Sightsavers, AbbVie Drive Nationwide Glaucoma Awareness Initiative in Jaipur

Sightsavers India, in partnership with AbbVie Therapeutics India Pvt. Ltd., strengthened efforts to combat glaucoma-related blindness with a state-level consultation in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The initiative is part of a larger multi-city campaign aimed at increasing awareness, promoting early screening, and mobilising

action against one of the leading causes of irreversible vision loss.

Held at Hilton Jaipur, Geejgarh House, the consultation convened ophthalmologists, policymakers, public health professionals, and civil society representatives to assess the regional glaucoma burden and chart strategies for early detection and awareness. Glaucoma screening kiosks equipped with portable diagnostic tools allowed 45 of the 99 participants to undergo onsite eye checks, with those at risk referred for further clinical evaluation.

RN Mohanty, CEO of Sightsavers India, said, “With each consultation, we move closer to ensuring that communities recognise the signs of glaucoma and seek timely eye examinations. Addressing glaucoma requires more than awareness, it calls for stronger systems that enable timely detection and appropriate care. This initiative, undertaken in collaboration with AbbVie Therapeutics India Pvt Ltd, allows us to work closely with local experts and government stakeholders while strengthening a prevention-oriented approach. Such collaborative efforts bring together diverse perspectives and contribute to ensuring that more people are diagnosed early.”

Dr Rahul Rathod, Director, Medical Affairs, AbbVie Therapeutics India Pvt. Ltd., added, “Glaucoma management extends well beyond diagnosis, with long-term outcomes closely linked to consistent monitoring and adherence to treatment. Through our collaboration with Sightsavers India, we are supporting initiatives that bring clinical perspectives into broader public health discussions. Platforms like these help highlight the importance of sustained care and informed decision-making in managing glaucoma effectively.”

The consultation also featured keynote addresses and panel discussions by leading clinicians and public health experts, including Dr Laxman Singh Jhala, Medical Director of Alakh Nayan Mandir Eye Hospital. Discussions emphasised integrating glaucoma screening into primary healthcare, enhancing provider capabilities, and improving patient counselling to support long-term treatment adherence.

Through this ongoing partnership, Sightsavers India and AbbVie Therapeutics India Pvt. Ltd. reaffirm their commitment to making glaucoma a public health priority and ensuring timely diagnosis and care across India.