Blindness is a huge problem. More than 2.2 billion people are affected worldwide (Source: World Health Organisation). In India, the situation is worse. 4.8 million people are blind. 29.2 million struggle to see. 

This affects work. It makes life harder. It costs India ₹1158 billion each year. And women are more at risk. They’re 35% more likely to lose their sight because of social and biological reasons. 

The Stark Reality: A Preventable Crisis

80% of visual impairments are preventable.

That means 8 out of 10 people who lose their sight don’t need to.

Take Munishwaran, 12, from Tamil Nadu. He was born with vision impairment and congenital cataract, which was detected at an eye-screening camp by Sankara Eye Hospital. He had surgery on both eyes and saw clearly for the first time in 12 years.

80% of visual impairments are avoidable—simple, cost-effective solutions can restore sight and transform lives. 

With affordable treatments like cataract surgery, corrective lenses, and early diabetic retinopathy care, most visual impairments can be prevented. But millions still suffer.

The Power of Storytelling

This is part of our illustrated series on social issues.

We wanted to focus on the people behind the numbers.

‘Our goal was to mix facts with feelings,’ says Simit Bhagat, Founder of Simit Bhagat Studios. ‘Using powerful pictures, we want to make people notice. To help them understand the problem.’

A Call to Action

India’s eye care community is growing. But it needs more.

We need everyone – the government, nonprofits, and medical professionals – to work together.

We need better eye care services. And more people need regular check-ups.

This isn’t just about treating blindness. It’s about restoring dignity and hope.

At Simit Bhagat Studios, we create illustrated stories that bring social impact issues to life. Reach out to us today to turn your social impact into an illustrated story.