Essilor’s inclusive business division’s Mobile Refraction Van Project (MRVP) is now launching a new MRV with the Drishti Eye Hospital.

Out of the 2.5 billion people in the world who need vision correction, 95 per cent of them live in emerging countries. In India alone, uncorrected poor vision accounts for more than 500 million people. However, simple measures can be found in order to fight against poor vision and reach people in the smaller cities of India.

Patients who are in need of further clinical support will be referred to the base hospital in Channapatana. People in the age category of 60 years and above that can’t afford to pay for their eye operations, will be offered free-of-charge surgery, supported through grants.

“This project will provide comprehensive eye-care services to a larger section of Indian people living in rural areas and is truly aligned with our mission to improve lives by improving sight,” said Jayanth Bhuvaraghan, Chief Corporate Mission Officer, Essilor International.

The company is the world’s leading ophthalmic optics company, which allocates over €150 million to research and innovation annually. Its flagship brands are Varilux, Crizal, Transitions, Definity, Xperio, Optifog, Foster Grant, Bolon and Costa. It  reported consolidated revenue of over €5 billion in 2013 and employs over 55,000 people. It operates in around 100 countries with 28 plants, and 450 prescription laboratories.