Vision-Aid, a Lexington, Massachusetts-based non-profit organization, marks its 20th anniversary in 2024. This milestone reflects its dedication to supporting the visually impaired in achieving independence through education and empowerment. The organization is set to be honored as the “Non-Profit Organization of the Year” at the New England Choice Awards gala on November 15, 2024. Held at the Burlington Marriott Hotel in Burlington, MA, the event will gather over 400 leaders from business, community, healthcare, and academia.
Vision-Aid operates with an all-volunteer U.S. team that includes a 15-member Board of Directors, a 15-member Board of Advisors, and a 6-member Council of Ambassadors. With additional volunteer support in India, Vision-Aid’s robust structure and approach make it a model for philanthropic organizations worldwide.
Mission and Unique Approach
The organization’s mission, described by board member Lalit Sudan, focuses on enabling, educating, and empowering the visually impaired. Vision-Aid partners with eye hospitals, blind schools, vision specialists, technology innovators, and various NGOs across India. This mission prioritizes underserved communities, offering rehabilitation services rather than corrective procedures such as cataract surgery.
“Many organizations focus on primary eye care, but very few globally prioritize rehabilitation for those with irreversible vision conditions,” Sudan explained. Vision-Aid’s work addresses blindness and low vision where sight cannot be restored, using a model of vision rehabilitation developed in collaboration with experts worldwide. This model is central to Vision-Aid’s holistic approach, helping clients regain independence through tailored rehabilitation.
Comprehensive Programs and Notable Initiatives
Vision-Aid’s network of resource centers facilitates rehabilitation services, providing skills that support independence and dignity. Sudan cited recent projects, including the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in rehabilitation, interventions for Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI) (a common cause of childhood blindness), and research in low-vision assessment. Each project reflects Vision-Aid’s commitment to innovation and leadership in the field.
Over the past 20 years, Vision-Aid has served more than 100,000 visually impaired individuals. The organization’s approach is customized to each person’s needs, as Sudan emphasized: “We provide individualized, tailored solutions; there is no one-size-fits-all answer in our rehabilitation services.”
Ambitious Plans for Growth
Vision-Aid aims to dramatically increase its impact over the next two decades. With the goal of creating a future where all visually impaired individuals in India can lead independent, productive lives, Vision-Aid plans to scale rapidly, with a target to reach another 100,000 people in just three years.
Looking ahead, Vision-Aid plans to expand its reach with free or affordable, state-of-the-art technological solutions, particularly in AI. This vision underscores the organization’s commitment to accessible support for those in need. As Sudan explained, “Our growth is accelerating. We aspire to meet our next 100,000 beneficiaries in just three years and anticipate exponential growth in years to come.”
Volunteer-Driven Leadership and Impact
The leadership team in the U.S. is entirely volunteer-based, with many members contributing significant time and expertise. Vision-Aid President Ramakrishna Raju, who founded the organization, holds advanced degrees in computer science and information management and has 30 years of experience in technology, specializing in machine learning and AI. Recognized with multiple awards for public service, Raju is committed to the organization’s mission, combining his technical expertise with his passion for volunteerism. “I believe in giving back,” Raju noted, reflecting on his service-driven life.
Revathy Ramakrishna, Co-Founder and Vice President, brings her background in electronics engineering and health informatics to Vision-Aid. Her professional work at Fresenius Medical Care complements her commitment to service, which spans roles with various organizations, including Shishu Bharati and Feeding America. Awarded for her contributions to the community, Revathy is also a classically trained singer, with a deep commitment to Vision-Aid’s mission of empowerment.
Vision-Aid’s Vice Chair, Veena Handa, has an extensive career in financial services, having worked with companies like MetLife and John Hancock Financial. Known for her mentorship and advocacy for career development, Handa has transitioned to volunteer work since her retirement in 2017, supporting organizations such as the Lexington Community Center and the “Sew We Care” team, which provided over 20,000 masks to frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Community Leadership and Dedication
Puran Dang, Chairman Emeritus of Vision-Aid, has been a community leader for over 50 years and has founded notable organizations worldwide, including the first IIT Alumni Association and the PAN-IIT initiative. Dedicated to helping the visually impaired, Dang continues to champion humanitarian causes, inspired by the support of his family. Reflecting on his work, Dang attributed his accomplishments to the unwavering support of his wife, Kamlesh. She has been deeply involved in Vision-Aid’s fundraising efforts, bringing a strong background in science and public health to her community engagement. Together, they exemplify Vision-Aid’s spirit of compassion and commitment to service.
Vision-Aid’s recognition at the New England Choice Awards marks a significant milestone for the organization, highlighting 20 years of dedication to improving lives through vision rehabilitation and empowerment.
