India Vision Institute (IVI), supported by HOYA Vision Care and in collaboration with the Mendonsa Foundation, on Monday launched a dedicated vision screening campaign in Dharavi. It is aimed at improving access to basic eye care services in one of Mumbai’s largest and most densely populated communities.
The initiative seeks to provide regular vision screenings and identify individuals with untreated eyesight problems. Corrective spectacles will be distributed to more than a thousand beneficiaries, including workers, senior citizens and families, helping them carry out daily activities with better vision, greater confidence and improved independence.
Spectacles were distributed at the launch event by chief guests Paul Murphy and Marius De Beer. Among those present at the event were Vinod Daniel, Ramachandran P, Malini Dutt, Dr Vivek G Mendonsa and Bhupesh Banodkar, along with community representatives and eye care professionals. The programme highlighted the importance of timely eye screening and vision correction in underserved urban areas.
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Speaking at the launch, Vinod Daniel said Dharavi represents one of Mumbai’s most vibrant communities, home to thousands of families, workers, students and small businesses that contribute significantly to the city’s economy and social fabric.
He said the campaign aims to bring primary eye care services closer to residents by providing vision screenings, spectacles and referrals to partner hospitals for advanced treatment wherever necessary.
“A simple eye examination and a pair of spectacles can make a significant difference — whether it is helping a child read the blackboard clearly, enabling a worker to perform more comfortably, or allowing an elderly person to move through daily life with greater confidence,” Daniel said.
He added that since its inception, IVI has reached more than two million people across 25 states through community-based eye screening initiatives. Over one million schoolchildren have benefited from the programmes, while outreach has also extended to livelihood groups such as commercial drivers, fisherfolk and low-income workers. According to him, the Dharavi initiative continues IVI’s broader effort to make eye care more accessible, preventive and community-focused. Paul Murphy described IVI as an outstanding organisation that reflects the growing cooperation between Australia and India in the field of public health and social welfare.
“I am pleased to be part of the launch of this campaign in Dharavi. Through its eye screening initiatives and provision of corrective spectacles, IVI has positively impacted millions of people across India. It is encouraging to see this important programme expanding into Dharavi, where access to regular eye care can meaningfully improve lives,” he said.
Marius De Beer said HOYA Vision Care recognised the important work being carried out by IVI to improve access to primary eye care in underserved communities. “Clear vision directly influences education, livelihoods, safety and overall quality of life. Long-term community-based initiatives are vital to ensuring eye care reaches those who need it most. We are happy to support this campaign in Dharavi and help bring vision care closer to the community,” he said.
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