Boston: Vision-Aid, a Lexington, MA-based non-profit dedicated to empowering the visually impaired, announced it has partnered with the L V Prasad Eye Institute to launch the Vision-Aid Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) Resource Centre in Bhubaneswar, India. This pioneering initiative marks a major step forward in providing life-changing support to children affected by brain-based visual impairments in Odisha.
“This new center is more than just a facility—it’s a beacon of hope for visually impaired children and their families in Eastern India,” said Lalit Sudan, Volunteer President of Vision-Aid. “With this launch, we continue our mission to bring critical vision care and rehabilitation services to those in need. We are excited to expand our reach even further in the near future.”
The center, inaugurated by Boston poet and philanthropist Manorama Choudhury, has been named the Manorama Choudhury Nayan Jyoti Vision-Aid CVI Resource Centre and is housed at the renowned L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) in Bhubaneswar. This collaboration between Vision-Aid and LVPEI will deliver specialized early intervention programs, rehabilitation, and family support, ensuring that children with CVI receive the care they deserve, particularly in underserved rural areas.
In 2025, Vision-Aid programs are serving over 25,000 visually impaired in 50 locations across India, including 20 leading eye hospitals. Other than this new initiative at LVPEI Bhubaneshwar, another recent addition to the Vision-Aid map two months ago, was a center at Sadguru Netra Chikitsalaya, a mega eye Hospital in Madhya Pradesh serving over 1 million patients annually. Other partners include the Aravind Eye Hospital and Sankara Nethralaya in Tamil Nadu, Narayana Nethralaya in Karnataka, Dr. Shroffs Charity Eye Hospital in Delhi and UP, CECF in Pune and several others.
A Vision for Change: Bridging the Gap for Children with CVI
The launch of this resource center represents a groundbreaking step toward health equity. By focusing on early diagnosis, tailored therapies, and family education, Vision-Aid and LVPEI aim to transform lives—helping children with CVI lead independent, dignified lives despite their visual challenges.
The heartfelt ceremony began with an address by Dr. Srikant Kumar Sahu, Director of the LVPEI Bhubaneswar campus, who highlighted the eye institute’s comprehensive vision care programs. Dr. Debasmita Majhi and Dr. Beula Christie outlined the center’s innovative rehabilitation strategies, emphasizing the critical role of structured early intervention.
A deeply moving moment came when a parent shared their emotional journey, shedding light on the struggles of raising a child with CVI and the immense relief that this resource center will bring. Their story underscored the life-changing impact of Vision-Aid’s efforts.
Visionaries Behind the Mission
The event featured inspiring remarks from Vision-Aid Founders Revathy Ramakrishna and Ramakrishna Raju, who reaffirmed their long-standing commitment to breaking down barriers for children with visual impairments.
In her address, Mrs. Choudhury spoke passionately about her motivation to support this initiative, stating: “Visual impairment affects not just individuals but entire families. By providing early intervention, assistive devices, and specialized training, Vision-Aid is empowering children to see beyond their limitations and embrace a future filled with possibilities.”
She also extended heartfelt gratitude to Vision-Aid’s leadership, LVPEI’s dedicated team of doctors and specialists, and key supporters like Bhaskar Panigrahi, whose efforts were instrumental in making this vision a reality.
A Celebration of Resilience & Possibility
The ceremony concluded with a symbolic lamp-lighting, signifying hope and new beginnings for children with CVI. Attendees were deeply moved by a special cultural performance by children with disabilities, demonstrating their incredible resilience and talent.
Among the event’s esteemed guests was Sanyasi Behera, Odisha’s first visually impaired civil service officer, who underscored how this new center will pave the way for an inclusive future for the visually impaired community.
A tour of the state-of-the-art facility followed, offering guests an up-close look at the advanced technologies and therapies that will be utilized to support children with CVI.
Expanding the Reach: What’s Next for Vision-Aid?
As Vision-Aid continues its journey, this latest milestone reinforces its unwavering mission: ensuring that every visually impaired child, regardless of socioeconomic status, has access to the tools they need to thrive.
“This is just the beginning,” Sudan added. “With the support of our dedicated partners and community, we look forward to opening more centers and making an even bigger impact in the lives of children with CVI.”
(Photo courtesy: The Mishra Group)
To learn more about Vision-Aid’s programs, visit www.VisionAid.org and www.VisionAidIndia.org.
