Class 12 student organises vision screening camp for underprivileged kids in Bengaluru

Speaking to The Indian Express, Ramana said, ” While doing a technology-oriented internship at Ramana Hospital, I was able to see auto-refracting machines which were able to scan patients’ [eyes] within just a few seconds.”

This gave him the idea to try and use similar technology to help underprivileged children with vision issues at the Trust, where he had volunteered as a teacher. Ramana said that many of the children had to squint while using computers and looking at screens while he was teaching, prompting him to check with the Trust about conducting a screening camp.

The equipment, including slit lamp cameras and auto-refractometers used for detecting corneal and refractive issues respectively, were provided by the tech startup Forus Health. Over 200 children were examined as a part of the camp, of which 38 received glasses to correct issues on Monday. The glasses were paid for by the Trust.

Ramana said, “Expanding such camps on a larger scale and leveraging technology can have a more significant impact, benefiting numerous underprivileged children.” He added that he was interested in the application of Artificial Intelligence on such issues.