Ahmedabad, March 12, 2026: Sightsavers India, in partnership with AbbVie Therapeutics India Pvt. Ltd., has continued its nationwide glaucoma awareness campaign in 2026 with a regional consultation held in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, in collaboration with the Blind People’s Association. The initiative aims to strengthen awareness about glaucoma and promote early detection through regular eye examinations.
The campaign was first launched in 2025 with five state-level consultations followed by a national consultation in New Delhi. These engagements brought together ophthalmologists, policymakers, public health experts and civil society organisations to discuss the increasing burden of glaucoma and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
The Ahmedabad consultation was organised to deepen regional engagement and encourage dialogue on glaucoma awareness, risk factors and preventive care. The event also featured glaucoma screening kiosks where participants could undergo eye screening and receive information about their eye health.
The consultation was attended by Darshna Vaghela, Hon’ble Minister of State for Urban Development and Urban Housing, Government of Gujarat, who served as the Chief Guest and highlighted the importance of early detection and awareness initiatives.
The event also saw the presence of Dr. Utpal Jani, Technical Advisor, NPCB&VI, Gujarat, as the Guest of Honour.
Suresh Pattathil, Managing Director & General Manager of AbbVie Therapeutics India Pvt Ltd, said, “Glaucoma remains a significant global health challenge as one of the top causes of irreversible blindness. However, the response to the 2025 consultations highlighted a promising shift, there is strong momentum for ongoing collaboration, early detection, and proactive intervention. Through the impactful CSR partnership between AbbVie and Sightsavers India, we are making a real difference in the fight against glaucoma. Together, we are driving initiatives that save sight, raise vital awareness, and provide resources for early diagnosis and treatment. Our commitment to these joint efforts exemplifies how we are doing our part to protect vision and support communities in need, ensuring many more people have the opportunity to see a brighter future.”
RN Mohanty, CEO of Sightsavers India, said, “By expanding the campaign to Ahmedabad, Gujarat, in 2026, we hope to deepen engagement with regional experts and communities, strengthen awareness around risk factors, and encourage more people to prioritise regular eye examinations.”
Experts at the consultation noted that glaucoma often progresses without noticeable symptoms, making routine screening essential to prevent irreversible vision loss. Panel discussions emphasised the need for stronger public awareness, integration of glaucoma screening into primary healthcare services, capacity building for eye care professionals, and improved patient counselling to ensure adherence to lifelong treatment.
The consultation featured a keynote address by Dr. Vaishali Singh of Akshat Eye Hospital, Ahmedabad, and an expert talk by Dr. Uday Gajiwala, Founder of Divyajyoti Trust and Superintendent of Tejas Eye Hospital, Mandvi. The panel discussion included specialists and representatives from the eye health sector, media and civil society organisations.
Through this ongoing partnership, Sightsavers India and AbbVie Therapeutics India aim to strengthen public awareness about glaucoma, promote early screening and improve access to timely care in order to reduce avoidable blindness across the country.
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