MUMBAI (India CSR): In a powerful step towards ensuring better vision and brighter futures, Roche Diagnostics India has screened 5,000 children across Palghar, Nanded, Mumbai, and Delhi as part of its flagship CSR initiative, Project Roshni.
In collaboration with VisionSpring Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to affordable vision care, this initiative focused on free eye screenings and distribution of prescription glasses to underprivileged children. By identifying vision problems early, Roche Diagnostics India aims to enhance learning experiences, reduce dropout rates, and empower children with clear eyesight and confidence.
Tackling Vision Challenges in Underprivileged Communities
Poor vision is often an overlooked barrier to education, leading to poor academic performance, frustration, and even school dropouts. Through Project Roshni, Roche Diagnostics India has integrated eye health into its holistic approach to community development.
The screenings were conducted in:
- Palghar – A predominantly tribal district near Mumbai, covering 18 government schools.
- Nanded – Eye check-ups organized in 5 government schools.
- Mumbai & Delhi – Screenings conducted in 5 schools in each city.
By bringing vision care directly to schools and children in need, Roche Diagnostics India is addressing one of the most basic yet critical aspects of education—clear sight.
From Vision Screenings to Real Impact
The results of this initiative underscore the urgent need for pediatric eye care in low-income communities:
- 550 children diagnosed with vision impairments received free prescription glasses.
- 50 students were identified for further vision correction procedures.
- Thousands of children received awareness on the importance of eye health.
This simple yet impactful intervention ensures that students can actively participate in their education, ultimately contributing to higher literacy rates and improved academic performance.
A Holistic Approach to Community Well-Being
Launched in 2015, Project Roshni has already touched 8,000+ lives, addressing key issues in education, health, and financial literacy. Alongside its new vision care initiative, Project Roshni also focuses on:
- Anemia screening – Identifying and addressing nutrition deficiencies.
- School infrastructure development – Creating better learning environments.
- Nutrition support – Ensuring children have access to healthy meals.
- Financial literacy – Educating families on economic self-sufficiency.
By adding eye health to this framework, Roche Diagnostics India is ensuring that children have the resources they need to thrive.
Leaders Speak: Strengthening Vision, Strengthening Futures
Manjira Sharma, Head of Communications & CSR at Roche Diagnostics India, emphasized the initiative’s impact:
“While we have been working on school infrastructure and nutrition, we realized that poor eyesight is a major factor in academic struggles and dropouts. Our partnership with VisionSpring Foundation ensures that a simple yet powerful intervention—clear vision—can change the trajectory of a child’s future.”
Anshu Taneja, Managing Director, VisionSpring Foundation, highlighted the transformative role of vision care in education:
“Providing children with the eyeglasses they need is not just about clearer sight—it’s about unlocking their learning potential. Our collaboration with Roche Diagnostics India makes vision screenings accessible to children who otherwise might never receive the care they need.”
A Commitment to Long-Term Change
With thousands of children benefitting from this initiative, Roche Diagnostics India remains committed to expanding its impact.
By integrating vision health into education-focused CSR efforts, the company is creating sustainable, long-term change—ensuring that children can see clearly, learn effectively, and build a brighter future.
(India CSR)
