SBI General donates three Mobile Ophthalmic Vans to provide quality eye healthcare in rural communities

Pune, February 28, 2022: SBI General, one of India’s leading General Insurance companies in association with Mission for Vision, a leading non-profit organisation committed towards eradicating avoidable blindness and visual impairment, aims to enable access to primary eye care in rural communities of Maharashtra, West Bengal, Bihar and Sikkim. To enable this initiative, SBI General extends the support to donate three Mobile Ophthalmic Vans. Today the first Mobile Ophthalmic Van in Pune was flagged off, thereby initiating the process of providing eye-care for the communities in Maharashtra.

The flag-off of the first Mobile Ophthalmic Van was done in presence of Mr. Anand Pejawar, Dy. Managing Director, SBI General, Mr. Shreeraj Deshpande, Head Health Business, Ms. Shefali Khalsa, Head – Brand, Corporate Communications and CSR, SBI General, Ms. Elizabeth Kurian, CEO, Mission for Vision and Mr. Parvez Bilimoria, Executive Director, PBMA’s H.V. Desai Eye Hospital.

Recognising that access to high-quality, comprehensive eye care, especially for rural communities is critical, SBI General has associated with Mission for Vision. The Mobile Ophthalmic Vans will be used for comprehensive eye services in remote communities in Maharashtra, West Bengal, Sikkim and Bihar. The vans are equipped for eye testing to diagnose cataract, uncorrected refractive errors, and retina issues.

Mr. Anand Pejawar, Deputy Managing Director, SBI General Insurance said, “At SBI General, we are committed towards our corporate social responsibility aiming to reach maximum beneficiaries through various possible projects. Having healthcare as one of the important focus areas, we are delighted to contribute to this cause through ophthalmic units and make a difference to people in need across interiors of Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal and Sikkim. We will continue to support such causes that strengthen our commitment towards bringing a change and transforming lives, where it matters the most.”

Ms. Elizabeth Kurian, CEO, Mission for Vision shared her thoughts, “Improving eye health is a critical aspect towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals. The launch of the Mobile Ophthalmic Vans in association with SBI General cements our commitment towards providing accessible eye care for communities in need and creating an inclusive environment where no-one experiences unwanted or preventable sight loss".