Sightsavers India and AbbVie India Continue Nationwide Glaucoma Awareness Initiative

Building on the momentum of their 2025 initiative, Sightsavers India, in partnership with AbbVie Therapeutics India Pvt Ltd, is continuing its national glaucoma awareness campaign in 2026 with regional consultations in Ahmedabad, Gujarat in collaboration with Blind People's Association.

The campaign was launched in 2025 with five state-level consultations and a national consultation in New Delhi, bringing together ophthalmologists, policymakers, public health experts and civil society organisations to discuss the growing burden of glaucoma and the need for stronger awareness and early detection efforts.

The consultation held at the Blind People’s Association, Ahmedabad, aimed to deepen engagement at the regional level by raising awareness about glaucoma, its risk factors, and the importance of regular eye examinations for early diagnosis and treatment. The initiative continues to serve as a platform for experts and stakeholders to exchange insights on strengthening glaucoma awareness and improving access to timely care.

As part of the consultation, glaucoma screening kiosks were set up at the venues, enabling participants to undergo eye screening and better understand their eye health. The consultations were widely promoted in the respective cities to encourage greater participation and dialogue on glaucoma and its impact.

The event was graced by Mrs Darshna Vaghela, Hon’ble Minister of State for Urban Development and Urban Housing, Government of Gujarat, as the Chief Guest. She appreciated the initiative to raise awareness on glaucoma and emphasised the importance of early detection. She highlighted the need for regular vision screening among school children, particularly in government schools, to reach underserved communities. She also assured her support for efforts aimed at strengthening glaucoma awareness and prevention.

We were also honoured to have Dr Utpal Jani, Technical Advisor, NPCB&VI, Gujarat, as the Guest of Honour

Suresh Pattathil, Managing Director & General Manager of AbbVie Therapeutics India Pvt Ltd, highlighted the importance of this initiative

Glaucoma remains a significant global health challenge as one of the top causes of irreversible blindness. However, the response to the 2025 consultations highlighted a promising shift, there is strong momentum for ongoing collaboration, early detection, and proactive intervention. Through the impactful CSR partnership between AbbVie and Sightsavers India, we are making a real difference in the fight against glaucoma. Together, we are driving initiatives that save sight, raise vital awareness, and provide resources for early diagnosis and treatment. Our commitment to these joint efforts exemplifies how we are doing our part to protect vision and support communities in need, ensuring many more people have the opportunity to see a brighter future.@

RN Mohanty, CEO of Sightsavers India, said, “By expanding the campaign to Ahmedabad, Gujarat, in 2026, we hope to deepen engagement with regional experts and communities, strengthen awareness around risk factors, and encourage more people to prioritise regular eye examinations.”

Panel members noted that glaucoma often progresses without noticeable symptoms, making early detection and routine screening essential to prevent irreversible vision loss. They emphasised the need for stronger public awareness, integration of glaucoma screening into primary healthcare and vision centres, capacity building of eye care personnel, and improved patient counselling to ensure adherence to lifelong treatment, alongside greater collaboration across government, NGOs, academia, and eye care organisations.

The consultation brought together leading experts and stakeholders from across the eye health and public health sectors. The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Vaishali Singh of Akshat Eye Hospital, Ahmedabad, while the expert talk was presented by Dr. Uday Gajiwala, Founder of Divyajyoti Trust and Superintendent of Tejas Eye Hospital, Mandvi. The panel discussion featured insights from Dr. Abhishek Vansadia, Phaco-Refractive and Glaucoma Surgeon at Avdhoot Eye Hospital, Navsari; Dr. Rutul Patel, Glaucoma Consultant at Tej Eye Hospital – Divyajyot Eye Trust, Surat; Dr. Preeti Kamat, Consultant at Kamat Kidney and Eye Hospital, Vadodara; Ms. Nandini Rawal, Executive Director of the Blind People’s Association; and Mr. Parth Shastri, Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, Ahmedabad.

Also present were Ms Moumita Ghosh, Public Relations Lead, of AbbVie Therapeutics India Pvt Ltd, Mr Suresh Babu, Business Unit Director, Eyecare of AbbVie Therapeutics India Pvt Ltd, Mr Jatin Tiwari, Director, Programme Operations, Sightsavers India, Mr Akbar Mehfuz Alam, Sr Manager, Govt Relations and Policy Engagement Unit, Sightsavers India, Dr. Bushan Punani, Executive Secretary, Blind People's Association and Dr. Sheethal Sasi, Project Officer, South, Sightsavers India.