Coromandel International Ltd, India’s leading agri-inputs company, in collaboration with Sankara Netralaya Eye Hospital, rolled out a series of 10 eye health camps to address the healthcare challenges faced by the fishing community in Ennore. This initiative aims to provide accessible and essential eye care services to the fishermen and their families, who face significant barriers in accessing specialty healthcare due to time constraints and the lack of dedicated ophthalmology facilities in the region.
The community’s livelihood in Ennore is based on fishing during the morning hours, and net mending during the rest of the day – leaving the community with little time for hospital visits for checkups. Recognizing this pressing need, Coromandel partnered with Sankara Netralaya to bring comprehensive eye care services directly to the community. The eye camps, held at various locations in Ennore, are expected to benefit approximately 1,200 individuals, primarily between the ages of 40 and 65.
The initiative covers areas such as Periya Kuppam, Chinna Kuppam, Sivanpadai Veedhi, Thazhang kuppam, Ernavur Kuppam, Nettukuppam, Nehru Nagar, Kamaraj Nagar, Kamalamma Nagar, and Thazhangkuppam Quarters. Camps have already been successfully conducted in Periya Kuppam, Chinna Kuppam, and Sivanpadai Veedhi, with more planned in the coming weeks.
At each camp, a trained teleophthalmology team from Sankara Netralaya conducts comprehensive eye exams, early detection of eye conditions and provides follow-up care. Beneficiaries with vision deficiencies receive spectacles free of cost, within 20 days of the camp. Those identified with conditions such as cataract or fundus-related complaints are referred to Sankara Netralaya’s base hospital for free treatment, ensuring continuity of care for Below Poverty Line (BPL) families.
Speaking about the initiative, Arun Leslie George, President & CHRO Coromandel International, said, “At Coromandel, we firmly believe in creating a positive impact on the communities we serve. The eye care camp initiative is a reflection of our commitment to improving healthcare accessibility for the fishermen community in Ennore. By collaborating with Sankara Netralaya, we aim to address the unique challenges faced by this community and ensure they receive quality eye care without compromising their livelihood.”
The recent eye camp held at Thazhang kuppam was commenced in the presence of R. Shanmugam, Senior General Manager – Manufacturing, Unit Head, Jayagopal Chathur – Head Corporate Social Responsibility, and other key representatives from Coromandel International, including M. Kumar, Manager-HR, M. Vetrivel, AGM-Production, and S. Parameswaran, AGM – Mechanical Maintenance, emphasizing the company’s commitment to community welfare.
