~ Distributes 1774 free spectacles
~ Refers 34 drivers for free treatment & operations
Mumbai: 3rd February 2016: CEAT Netranjali, a flagship programme of RPG Group, today announced the completion of special eye screening of 1,970 BEST drivers through 25 camps, across Mumbai. As part of its social initiatives, CEAT’s Project Netranjali aims to prevent avoidable blindness through early stage intervention amongst the needy, especially the elderly, children and vulnerable communities such as truckers and drivers.
CEAT Netranjali eye screening data has revealed some staggering facts–about 90% of BEST bus drivers are in need for eye-care interventions. Tapping the need to diagnose and facilitate cure, CEAT Netranjali screened close to 2,000 drivers and distributed free spectacles to 1,774. Furthermore, they provided cataract referrals to 34 drivers who were identified with severe eye problems. They will now be treated or operated free of cost by a nearby hospital.
Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Anant Goenka, Managing Director, CEAT Limited said, “The purpose of our existence is to make mobility safer and smarter every day. The BEST drivers’ community plays a significant role in our lives and their health should be a matter of prime importance. CEAT Netranjali is one such step which will support them to diagnose and cure eye-related problems, thereby making public transport safer for Mumbaikars.”
Over the past calendar year, eye health check-up camps under CEAT’s Project Netranjali reached out to over 4,00,000 underprivileged individuals. An average of 150-200 beneficiaries are screened per camp, providing free eye screening in the camps to over a total of 70,000 individuals across schools, slum communities and trucker fleets in different cities. Furthermore, CEAT Netranjali also conducted eye check-up for 4,200 truck drivers at 50 camps across Bangalore, Navi Mumbai and Noida. The leading tyre manufacturer also runs a programme called Swayam which trains and empowers economically less-privileged women in driving skills, another step towards promoting CEAT’s goal of road safety.
