of blindness, from approximately 2% to a mere 0.3%.

The LVPEI-SCB partnership has already made substantial strides in the realm of eye care. The Standard Chartered-LVPEI Academy for Eye Care Education has established a National Resource Centre for Eye Care Education and ten Educational Hubs. Over 58,000 eye care personnel, with a notable 70% being women, have received training, creating employment opportunities and improving their quality of life.

Additionally, the Futuristic Vision Centers, which utilize advanced technology like portable perimeters and fundus cameras, offer primary eye care services and facilitate teleophthalmology consultations. More than 41 such centers have already been established, providing services to over 212,000 individuals, with 48% being women. Importantly, 61% of the Vision Technician staff are women, contributing to a more inclusive workforce.

This remarkable partnership between Standard Chartered Bank and LVPEI is not only making significant strides in eradicating preventable blindness but is also empowering communities and improving access to eye care for those who need it most.