Etisalat donates 3,000 spectacles at Dansala in partnership with SOMS

Leading mobile telecommunication innovator Etisalat Lanka gave away over 3,300 spectacles at a unique Vesak Dansala conducted during the season. Etisalat provided 3,342 spectacles to financially challenged Sri Lankans, who are unable to afford the services of an optometrist and lenses.

In partnership with the non- governmental organization So Others May See Inc. (SOMS), Etisalat conducted the Vesak Dansala, themed 'Bringing Hope, Giving Sight' under Etisalat's Corporate Social Responsibility banner.

This unique drive was held from 24 to 26th May 2013, at the Etisalat Flagship Store premises on Galle Road, Colombo 03, not only attracted individuals from Colombo, but from across the country, including areas such as Galle, Pelmadulla, Anuradhapura and Kurunegala. This unique spectacle dansala attracted over 3400 individuals over the three days. Free eye screenings by optometrists were also conducted prior to the free spectacle give away.

Expressing his thoughts on this initiative Director/ CEO of Etisalat Lanka, Dumindra Ratnayaka said, "This project helped us identify low-income groups in need of spectacles and assist them with an opportunity of a lifetime. The joy and elation brought out by this project has motivated us to continue in future projects similar to this". Commenting on this initiative Founder and President of SOMS Ashanthi Mathai said, "Our vision is to eliminate avoidable blindness in the world. This is the first time that we partnered with a corporation to conduct a Dansala of this nature, and it turned out to be a huge success. We are proud to be a part of this unique initiative and to have been able to reach and serve so many people with Etisalat".

Fifteen optometrist stations and close to 19 optometrists were deployed on site to assist with pre-screening, and oversee issuance of approximately 900 reading glasses on the spot, while over 100 employees of Etisalat volunteered (per day) to assist with their time and effort to this massive drive. Custom-made spectacles will be given approximately two to three weeks after the Clinic and could be collected from one of the 30 Etisalat franchise locations closet to the patient.

"We collected contributions from our staff for this initiative, and they were very eager to be a part of this effort. During the three days the Dansala was held we had at least 100 employees representing various departments, each day, to assist with the activities at the premises. We are extremely happy to be a part of this worthy cause as a leading corporate in the country. We believe this unique initiative was a success and it was reflected in the feedback we received", says Senior Manager Brand Marketing, Prepaid, Etisalat, Shameel Bishri.

Uncorrecte refractive errors are a surprisingly widespread problem in all districts across Sri Lanka. According to estimates about 800,000 of the population suffer from moderate to severe visual impairment and urgently need eye aids, however, a much larger number requires refractive error correction. There are 3 million prebyopic adults requiring reading glasses. And, 100,000 are estimated to be blind from cataracts.