Empowering Rural Girls Through Vision, Skills, and Self-Reliance
At SVNM Super Speciality Eye Hospital, we believe that true sight goes beyond eyesight — it’s about opportunity, dignity, and empowerment.
The Drashti Mitra Project is a flagship initiative designed to turn this belief into action.
· What is Drashti Mitra?
Drashti Mitra is a unique “Earn and Learn” program that identifies and trains young girls from underserved rural areas — girls who often have limited access to education, employment, or growth opportunities.
Over a period of 4 years, these girls are trained to become professional Ophthalmic Assistants, gaining hands-on experience in various aspects of eye care including:
- Vision screening
- OPD and patient assistance
- Operating theatre support
- Optical dispensing
- Counselling and community outreach
Throughout the program, they earn a stipend, making them financially self-sufficient while learning a valuable lifelong skill.
· A Path to Empowerment
The Drashti Mitra Project is not just about professional training — it’s about transforming lives. Through this initiative, young women:
- Gain meaningful employment
- Support their families with pride
- Grow in confidence, communication, and compassion
- Become role models in their communities
· Post-Completion Opportunities
Upon successful completion of the program, participants are offered opportunities to work as certified Ophthalmic Assistants at:
- SVNM Super Speciality Eye Hospital
- SVNM Vision Centres across Gujarat
- Partnering Eye Hospitals and NGOs nationwide
Some may even continue their education or choose to specialize further within the ophthalmic field.
· A Vision for Their Future — And Ours
Drashti Mitra is more than a training program. It’s a movement to empower the next generation of rural women, improve healthcare delivery, and create a network of community-rooted vision warriors.
By training girls to restore sight in others, we help them find direction, purpose, and dignity in their own lives.
When we empower a girl, we don’t just change her life — we illuminate an entire family, a village, a future.
The Team Members of Drasti Mitra Project..
