The Etisalat spectacle dansala held for the third consecutive year saw the distribution of over 4,000 spectacles during this Poson season. Etisalat Lanka in partnership with So Others May See Inc. (SOMS), a non-government organisation, has worked closely together in conducting this programme under Etisalat’s corporate social responsibility banner to provide spectacles and essential eye care services from skilled optometrists, for deserving individuals.

Funds for Etisalat ‘Mission for Vision’ 2015 were donated by Etisalat Lanka staff and business partners as personal contributions, which were matched one-to-one by the organisation under the patronage of the CEO and top management. A noteworthy addition this year is that for the first time, this worthy initiative was open for contributions from Etisalat subscribers who participated eagerly towards bringing hope and sight to fellow Sri Lankans. Donations were collected through a special SMS code, donation coupons and cash contributions.

Held in Kurunegala, the Etisalat spectacle dansala attracted over 4,000 individuals from across the country, including the districts of Kurunegala, Matale, Kegalle, Anuradhapura and Chilaw. Also joining the cause was over 150 employees of Etisalat who volunteered to assist the spectacle dansala with their time and effort. Over 60 optometrist stations and 88 optometrists were deployed on site to assist with pre-screening and extensive vision testing. Two thousand eight hundred prescriptions were recorded for custom-made spectacles while over 1,200 pairs of reading glasses were distributed on site.

According to ‘Vision 2020 Sri Lanka’, the national programme for prevention of avoidable blindness, it is estimated that approximately 800,000 of the population suffer from moderate to severe visual impairment and are in critical need and support for proper eye care; for which Etisalat Lanka is glad to contribute through its ‘Mission for Vision’ initiative.