Remote Village Outreach – Vrindavan, India

One of the most inspiring aspects of global eye and vision care is seeing how simple innovations can create life-changing impact in the world’s most underserved communities.

 Peek Vision 

During my visit to rural villages surrounding Vrindavan, India, I had the privilege of learning from the incredible teams at Dr. Shroff's Charity Eye Hospital and witnessing firsthand how community-based vision care can transform lives.

Together with the Light for Sight Foundation, our shared mission is to reach the most vulnerable populations - individuals who otherwise may never receive even the most basic eye examination.

What makes this outreach model so remarkable is its simplicity and sustainability.

Using only a smartphone equipped with Peek Vision software, local village women are trained to perform basic visual acuity screenings directly within their communities. After completing a short training course, these women become empowered healthcare contributors while also earning an income to support their families.

Each patient’s screening data is uploaded into Dr. Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital’s health information system (HIS), creating a seamless pathway for follow-up care. Patients identified with visual impairment are referred to local vision centers, where they can receive consultations free of charge and access affordable eyeglasses.

This program is far more than a screening program. It is:

 • Expanding access to eye care in remote communities

 • Empowering women through education and employment

 • Leveraging low-cost technology for scalable healthcare delivery

 • Preventing avoidable vision loss through early detection

 • Creating sustainable local healthcare ecosystems

For many individuals in these villages, a simple pair of glasses can mean the ability to work, attend school, care for family members, and regain independence.

Programs like this remind us that solving global blindness does not always require complex technology - sometimes it begins with compassion, partnership, and a smartphone.

The Light for Sight Foundation remains committed to supporting sustainable international eye care initiatives that improve lives through innovation, education, and human connection.

Nikki Hafezi, MAS IP ETHZ

We welcome collaboration with ophthalmologists, healthcare organizations, donors, and partners who share a vision of making quality eye care accessible to everyone - regardless of geography or income.

Together, we can help bring sight, dignity, and opportunity to communities that need it most.

Prof. Farhad Hafezi, MD, PhD, FARVO ELZA Institute