Former Indian cricket captain and iconic batsman Krishnamachari Srikkanth has been appointed as the Goodwill Ambassador for VISION 2020 India, a mission dedicated to eliminating avoidable blindness in the country. This exciting news was shared during a special event at Sankara Nethralaya in Chennai, which plays a crucial role in the Vision 2020: The Right to Sight-India program.
The initiative aims to raise awareness, deliver medical assistance, and ensure that eye care services are accessible to individuals suffering from preventable blindness and visual impairment.
The Growing Concern of Blindness in India
Magnitude of the Problem
Blindness is a pressing public health issue in India, impacting millions across different age groups. According to a recent press release, here are some key figures:
• India has approximately 4.8 million blind individuals, making it one of the highest rates in the world.
• More than 70 million people are affected by some form of visual impairment.
• Surprisingly, over 80% of these cases can be prevented or treated with early diagnosis and timely medical intervention.
Causes of Avoidable Blindness
The major causes of avoidable blindness in India include:
- Cataracts – The leading cause of blindness, especially among the elderly.
- Uncorrected refractive errors – Affecting millions who lack access to proper vision correction.
- Glaucoma – Often undiagnosed until it causes irreversible damage.
- Diabetic Retinopathy – A rising concern due to the increasing prevalence of diabetes.
- Vitamin A deficiency – Leading to childhood blindness.
This alarming situation necessitates urgent interventions in the form of preventive eye care, corrective treatments, and widespread awareness campaigns.
Krishnamachari Srikkanth’s Role as Goodwill Ambassador
Advocacy and Awareness Campaigns
As the Goodwill Ambassador, Srikkanth will:
- Raise awareness about avoidable blindness through media engagements, public events, and digital platforms.
- Encourage early eye check-ups to prevent vision loss.
- Support free eye care programs for underserved communities.
- Promote education on eye health, especially among children and senior citizens.
His active participation is expected to motivate individuals, healthcare providers, and policymakers to prioritize eye health.
