With the help of Specsavers, The Hope Foundation established a Blindness Eradication Programme in Kolkata across street and slum communities and schools through community based camps and special eye clinics in the HOPE Hospital.
The project is for people who are living in street and slum communities and have no access to affordable healthcare. It aims to increase awareness of eye health and the need for check-ups. Eye-screening and check-up camps are run in schools and communities, with treatment provided in HOPE Hospital as necessary.
HOPE’s relationship with Specsavers started in 2017 when store partner Lisa Walsh decided to travel to Kolkata along with three other Specsavers colleagues to support the eye clinic.
On her return, Lisa spoke to stores about the work she did, and the group voted to nominate Hope as a charity partner, first signing up to a three-year relationship.
Specsavers marketing team also came onboard to support by part-funding the running of the eye clinic. Outside of funding the eye clinic, partners have also fundraised to purchase much needed optical equipment for HOPE Hospital.
Each year, around 10 Specsavers colleagues visit Kolkata to carry out an intense, week-long eye clinic that sees them visit the street and slum communities in Kolkata.
In 2020, Specsavers further showed their commitment to HOPE and the eye clinic by agreeing to cover the education and living costs for students undertaking the two-year Optometry Diploma course. So far, 24 students have completed the course.
Speaking of the partnership, HOPE honorary director Maureen Forrest says: “Our partnership with Specsavers is having a profound impact in Kolkata. It is hard to believe that in these times, before Covid, something as simple as an eye test and lack of glasses are preventing adults and children from attending school and finding jobs.
“Specsavers’ support has transformed this hopeless situation for thousands of people, changing lives in the process. Not only do they fund-raise for the partnership, but they have sent staff over to Kolkata to give their valuable time and skills on the ground, to meet the beneficiaries and to witness the difference first-hand.
“We are so grateful and proud of what has been achieved so far, and even more grateful for their unwavering support in a year that has been so difficult for many. We are thankful for their commitment to the eye clinic but also for supporting these eight wonderful students. They will have changed the lives of so many today and for generations to come through this one act of education support.”
Rintu's Story
At just twenty-five, Rintu found himself lying helpless in the street, unable to sit or stand due to illness. Weak from prolonged hunger and exhaustion, his future seemed uncertain. But in a beautiful turn of fate, the Missionaries of Charity found him and took him to the caring arms of Hope Hospital in July 2021. There, doctors discovered that Rintu had tragically lost his vision.
With gentle care and nourishment, he began to regain his physical strength. The hospital's dedicated eye surgeon, Dr. Goutam Dutta, soon uncovered the cause of his blindness— a cataract in his left eye. After thorough medical tests and evaluations, Rintu underwent a cataract surgery in the Hope Hospital Eye Operation Theatre.
The surgery was a great success and Rintu's vision was restored, and with it, a spark of hope returned to his life. As he regained his strength, he also regained his confidence. Through heartfelt counselling, Rintu shared his story. Once employed in a bustling market, the loss of his sight had left him jobless and forced to survive on the streets. Little by little, his body weakened, and he feared all hope was lost.
But thanks to the compassionate team at Hope Hospital and the incredible support of Specsavers, Rintu’s life took a wonderful turn. Not only did he get his vision back, but he also reclaimed his independence. Now, with his health and confidence restored, Rintu has returned to work, standing tall and proud as he rebuilds his life— a story of hope, resilience, and the power of partnerships.
An Award Winning Partnership
We are very proud that our incredible partnership with Specsavers Ireland has won The Corporate Charity Partnership of the Year Award at the Charities Institute Ireland “Charity Excellence Awards 2024”.
