Focus on elderly and people with mobility challenges

Hyderabad, 17 October 2024: L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) and Standard Chartered Bank have partnered to launch “LVPEI@Home”, at-home eye care service, aimed at delivering comprehensive eye care directly to patients’ doorsteps. This initiative is a key part of the Bank’s commitment under the “Seeing is Believing” programme to enhance access to quality eye healthcare, especially for the elderly and those with mobility challenges.

The United Nations Population Fund’s India Ageing Report 2023 highlights the growing elderly population in India, with 149 million people aged 60 and above – a number expected to double to 347 million by 2050. Given this demographic shift, innovative healthcare models like LVPEI@Home, which will operate from Dr Kallam Anji Reddy Campus, Hyderabad, and several other locations across LVPEI network, are crucial to meet the increasing demand for elderly care and reduce the strain on conventional healthcare infrastructure.

LVPEI@Home services can be scheduled via a phone call to the institute. A trained vision technician or optometrist then visits the patient’s home and performs a comprehensive eye examination, involving:

• Taking history details, Torch Light Examination and Refraction Check
• Anterior Segment Examination and Intraocular Pressure Check; Fundus Evaluation to see the Inner Eye
• Ultrasound B-Scan, visual field test, Pupil-X and retinal OCT (based on requirement)
• Asynchronous tele-consultation with a doctor at LVPEI
• A detailed e-medical report with observations, diagnosis, management plan, prescription (if any), details of next visit are sent to patient’s registered phone number. It is also integrated to eyeSmart (the electronic medical record), to ensure continuity of eye care. If the eye condition necessitates a further investigation or surgery, the same is fast-tracked at the nearest LVPEI centre.
• AI-enabled screening for diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma
• For those keen to have the prescribed glasses delivered at home, it is facilitated via LVPEI’s optical services. Provision of no cost spectacles for the eligible underprivileged elderly
• Cataract surgeries at no cost for eligible patients

Through the ‘Seeing is Believing’ programme which focusses on tackling avoidable blindness, Standard Chartered Bank supports LVPEI’s mission to extend its reach and provide essential eye care services to underserved communities and the urban and rural elderly populations.

Karuna Bhatia, Head of Sustainability, Standard Chartered Bank, India, said, “We recognise the importance of making quality healthcare accessible to everyone and are strategically building capability in the eye care sector. Our partnership with LVPEI is a significant step towards bridging the gap in eye care services, particularly for the elderly. As part of this support, we are committed to supporting sustainable healthcare solutions that empower communities and improve overall well-being.”

Standard Chartered’s ‘Seeing is Believing’ programme celebrated its 21^st anniversary this World Sight Day. Launched in India in 2003, the programme has reached over 15 million Indians, with a further commitment to take it to 18 million over next 3 years through strategic collaborations and initiatives.

Dr Prashant Garg, Executive Chairman-LVPEI, said, “LVPEI@Home is in alignment with LVPEI’s strategic initiative to take eye care closer to the doorstep of people. It is an evolution of and innovation in eyecare delivery, in tune with the needs of the population.”

Dr Suryasnata Rath, Network Director – Operations, LVPEI, on the occasion shared, “LVPEI@Home makes expert ophthalmic eye care available right at the patient’s doorstep. It was first piloted during the COVID pandemic to ensure continuity of care for patients, particularly elderly patients with sight-threatening eye diseases, unable to access LVPEI centres.”

For further information please contact:

Rahul Virkar
Head – External Communications
Standard Chartered Bank, India
Email: rahul.virkar@sc.com

Aneetha Kanukolanu
Associate Director – Communications
L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad,
Email: aneetha.kanukolanu@lvpei.org

About Standard Chartered

Standard Chartered Bank has been operating in India with a continuous presence of over 165 years making it one of the oldest foreign banks in the country. The Bank has a network of 100 branches across 43 cities. Key business segments include Corporate and Investment Banking and Wealth and Retail Banking. For more information, visit https://www.sc.com/in/

Globally, we are a leading international banking group, with a presence in 53 of the world’s most dynamic markets and serving clients in a further 64. Our purpose is to drive commerce and prosperity through our unique diversity, and our heritage and values are expressed in our brand promise, here for good.

Standard Chartered PLC is listed on the London and Hong Kong stock exchanges.

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About L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI)

Established in 1987, with the vision,” to create excellent and equitable eye care systems that reach all those in need,” the L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI), a comprehensive eye health facility, is a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Prevention of Blindness.

In pursuance of this vision, LVPEI clinicians and scientists work at the cutting edge of eye research. Through its five-tier ‘‘Eye Health Pyramid’ model, it has till date offered over 36.89 million services (3 crores 68 lakh services), with more than 50% entirely free of cost, irrespective of the complexity of care needed. LVPEI is the world leader in corneal transplants with 50 K completed as of August 2024.  For further information, visit the Institute’s website, www.lvpei.org.