Global Philanthropic Report 2019 - SECT, VKF & Go2C

Background
The need for affordable yet good quality spectacles in rural and unserved regions of India is
massive. In a country whose population lives predominantly in rural regions, accessibility and
affordability of healthcare products and services, such as eyecare, remains an issue.
About Aloka
The “Aloka Vision Program” initiated and supported by Carl Zeiss, aims to change the landscape
of vision care in such areas through an entrepreneurial network, technology, innovation, quality
spectacles, and raising awareness about the benefits of clear vision. Local entrepreneurs are
trained in basic eyecare, screening of people, dispensing of spectacles, as well as in
entrepreneurial skills. This training in screening people, dispensing spectacles, and
entrepreneurial skills will be done by Zeiss’ experts, with an emphasis on quality. Aloka thus
helps locals to earn a livelihood or add this business to their existing livelihood. Using technology,
the Aloka entrepreneurs will be connected to an optometrist, which ensures high quality
screening and service to the rural customer.
Zeiss’ technology solutions ensure smooth refraction and vision test, instant order placement,
ophthalmological support, and transparency across the entire value chain. The model also helps
entrepreneurs leave behind the hassles of maintaining an inventory and helps widen their reach
to serve more with quality healthcare, as Zeiss completely takes care of this and deploys solutions
to maintain inventory and track dispensing. In this manner, Aloka entrepreneurs can focus on
serving their customers and the development of their own business.
Zeiss also helps provide branding and marketing support and use a technology solution to
instantly place spectacle orders for quick processing and delivery. Though Zeiss doesn’t expect
any returns, Aloka is not designed to be a philanthropic activity but as a sustainable venture for
all involved, especially for the entrepreneur.
Our Involvement
As Go2C serves as an advisor to Zeiss, helping them find sustainable initiatives through which
they can improve rural healthcare, we explored the possibility to synergise with them in Balasore
district, where our partners Odisha Nirman and Yuva Vikas work. With the help of Mauna Dhwani
Foundation (who is one of our NGO partners), approximately 16 people have been trained
as Aloka Vision Entrepreneurs in two batches. They are currently in the process of receiving their
certifications.
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