The India Vision Institute (IVI), an Australia India joint initiative, celebrated its first anniversary here today with the launch of Aksauhini, a strategic plan aiming at excellence in vision care and positioning India as a world leader in global vision industry. With India having one of the largest populations of avoidable blind and visually impaired people in the world, totalling 131 million people, and with a vast majority living in rural areas, Aksauhini sets out a road map to meet the gaps in vision care in India. IVI Academy for Eyecare Educators was also launched to support the 130 existing Optometry schools in India. This Academy will have a major impact on reducing the economic and social impact of blindness and visual impairment by improving the quality of eye care education in India. Six higher education scholarships to pursue PhD in Optometry were also announced on the occasion. This initiative is to ensure that India sees qualified eye care specialists in the future; who in turn will help in improving the quality of eyecare education. Distinguished guests including, Mr David Holly, Australian Consul General for South India, Ms Sujaya Krishnan, Joint Secretary, Ministry for Health, Mr Robert McMullan, President, International Association for Prevention of Blindness, Professor Brien Holden, CEO, Brien Holden Vision Institute (BHVI), Australia, Dr G N Rao, L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI), were among other 175 national and international leaders and professionals in vision care attending the event. UNI
