Aakkam Navigate
Aakkam Vision is a transformative initiative by the Aakkam Foundation aimed at ensuring accessible eye care services for communities in need. Recognizing the profound impact of clear vision on individual well-being and societal progress, this project is dedicated to empowering individuals, particularly school children, to embrace life with clarity, confidence, and dignity.
Project Designed & Lead by: Sherin Suresh
Designation: Student, Karunya Institute of Technology & Science, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.
About me:
My name is Sherin, and I am a dedicated optometry student with a profound passion for enhancing vision and artistic expression. Throughout my academic journey, I have immersed myself in the science of vision care, refining my expertise in refraction techniques and patient services. My ultimate goal is to empower individuals to experience the world with clarity, both visually and metaphorically. Driven by a deep empathy for others, I have actively pursued initiatives to raise awareness about healthy eye habits and combat digital eye strain within my college community. This commitment to public health and education underscores my dedication to making a meaningful impact in the field of optometry.
Art has always been a source of inspiration and creative fulfillment for me. Whether wielding a paintbrush or contributing to mural projects like the Gandhipuram murals in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India; I find joy in exploring and expressing myself artistically. This passion has led me to establish myself as a small entrepreneur, specializing in captivating wall art for cafés and personalized portrait drawings. I am fueled by a desire to serve others and bridge the gap between healthcare and artistry. With a heart dedicated to both fields, I am committed to finding innovative ways to integrate my passions and create positive change in the lives of those around me.
Why I designed Aakkam Vision
My mission is to make a positive difference in the world, one clear vision at a time. During recent eye screening camps held in various schools, I was deeply struck by the prevalence of uncorrected vision issues among young children. Witnessing this firsthand has strengthened my resolve to ensure that young minds have the opportunity to see the world clearly.
Now, my sole objective is to ensure that every child has access to the vision care they need to unlock their full potential. That’s why I’ve conceived Aakkam Vision, a program designed to address this critical need. Aakkam Foundation provides the ideal platform for me to merge my passion for optometry with my commitment to helping others.
Objectives
Conduct impactful eye screening camps: Aakkam Vision organizes comprehensive eye screening camps in underserved communities to identify individuals with visual impairments and provide early interventions.
Provide access to corrective spectacles: Through collaboration with optometrists and eyewear providers, the project ensures that individuals in need receive quality corrective spectacles tailored to their requirements.
Empower school children: A core focus of Aakkam Vision is to empower school children by addressing vision-related barriers to learning and participation. By providing them with the necessary eyewear, the project enables children to fully engage with educational opportunities and unlock their academic potential.
Infuse services with compassion: Central to the ethos of Aakkam Vision is the infusion of all eye care services with compassion and empathy. Volunteers and healthcare professionals are committed to treating each individual with dignity and respect, ensuring that they feel valued and supported throughout the process.
Impact:
Improved quality of life
By addressing vision impairments, Aakkam Vision contributes to enhancing the overall quality of life for individuals, enabling them to participate more fully in daily activities and social interactions.
Academic success: Providing corrective spectacles to school children helps remove barriers to learning, leading to improved academic performance and increased educational attainment.
Community empowerment: Aakkam Vision empowers communities by providing access to essential eye care services, thereby fostering a sense of self-reliance and collective well-being.
Long-term sustainability: Through partnerships with local stakeholders and ongoing community engagement, the project aims to establish sustainable mechanisms for the continued provision of eye care services in underserved areas.
Vision Statment
We envision a society where immigrant families feel supported and empowered, creating a ripple effect of mutual support and understanding within the community. By helping families adapt, we believe they will in turn uplift one another, fostering a culture where everyone helps each other to thrive, creating a stronger, more compassionate, and unified society.
Mission Statement
Our mission at AAKKAM Foundation is to empower immigrant families by providing the resources, guidance, and community support they need to navigate their new environment. We strive to foster a sense of belonging, equip families with essential skills, and ensure their seamless integration into society, promoting inclusivity and opportunities for all.
Project Team
Deetya
Team Member
Saanvia
Team Member
Rithika
Team Member
Anushka
Team Member
Yuvtte
Team Member