Visually-impaired stand up for right to sight

BANGALORE: Sankara Eye Hospital in partnership with the National Association for the Blind (NAB) and Sightsavers International India, organised an impromptu act at the Forum mall. Around 35 visually-impaired children stood wearing t-shirts with the message, “We Would Still be Seeing if Our Eyes Had Been Checked early. Stand Up for the Right to Sight on Children’s Day.” “The objective behind this initiative is to make the public aware of the importance of the eyes,” said Mr Jaya Kumar, Head of the Dept, Mobility Training Centre, NAB.The children are also associated with the NAB and ‘Nanna Kannu,’ a preventive eye care programme for visually challenged children.  “Majority of the disabilities can be treated. However, this is possible only if people get their eyes checked early”, said Mr Vikram Chaudhuri, CEO, Sankara Eye Hospital.  The children were excited about the event and were eager to perform.  “I am not nervous at all. I’ve practiced my dance steps quite well and I am confident,” said Chandrika, a first PUC student at the Vishveshwarya College. As part of the Children’s Day celebrations, the hospital also organised a free Metro ride for the children.  “A Metro ride would be exciting for children and we decided to take them on a Metro ride on this Children’s Day,” said a doctor from Sankara Eye Hospital.