The Aadya Initiative

Innovation

In 2021, Combat Blindness International launched the Aadya Initiative — a pivotal blueprint for expanding eye care and reducing preventable vision loss in remote regions.

The Aadya Initiative literally brings vision screening to the doorsteps of people who have little to no access to eye care.

The Aadya Initiative trains teams of women to become vision screeners, using mobile technology, including CBI’s custom-built smartphone screening app.

Glasses are dispensed on the spot, and people who need follow-up care are referred to vision centers and eye hospitals. Meanwhile, the Aadya screeners earn an income through referrals and the sale of glasses. 

The Aadya Screeners have completed over 1 million eye screenings!

Immediate Impact

  1. People in remote areas get much-needed screenings.

  2. More people are screened and get follow-up care in less time, compared to the traditional “vision camp” approach.

  3. Women with limited opportunities benefit from training, employment, and an income.

Over 100 women have been empowered and employed through the Aadya Initiative.

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