The national initiative aims to reach one million weavers, allied workers and artisans by 2030 and provide 400,000 spectacles to people in need.
Sightsavers India has launched ‘Looms & Lenses’, a national initiative to improve access to eye care for India’s weaving and artisan communities. Unveiled by Kabir Bedi, Honorary Brand Ambassador of Sightsavers India, at the India International Centre in New Delhi on October 9, 2026, the programme aims to reach one million weavers, allied workers and artisans by 2030 and provide 400,000 spectacles to those in need.
Sightsavers India Launches National Eye Care Initiative
Sightsavers India, a development organisation working since 1966 to eliminate avoidable blindness and empower people with disabilities, has introduced ‘Looms & Lenses’ to bring eye care services closer to weaving and artisan communities across the country.
The initiative seeks to address vision-related challenges that can affect productivity, income, independence and the preservation of traditional crafts. Its approach focuses on improving access to eye screenings, spectacles and referral services for people whose livelihoods depend on good eyesight.
The launch event was attended by Kabir Bedi; Swayamprava Pani, Additional Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India; Poonam Guha, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department, Government of Odisha; Sherry Singh, Mrs Universe 2025; Dr G. Kausalya, Deputy Director General, National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment (NPCB&VI), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; Dr Tashi Tobgay, Regional Adviser, World Health Organization South-East Asia Regional Office; Dr Caroline Harper, CBE, CEO, RCSB UK; and Rati Forbes, Chair, Sightsavers India.
Programme to Begin in Odisha
The ‘Looms & Lenses’ programme will begin in Odisha, building on Sightsavers India’s partnership with the state’s Department of Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts, before expanding to other states.
RN Mohanty, CEO of Sightsavers India, said the programme would bring eye screenings, spectacles and referral services closer to weaving communities. The initiative aims to address vision-related difficulties that can affect the productivity, income and independence of weavers and artisans.
Poonam Guha highlighted the importance of accessible eye care for the welfare of weaving communities. She noted that the partnership between Sightsavers India and the Odisha government had supported eye-care camps in Cuttack and Bargarh, reaching around 1,000 people. Following the response to these camps, the department is working towards a structured plan to cover the entire weaver community.
Eye Health and the Future of India’s Handloom Sector
Speaking at the launch, Swayamprava Pani, Additional Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles, said India’s handloom sector supports 3.5 million weavers, 72% of whom are women. She emphasised that strengthening their welfare is essential to the sector’s growth and sustainability, highlighting the importance of eye health in improving productivity, securing livelihoods and supporting the well-being of weaving communities.
The launch comes ahead of World Sight Day, which highlights the importance of eye health and access to quality eye-care services. For weavers and artisans, clear vision is essential for carrying out intricate work, maintaining productivity and continuing traditional craft practices passed down through generations.
Kabir Bedi Highlights the Link Between Sight and Livelihoods
Kabir Bedi, Honorary Brand Ambassador of Sightsavers India, said, “Being made the Honorary Brand Ambassador of Sightsavers India is a deeply special honour because restoring sight is not just about treating a medical condition—it is about restoring lives, dignity and livelihoods. The Looms and Lenses initiative is particularly meaningful as it supports India’s weavers, whose craft depends on precision, vision and generations-old traditions. By helping them protect their eyesight, we are not only improving their lives but also helping preserve an invaluable part of India’s artistic heritage.”
Sherriy Singh, Mrs Universe 2025, also highlighted the connection between eye health, artisans’ livelihoods and cultural heritage. She spoke about the importance of protecting the people and skills behind traditional crafts to ensure these practices continue across generations.
‘Beyond the Thread’ Report Unveiled
The event also featured the unveiling of the programme’s new visual identity by Kabir Bedi, followed by the screening of a special film featuring the actor. The film highlighted the connection between eye health, livelihoods and India’s weaving heritage.
Sightsavers India also launched its report, Beyond the Thread, during the event.
Through ‘Looms & Lenses’, the organisation aims to ensure that preventable vision problems do not become a barrier to earning a livelihood or continuing traditional weaving practices. The initiative places eye care at the centre of efforts to support artisans, protect their independence and preserve India’s handloom and craft heritage.