Shimla, October 10, 2025: The Government of Himachal Pradesh, in partnership with redBus and VisionSpring Foundation, has launched an initiative to deliver eye care and eyeglasses to underserved communities across the Himalayan region. The program, unveiled on World Sight Day 2025 in Shimla, aims to screen over 5,000 people across the Shimla and Kinnaur districts and provide eyeglasses to those in need.
The initiative is part of VisionSpring Foundation’s mission to address the needs of the 55 crore people across India who lack access to eyeglasses, including 30 lakh in Himachal Pradesh. From October 9 to 18, 2025, teams comprising government officials, eye health experts, and schoolchildren will trek through remote areas — including Rohru, Jiskun, Jakha, Rupin Pass, Reckong Peo, Sangla, and Chitkul — to conduct eye screenings, distribute eyeglasses, and raise awareness about the importance of clear vision.
Through its See to Earn, See to Learn, and See to be Safe programs, VisionSpring will focus on enhancing productivity among adults, improving academic outcomes for students, and promoting road safety among transport workers.
Launching the Clear Vision Trek – Himalayas (Rupin Pass 2025), Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu reaffirmed the state’s commitment to improving access to healthcare services. The event was attended by ministers, senior officials, corporates, NGOs, medical experts, and eye care professionals, with key partners including the National Programme for Control of Blindness & Visual Impairment (NPCBVI), the World Health Organization (WHO), and Indiahikes.
Dr. Jordan Kassalow, Founder of VisionSpring’s Mission, said, “For more than two decades, VisionSpring’s mission has been driven by a simple belief: everyone has the right to see clearly, no matter where they live. The Clear Vision Trek will bring life-changing eyeglasses across some of the most challenging terrain on earth to reach people who need it the most. Every step we take through the Himalayas will not only test our strength but remind us of the greater purpose we share. We’re grateful to the Government of Himachal Pradesh, and other partners for helping us turn the spectacular Rupin Pass into a pathway of hope and clear vision for thousands of people.”
Shri Sanjay Guppta, Chief Secretary, Government of Himachal Pradesh, said, “We commend the efforts of such reputed organisations in partnership with the Government of Himachal Pradesh to conduct eye-screenings and provide eyeglasses to those who need them in some of the most hard-to-reach communities in Himachal Pradesh. Clear vision is essential to help enhance productivity, efficiency, and learning outcomes. It is also vital to maintain quality of life and ensure road safety, particularly in a hilly state like ours. This initiative will not only make a real difference to thousands of people but also create mass awareness in the state about the need for eye-screening, eyeglasses, and eye health.”
Mr. Anshu Taneja, Managing Director, VisionSpring Foundation, added, “People in the remote communities in the Himalayas have limited access to eye care, with the majority of people never having had their vision screened before. As we trek across the majestic Rupin Pass, we’re excited to take the gift of clear vision to thousands of people, most of whom will receive eyeglasses for the very first time.”
Prakash Sangam, CEO, redBus, said, “At redBus we have always been committed to innovation and inclusion in ground transport, and these core principles are extended in this initiative. We are very pleased to support VisionSpring in this worthy cause, as they focus on helping underserved communities. We hope that this trek helps in creating a future where people from the Himachali communities receive the tools and support they need to thrive.”
The initiative underscores the importance of accessible vision care in improving productivity, education, and road safety while contributing to the state’s broader goals of equitable health and community well-being.
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