Vision Screening Initiative for Artisans and their families in J&K

In a pioneering effort to address the healthcare needs of one of Kashmir’s most underserved communities, HELP Foundation, in collaboration with the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation, has launched a large-scale vision screening initiative for artisans and their families.

Despite being the custodians of Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage, artisans have long been overlooked in healthcare interventions, particularly in vision care—an essential aspect of their intricate craftsmanship.

Recognizing this critical gap, HELP Foundation and OneSight Essilor Luxottica Foundation have come together with a shared commitment to improving eye health and ensuring access to quality vision care. To enhance the program’s reach and effectiveness, the initiative is being implemented in partnership with the Directorate of Health Services and leading private hospitals, ensuring that artisans and their families receive comprehensive Eye screenings and necessary medical interventions. Addressing a Widespread Yet Overlooked Issue Initial screenings have revealed that a significant number of artisans suffer from refractive errors, severely impacting their ability to work with precision.

Additionally, many family members also exhibited similar vision impairments, underscoring the widespread prevalence of undiagnosed and untreated eye conditions within the artisan community. Beyond refractive errors, a substantial number of artisans were diagnosed with serious eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and other vision-threatening ailments. To ensure timely and appropriate treatment, HELP Foundation has been providing free referrals to hospitals, transportation services, and access to specialized care, removing financial and logistical barriers that often prevent artisans from seeking medical assistance.

Unprecedented Impact and Expansion Plans Since its inception, the initiative has successfully:

• Screened 4,173 artisans and 3,569 family members.
• Provided 2,365 prescription glasses to those suffering from near and distant vision impairments.
• Ensured access to advanced medical care for those requiring further treatment.

With extensive coverage already achieved in Srinagar and Budgam, the program is now set to expand into Baramulla and Bandipora, ensuring that more artisans receive the vision care they urgently need. A First-of-Its-Kind Initiative Despite the critical role that artisans play in sustaining Kashmir’s traditional crafts, no other organization has undertaken such a focused initiative to address their vision health. HELP Foundation’s intervention is not only enhancing the quality of life for thousands of artisans but also preserving their ability to continue their centuries-old craftsmanship with precision and skill. By championing this initiative, HELP Foundation reaffirms its commitment to health equity and artisan empowerment, ensuring that vision care becomes an integral part of community well-being and sustainable livelihoods.