Sightsavers India Launches ‘Looms & Lenses’ Initiative to Expand Eye Care for Weaving Communities

Launched with Kabir Bedi, the programme 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 in New Delhi on October 9, 2026, the programme aims to bring eye screenings, spectacles and referral services closer to communities whose livelihoods depend on clear vision, starting with Odisha before expanding to other states.

Initiative Targets One Million Weavers and Artisans

Sightsavers India, a development organisation working since 1966 to eliminate avoidable blindness and empower people with disabilities, aims to reach one million weavers, allied workers and artisans by 2030 through the initiative. It also plans to provide 400,000 spectacles to people who need them.

The launch took place at the India International Centre in New Delhi, with Kabir Bedi, Honorary Brand Ambassador of Sightsavers India, unveiling the programme.

The event was attended by 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, 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 of Sightsavers India.

The launch came ahead of World Sight Day, which highlights the importance of eye health and access to quality eye care. The initiative focuses on the connection between good vision, productivity, income, independence and the preservation of traditional crafts.

Odisha to Be the First Implementation State

Sightsavers India CEO R. N. Mohanty said the programme would begin in Odisha, building on the organisation’s partnership with the state’s Department of Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts, before expanding to other states.

The programme will seek to address vision-related challenges by bringing eye screenings, spectacles and referral services closer to weaving communities.

Poonam Guha highlighted the work already undertaken through the partnership, including eye-care camps in Cuttack and Bargarh that reached around 1,000 people. She said the department was working towards a structured plan to cover the wider weaver community.

Eye Health Linked to Livelihoods and Traditional Craft

Kabir Bedi highlighted the importance of protecting the eyesight of weavers whose work depends on precision and established craft traditions.

“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.”

Swayamprava Pani, Additional Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles, said the handloom sector supports 3.5 million weavers, 72% of whom are women.

“India’s handloom sector supports 3.5 million weavers, 72% of whom are women. Strengthening their welfare is essential to the sector’s growth and sustainability. I commend Sightsavers India for recognising the importance of eye health in improving productivity, securing livelihoods and ensuring the well-being of our weaving communities.”

Sherry Singh, Mrs Universe 2025, also emphasised the connection between eye health, artisan livelihoods and cultural heritage.

“By protecting the eyesight and livelihoods of artisans, we are not just saving a craft; we are preserving a part of our cultural heritage. As a woman, I have grown up seeing my mother preserve this art, and I believe we have a responsibility to ensure that these traditions do not disappear. My heart is full knowing that initiatives like Sightsavers India are working to protect both the people and the traditions behind this beautiful craft.”

Programme Identity and Report Unveiled

The launch included the unveiling of the programme’s new visual identity by Kabir Bedi, followed by a screening of a special film featuring him. The film highlighted the relationship between eye health, livelihoods and India’s weaving heritage.

Sightsavers India also launched its report, Beyond the Thread, at the event.

Through ‘Looms & Lenses’, the organisation aims to help prevent avoidable vision problems from affecting weavers’ ability to earn a livelihood or continue their traditional craft.