VISION 2020: The Right to Sight – INDIA was formally launched on 26 May, 2004. The first national secretariat was established at LAICO, Madurai, Tamil Nadu and was inaugurated by Dr.G.Venkataswamy or Dr V, as he is popularly known. The first president of the national forum was Mr R D Thulasiraj. The process for the shape of the forum and its role began a year before its formation – in 2003.
January 2003
It was in January 2003 that around 50 key INGOs and NNGOs working in eye care in India held a workshop in collaboration with the government from 27th to 30th January at L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad. The aim was to discuss the role of each one of them in VISION 2020 and National Program for Control of Blindness (NPCB). The national meet acknowledged the commitment of the Government of India to the NPCB and also resolved to create Vision 2020 India forum at the national level. As a first step, a national level Steering Committee was formed.
April 2003
The Steering Committee of VISION 2020 – INDIA forum met for the first time at the Dr RP Centre, AIIMS in New Delhi on 25th April to initiate the process of incorporation of VISION 2020 INDIA with the initial partnership support from the founder members consisting of 7 INGOs and 3 NNGOs. The meeting also discussed national mapping, State launches and other deliverables.
July 2003
The second meeting of Steering Committee for VISION 2020 – INDIA was held at Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Medical Science, Bangalore on 24th July. The meeting discussed the progress in incorporation of VISION 2020 India with a greater clarity about the founder members, types of other membership, governing council, location and programs and activities for VISION 2020 India.
September 2003
The third meeting of Steering Committee of VISION 2020- INDIA was held on 28th September at Hyderabad to discuss resource support for the forum in particular and resources for programs in general besides incorporation process.
March 2004
The fourth Steering Committee meeting of VISION 2020 – INDIA met on 17 March at Dr. R.P. Centre AIIMS, New Delhi to review the progress of the incorporation, appointing CEO for VISION 2020 India and had formal election of office bearers for VISION 2020- INDIA ‘S incorporation. The Steering Committee was dissolved.
May 2004
The VISION 2020- INDIA was incorporated under Tamil Nadu Society Act. at Madurai. The national forum became functional with the joining of Executive Director at LAICO premises at Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
July 2004
The VISION 2020 – INDIA national secretariat was set up at LAICO premises, Madurai and was inaugurated by Dr.G.Venkataswamy.
October 2004
In October 2004, the World Sight Day by VISION 2020 -INDIA was observed in partnership with Government of India.
R D Thulasiraj
1st President of VISION 2020 – INDIA
Executive Director
LAICO Aravind Eye Care System
VISION 2020 – the Right to Sight: INDIA when it came into existence over a decade ago, filled an important void in eye care in India.
It became the much needed platform for the NGO eye care institutions as well as the INGOs involved in eye care program development to share, learn and contribute more effectively to the National Program for Control of Blindness.
Over the years VISION 2020 INDIA has grown and contributed in many different ways – distilling best practices and sharing them; working with the government in the development of national plans and information system; bringing to government’s attention what is not working well in a responsible manner and helping in its resolution; becoming a resource organization by pooling in the collective experience of its members. In essence, VISION 2020 India has been able to create synergy with government as well as amongst its members.