In a groundbreaking move towards social empowerment, Vision 2020, India CSR, and Catalyst 2030 have joined forces to support VisionSpring’s Livelihoods in Focus campaign in Darjeeling. This collaborative effort seeks to uplift the lives of tea garden workers by addressing a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of their well-being: vision. By providing eyeglasses to agricultural laborers and artisans, the initiative not only enhances their ability to work effectively but also fosters a sense of dignity and inclusivity within the community. Through this partnership, Vision 2020, India CSR, and Catalyst 2030 demonstrate their commitment to driving sustainable change and promoting social welfare at the grassroots level.
At a launch event attended by over 100 senior leaders from various sectors, VisionSpring announced groundbreaking partnerships with the Indian Tea Association, five tea gardens, and two eye hospitals in India. These partnerships will facilitate the screening of the vision of 50,000 tea garden workers.The Livelihoods in Focus campaign seeks to unlock over Rs. 300 Crore in income-earning potential this year by addressing vision needs among tea garden workers, artisans, and micro-entrepreneurs. Through partnerships with key stakeholders such as Luxmi Tea Company Private Limited, Tea Promoters India, Tibetan Settlement Office, Saneki Weavers, and All Assam India Small Tea Growers, VisionSpring aims to achieve a 55% vision correction rate through eye screenings and dispensing of eyeglasses, with an expected first-time wearer ratio of 80%.
The event brought together influential figures including Mr. Harkirat Singh Sidhu, Consulting Program Coordinator India, Rainforest Alliance; Dr. Rajesh Saini, President, Vision 2020 India, and Chief Executive Officer, Siliguri Greater Lions Eye Hospital, India; and Mr. Samden Dupka, Executive Director, Gorkhaland Territorial Administration.VisionSpring has already screened the vision of over 280,000 individuals, including more than 200,000 tea and coffee garden workers, as part of the Livelihoods in Focus initiative. With further support, the organization aims to expand its reach and screen the vision of more than 1.5 million tea and coffee workers and artisans across Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka.The initiative, supported by the National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment (NPCBVI), is expected to have a substantial economic impact by enhancing the productivity of visually intensive jobs. Studies have shown that providing eyeglasses can lead to productivity improvements of up to 21.7%, particularly among older workers.Narayanan Kumar, Board Chair for VisionSpring India, emphasized the importance of clear vision for tea garden workers, stating that it is not only a matter of sight but also a fundamental aspect of opportunity, productivity, and dignity.Mr. Harkirat Singh Sidhu of Rainforest Alliance praised the initiative, highlighting its potential to transform the lives of tea garden workers and foster healthier, more vibrant communities.