Kerala, 28th March 2023: Sightsavers India and Cholamandalam, have inaugurated the Raahi Vision Centre in Kalamassery, Kochi in collaboration with SSM Foundation. The center aims to promote road safety by providing free eye screenings and spectacles to truck drivers and allied staff in the trucking community. It is the first of its kind in Kerala and part of Sightsavers India’s nationwide project to promote eye health and road safety.
The Raahi Vision Centre, funded by Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company Limited, was inaugurated by Mr Girish M, (RCM, Cholamandalam), in the presence of esteemed dignitaries such as Mr. Venugopal C. Govind (Trustee SSM Eye Research Foundation), Dr. A. Giridhar (Managing Trustee SSM Eye Research), and Mr. Prasanna Kumar (Director-Programs Operations, Sightsavers).
“Our support for the Raahi Vision Centre is aligned with our commitment to promote road safety and support the trucking community. We are proud to be associated with Sightsavers India and SSM Eye Research Foundation in their mission to promote road safety among truck drivers and allied staff in Kerala. At Cholamandalam, we believe in investing in initiatives that have a positive impact on the communities we serve. We are committed to promoting safety on the roads and improving the overall well-being of those who keep our economy moving. We hope that this project will set an example for others to follow and contribute to creating a safer and healthier India.” said Mr. Girish M, RCM, Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company Limited.
The Raahi Vision Centre will conduct screening and awareness programs for lorry drivers and allied staff of the trucking community, providing spectacles free of charge after the screening. The center will also organize screening programs on Saturdays at lorry drivers’ hubs and factories. Truck drivers’ associations and factories can contact the program coordinator to schedule screenings at their campuses.
Mr. Prasanna Kumar, Director-Programs Operations, Sightsavers, stated, “We are delighted to collaborate with Cholamandalam and SSM Eye Research Foundation to inaugurate the Raahi Vision Centre in Kerala, which will offer this critical service to the trucking community. Our mission at Sightsavers India is to eliminate avoidable blindness, and this initiative aligns perfectly with our goals by ensuring that truck drivers and allied staff have access to critical eye care services, helping them maintain their vision and enhancing road safety for all.”
The Raahi Vision Centre is a significant step towards creating a safer and healthier trucking community and promoting road safety in India.