MUMBAI: Sightsavers, a leading global development organisation working in over 30 countries to combat avoidable blindness and promote equal opportunities for visually impaired announced its association with internationally acclaimed actor and director, Kabir Bedi as its brand ambassador.

Former chief election commissioner (CEC) of India and Sightsavers' honorary chair Dr. S.Y. Quraishi announced the news at a media event which also saw live demonstration of self-defense by six girls who are supported by Sightsavers and have won various medals at the National Blind Judo Championship in 2016.

Since 1966, Sightsavers has vehemently worked in their three core areas – Social Inclusion, Inclusive Education and Eye Health. They have supported the treatment of millions of people with eye disorders and brought eye services to some of the least served areas of the country. Sightsavers have impacted lives of people in 100 districts across 8 priority states by building sustainable programme models, which have been endorsed and adopted by the government. In the last year, Sightsavers has conducted 1,55,986 sight restoration surgeries, 22,01,134 eye screenings, distributed 2,18,690 spectacles and refracted 6,47,007 people.

Bedi said, “Today there is immense awareness and attempt towards eye health and care in India and Sightsavers have shown way to people at large in the country with their achievements in the area of eye care."

Quraishi said, “This alliance itself signifies the convergence to a focused journey ahead amplifying the impact in the coming times."

Sightsavers India CEO R N Mohanty said, “Sightsavers envisages a world when there is no blindness and will continuously strive ahead to reach out to more people and benefit them through our various programs."