Access to quality eye care is still a challenge in many parts of India, especially for children and underserved communities. Thankfully, several NGOs are making a tangible difference, providing affordable, high-quality eye care services, training local professionals, and running community outreach programs. From tackling preventable blindness to pioneering innovative models, these organisations are reshaping the landscape of eye health in India.
1. Sight Savers India: Sightsavers India is a development organization working with partners in underserved areas of India to eliminate avoidable blindness and promote equal opportunities for people with disabilities. In addition, many thousands of irreversibly blind people have received rehabilitation and educational support to enable them to lead lives of independence and dignity. Sightsavers is registered in India as “Royal Commonwealth Society for the Blind” under BPT Act 1951 vide registration no. E4330.
2. Sankara Eye Foundation: Founded in 1985 under the Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Medical Trust by Dr. R.V. Ramani and Dr. Radha Ramani, Sankara Eye Foundation was established to address the high burden of preventable and curable blindness in India. Guided by the philosophy “Thamasoma Jyothir Gamaya” (Lead us from darkness to light), it has grown into one of India’s largest providers of eye care. With a strong focus on quality, affordability, and accessibility, the Foundation has performed over 1 million vision-restoring surgeries and continues to be a preferred and recognized leader in community eye care across the country.
3. Orbis India: Orbis India is the Indian arm of Orbis International, a global non-profit dedicated to eliminating avoidable blindness. Since establishing its India office, Orbis has focused on childhood blindness, refractive errors, diabetic retinopathy, and corneal blindness. Through its network of Children’s Eye Centres, digital training programs, and sustainable models like Green Vision Centres, Orbis India provides accessible, high-quality eye care while building local capacity. Partnering with hospitals, government systems, and communities, it has screened millions of children and trained thousands of eye-care professionals, ensuring long-term, scalable impact across the country.
4. Vision 2020: The Right to Sight – India: VISION 2020: The Right to Sight- INDIA is a registered not-for-profit forum and is a key driver of the global initiative of the World Health Organization (WHO) and International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) for reducing avoidable visual impairment by year 2020. It is a collaborative effort of INGOs, NGOs, eye care organizations in India and the Government to coordinate and advocate for improved eye care programs; to gain and share knowledge and together develop solutions to achieve quality, comprehensive and equitable eye care. We are governed by a Board of 17 members.
5. Mission for Vision: Established in 2000, Mission for Vision (MFV) is a leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to eradicating avoidable blindness. Over the past two decades, MFV has enabled more than 2.2 million eye surgeries and partnered with 24 reputed eye hospitals across 110 districts in 16 Indian states to extend quality, affordable eye care to underserved communities. Guided by the philosophy of “Caring Capitalism” as envisioned by its founder Jagdish M. Chandrai, MFV combines compassion with sustainability, ensuring equitable access to vision care. With a strong focus on quality, cost efficiency, and inclusivity, MFV continues to strengthen institutions and pioneer community-based initiatives that restore sight and transform lives.
These NGOs are more than healthcare providers, they are champions of hope, transforming lives and communities by making quality eye care accessible to all. Through innovative programs, partnerships, and unwavering commitment, they are ensuring that every child and adult in India has the chance to see a brighter, clearer future.