• Mr. Praveen Kumar, Dy. Commissioner of Police, LB Nagar, launches Free Eye Camp for Truck Drivers
• Free Spectacles to be distributed to those in need
• Titan Eye Plus and the Hyderabad Goods Transport Association extend their valuable support for the initiative
IRB Golconda Expressway Private Limited, the Project SPV of the IRB Infrastructure Trust, India’s largest Private Infrastructure Investment Trust, today launched its ‘Care’ and ‘Safety’ initiative of an ‘Eye Check-up Camp’ for the heavy vehicle users, who are plying on the Nehru Outer Ring Road project. The Titan Eye Plus, a Tata Group Company and the Hyderabad Goods Transport Association (HGTA) have extended their valuable support in hosting this programme Mr. Praveen Kumar, Deputy Commissioner of Police, LB Nagar, formally launched the initiative at the Hyderabad Goods Transport Association's (HGTA) Training and Development Institute in Vanasthalipuram, Autonagar.
While speaking on the occasion, the Spokesperson, IRB Golconda Expressway Pvt. Ltd. said, “This is one of the various safety and care initiatives undertaken specifically for the heavy vehicle drivers plying on the ORR. Long hours of driving and inadequate hygiene often lead to eye problems. Many drivers over 60 years old suffer from cataracts or glaucoma. Therefore, regular eye check-ups are essential for their safety and that of others. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Titan Eye Plus and the Hyderabad Goods Transport Association for their invaluable support. This program is a step toward raising awareness about eye health and safety and aims to provide long-term benefits to truck drivers.”
While expressing the vital importance of good vision while driving heavy vehicles, Mr. Praveen Kumar, DCP, LB Nagar emphasized that heavy vehicles drivers must undergo regular eye check-ups and should not hesitate to use spectacles if prescribed. He encouraged all heavy vehicle drivers to utilize this opportunity to ensure their vision is in good health. He also commended the IRB Golconda Expressway team for their thoughtful initiative to conduct eye camps for drivers.
Mr. Srinivasulu, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) also graced the occasion with his presence. He highlighted the importance of good vision for road safety. He stressed that poor eyesight could endanger not only the driver but also others on the road. He advised drivers to take advantage of such initiatives and prioritize regular eye check-ups. With vision problems becoming increasingly common among individuals aged 40 and above, he urged timely detection and treatment to address these issues effectively.
The first phase of this initiative runs from Thursday, 21st November to Saturday, 23rd November at the premises of the Hyderabad Goods Transport Association's Training and Development Institute in Vanasthalipuram, Autonagar, where around 1,000 heavy vehicle drivers are expected to benefit from this Free Eye-Checkup Camp along with the Safety Training programme for the drivers awaiting their turn for the tests.
Drivers attending the camp will be undergoing rigorous vision tests, and free spectacles are distributed to those in need. Also, the drivers, diagnosed with cataracts or other poor vision or eye health conditions would be referred for further treatment.
The primary goal of these camps is to prevent road safety risks arising out of vision-related issues. The camp offers services including vision screening, refraction tests, cataract screening, eye health counseling, and referrals for further treatment when necessary. IRB Golconda Expressway is providing free spectacles to all drivers who require them.
Studies have revealed that more than half of India’s truck drivers suffer from some form of vision impairment. A report by Sight Savers, a voluntary organization, highlighted that after examining 35,000 truck drivers across the country, 38% were found to have near vision issues, 8% had distance vision problems, and another 4% experienced both. Alarmingly, most of these drivers do not use spectacles, with those affected by near vision issues typically aged between 36 and 50, while younger drivers aged 18-35 reported distance vision problems.
Key attendees at the event included HGTA President Ajay Sharma, HGTA Vice President Vineel, NORR Project Director Col. Girishwar, HGCL DGMs Chandrashekar and Rizwan, and AGM Meenakshi, among others.