ASG Eye Hospital has launched a month-long eye care initiative for commercial drivers, coinciding with National Road Safety Week that began today. The program will run until February 11 across the hospital chain's 180+ centres throughout India.
The initiative targets commercial drivers of three- and four-wheeled vehicles, with particular emphasis on state-run and city transport operators. Private platform drivers are also eligible for the program's benefits.
Services include complimentary comprehensive eye examinations, doctor consultations, and free cataract surgeries where medically necessary. The hospital has set an initial target of 1,000 free cataract surgeries, though this figure may adjust based on demand.
The program aligns with the Government of India's Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan, a nationwide campaign addressing road safety through awareness and behavioral change. According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, approximately 80,000 people die in road crashes annually in India, representing 13% of global road fatalities.
Dr. Vikas Jain, Group COO of ASG Eye Hospital, emphasized the connection between vision and road safety. "Clear vision becomes crucial to safe driving. Through this nationwide initiative, we aim to support commercial drivers by ensuring access to timely eye care," he stated.
Dr. Himanshu Shekhar, Group Chief Strategy and Clinical Officer, highlighted the clinical rationale: "A driver's reaction time is almost entirely dependent on their visual clarity and depth perception. This initiative is not just about screenings; it is about providing a definitive solution, through cataract surgeries, to those who keep our nation moving."
The hospital has partnered with private cab aggregator platforms to facilitate program implementation.
ASG Eye Hospital operates 180+ hospitals and 200 vision centres across more than 95 cities in India, specializing in advanced eye care services.