Guwahati: A pioneering global pilot project to improve access to presbyopic spectacles was launched today at the Khetri Post Office in Kamrup (Metro). Titled “Post Office Delivers the Gift of Clear Vision,” the initiative is a collaboration among India Post, WHO India, Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya (SSDN), Guwahati, and Vision Spring.
The project addresses a major public-health gap, as globally only one-third of people needing spectacles currently receive them. The initiative aims to make reading glasses and other spectacles easily accessible through non-healthcare points such as post offices, creating a scalable model for nationwide and potentially global adoption.
Also Read: SSB Jawan Manik Roy Laid to Rest in Gauripur
Assam has been chosen as the pilot state, with five post offices identified for the initial rollout. SSDN is providing technical leadership, WHO India is coordinating at global and national levels, and Vision Spring is supplying the spectacles.
The pilot was formally launched by Abhishek Jain, Director, Postal Services, in the presence of representatives from all partner organizations. Prof (Dr) Harsha Bhattacharjee highlighted SSDN’s technical role, and local residents participated enthusiastically in the event, welcoming the innovative initiative aimed at enhancing vision care access.
