A Shared Vision: OCI’s Low Vision Series Champions Collaboration in Eye Care

In the world of modern healthcare, no practitioner is an island. This year’s World Optometry Day theme, “Shared Vision: Collaboration in Global Eye Care,” serves as a timely reminder that our greatest impact occurs when we work together. Aligning perfectly with this global mission, the Optometry Confederation of India (OCI) recently launched a transformative initiative: the OCI Low Vision Assessment & Rehabilitation Educational Series.

Timed to honour Low Vision Awareness Month in February, the series was designed to bridge the gap between academic theory and the daily realities of clinical practice. By bringing together a diverse panel of experts from across the country, representing prestigious institutions, OCI has created a collaborative ecosystem where 57 enrolled optometrists, educators and students can refine their skills in one of the most vital yet underserved areas of eye care.

The first half of the series established that effective low vision management is, by necessity, a team effort. Led by experts including Ms. Hardeep Kaur, Dr. Deepak Bagga, Ms Swetha CP, Mr. Dev Kalicheti, Dr Susmita Banerjee, Ms. Daksha Jain Soni and Mr. Onkar Pirdankar, the sessions moved beyond basic testing to focus on the human element of care. Participants were guided through a comprehensive journey: from mastering advanced clinical assessments and contrast sensitivity to the art of selecting optical aids and training patients for real-world independence.

The emphasis remained on “functional vision”, understanding how environmental modifications and task-based strategies can help a patient navigate their specific daily challenges. To ensure these lessons could be applied immediately, OCI collaborated with Om Tao Scientific Apparatus to provide subsidized low vision kits, giving practitioners the physical resources to match their new expertise.

The impact of this collaboration is already being felt. Participants have reported a significant boost in confidence, not just in their testing abilities, but in their ability to implement full rehabilitation strategies in their local clinics.

However, the “Shared Vision” continues. Throughout March, the series will conclude with specialized sessions on the psychosocial aspects of vision loss and case studies focused on paediatric and geriatric care. Through this continuous capacity building, OCI is doing more than teaching; they are fostering a national movement toward a more collaborative and compassionate future for eye care in India.