India Post, in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO-India), Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya and VisionSpring, has launched a global-first pilot project in Assam to distribute presbyopic spectacles through post offices.

A Global-First Initiative from Assam

• India Post has launched a pioneering initiative titled “Post Office Delivers the Gift of Clear Vision”, aiming to make spectacles—especially for presbyopia—accessible through non-healthcare service points. 
• The pilot was launched at Khetri Post Office in Kamrup (Metro), marking the world’s first such programme.

Why is this Needed?

• Globally, only one-third of people who need spectacles actually receive them, as highlighted in WHO and United Nations discussions. 
• Lack of refractive care services and affordability gaps restrict access, especially in rural and low-income areas.

Key Features of the Initiative

• India Post acts as the lead implementing agency, selecting five post offices in Assam for the rollout.
  
• Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya (SSDN) provides technical and clinical guidance.
• WHO-India supports national and global coordination, linking the programme with global health agendas.
• VisionSpring supplies affordable, high-quality spectacles for the pilot phase.
• Spectacles will be delivered directly via post offices, reducing barriers to access.

The project was officially inaugurated by Abhishek Jain, Director of Postal Services, with senior representatives from WHO, SSDN and VisionSpring. 

This convergence of postal networks, health institutions, and international organisations aims to create a scalable model for nationwide expansion and potentially global replication.

Social Significance

• Expands eye-care access beyond traditional healthcare settings.
• Reduces the treatment gap for presbyopia, a condition common among people above 40.
• Strengthens India’s global leadership in low-cost, community-based healthcare delivery.

Exam Hook 

India Post recently launched a global-first initiative in Assam to distribute spectacles through which of the following channels?

MCQ 

Q. Consider the following statements regarding the “Post Office Delivers the Gift of Clear Vision” initiative:

1. It is a global-first pilot project launched by India Post in collaboration with WHO-India.
2. The initiative aims to distribute spectacles through post offices instead of healthcare centres.
3. Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya is the technical partner for the pilot.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d)

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