redBus, India’s largest online bus ticketing platform, has partnered with MakeMyTrip Foundation and VisionSpring Foundation to conduct health screenings for bus drivers across India. The screenings aimed to identify vision impairments and other health issues associated with the onset of diabetes, with the goal of promoting road safety and ensuring the well-being of bus drivers and bus operator staff.
The screenings were conducted by qualified professionals from VisionSpring at 70 different camps in convenient locations across Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Pune. Patients diagnosed with vision impairment were provided with free eyeglasses, while those requiring hospital intervention were redirected to hospitals for treatment at subsidized rates through VisionSpring’s backward integration with various hospitals.
Manoj Agarwala, Chief Business Officer at redBus, emphasized the importance of the well-being of bus drivers who spend long hours on the road. He stated that through the “Mission Vision” initiative, they aim to provide drivers with access to free eye tests and diabetes screenings to identify potential health issues early on and prevent long-term damage. Agarwala expressed gratitude to VisionSpring for their partnership in ensuring the well-being of their partner bus operator’s workforce.
The initiative addresses the often overlooked health parameters of diabetes and vision care for bus drivers. Due to their frequent travels and erratic schedules, bus drivers rarely have enough time to get themselves tested. Approximately 4,000 bus drivers and staff members participated in the screenings, with 2,277 eyeglasses provided free of cost, 96% of whom were first-time wearers.
The response to the tests was overwhelming, with participants visiting the camps in large numbers. Anshu Taneja, Managing Director at VisionSpring India, expressed delight in partnering with redBus and MakeMyTrip Foundation for this initiative, providing drivers with access to free eye and diabetes screenings. Taneja stated that at VisionSpring, they believe that everyone deserves access to quality eyewear, and this initiative aligns with their mission to create a world where everyone can see clearly. They hope that this initiative will raise awareness about the importance of regular health screenings and encourage more people to take charge of their health.