To kick off Earth Day, we're announcing the recent opening of 18 Green Vision Centers benefitting over two million people in rural communities in India. Green Vision Centers are an innovative approach to pediatric eye care that improve the quality and accessibility of eye health services while focusing on sustainability. Centers run on solar power which not only reduces carbon impact, but also solves challenges caused by frequent power outages. This means patients are ensured uninterrupted, quality eye care, regardless of access to electricity.
Children receive free access to eye screenings, glasses and other eye care services at the Green Vision Centers, which also provide primary eye care services to the community. Routine eye screenings are critical in catching diseases early, when they are most likely to be treatable. For complex cases which require advanced care, each center is connected with a hospital for referrals. Staff also conduct screenings and provide glasses to children in schools and day care centers located in the communities surrounding the centers.
Each Center has been designed for minimal carbon impact and is strategically located to serve a population of over 100,000. Fourteen of the Centers are opened with support from USAID and the Lavelle Fund for the Blind. All 18 Centers are run in coordination with Orbis local partners.