VisionSpring launches 'Livelihoods in Focus' campaign in Assam to help 10 lakh tea workers

The organization said with the launch of the campaign it is committed to provide eyeglasses to artisans and microentrepreneurs in the region over the next five years.

The campaign aims to screen 10 lakh low-income people and establish Assam as a clear vision state.

Nearly 6 lakh eyeglasses would be required for 10 lakh workers, and the company says it is up for the task, reports the news portal.

The campaign has the potential to unlock $13.5 million in income-earning potential in 2023 for tea garden workers, artisans and micro-entrepreneurs.

Anshu Taneja, VisionSpring’s Managing Director, India, told East Mojo, “We have witnessed firsthand a huge unmet need for eye-screening services and eyeglasses, and we know that ‘Livelihoods in Focus’ in Assam will help close this gap. Everyone can play a role in solving this problem—corporates, hospitals, government agencies, and others. This is joyful work, and we invite you to join us.”

Ella Gudwin, CEO of VisionSpring said, “60 crores (600 million) people in India need eyeglasses to earn, learn and drive safely. This is a solvable problem. By serving low-income workers whose occupations require clear vision, especially at near distances, we can help people maintain their livelihoods and provide for their families. Focusing on districts in Assam with large numbers of tea workers and artisans will also improve productivity in sectors responsible for a majority of the state’s GDP.”