IGEHRC

Blindness profoundly affects the quality of human life and wellbeing. Loss of sight robs an individual the ability to perform even basic existential chores, leave alone leading an active social and economic life. India is home to the largest number of blind persons worldwide. Every third blind person in the world lives in India. About 80% of blindness is curable. The backlog of curable blindness among women is 20% higher than among men. Absence of affordable eye care services, especially in rural areas, is the main reason for the high prevalence of curable blindness. Indira Gandhi Eye Hospital and Research Centre (IGEHRC), the eye care programme of the Rajiv Gandhi Charitable Trust (RGCT) works towards eliminating curable blindness.