Aloka Vision Programme: Social business, not charity

_{Article first published: October 2023}

The core idea of Aloka as a social business, to create a self-sustaining and self-growing project, is working after several changes in the supply chain and business model, with ZEISS in the role of driving program development, developing new technologies and onboarding new partners. Every month, 60-80,000 patients are served through Aloka, with some interruptions due to the monsoon season or festivals.

Why sell glasses and not give them away? Serving patients as clients and not as beneficiaries includes their right to quality, proper counseling and available services in their community. The barriers to eye care in rural areas are the lack of eye care professionals for eye exams and vision testing, and the high cost of getting eyeglasses, including the loss of a day's wages, travel costs, and buying eyeglasses at the nearest optical shop. With Aloka, we bring optometrists and ophthalmologists to the villages and provide glasses and service at a fraction of the cost of eye care at the nearest available optical shop. This makes eye and vision care available, affordable and accessible to underserved communities. Proceeds are used to expand the program and generate income for local NGOs and health workers who continue to support the program with essential work: raising awareness of clear and healthy vision, mobilizing communities, and building trust in Aloka's services.

Results of customer calls 4-6 weeks after purchase show that more than 95% are very satisfied or satisfied with Aloka's services, products and pricing, and compliance with spectacle use averages 78%. In 2022/23, we conducted telephone interviews with 21,226 Aloka customers, learning important things about local needs, customer satisfaction and desired activities for further program development.

Another expression of respect for patients is quality: adherence to eye exam and vision testing standards, staff qualifications and product quality. Any compromise in quality is followed by lower acceptance and compliance with spectacle wear or referral for medical treatment. In addition to the likely disappointment of patients, the consequences of poor quality should affect the efficiency, effectiveness, and impact of the entire program.

Research shows that a significant portion of a program's effort is spent on awareness, mobilization, infrastructure, and logistics in underserved areas. Joining forces with organizations and teams that are strong in these areas, with the eye care and vision care capabilities of a company like ZEISS and the expert team of Aloka, multiplies the impact for the simple reason that everyone bringing their best to the table dramatically increases efficiency and reduces costs. The more we can do with the available resources of team power, time, supply chain and money. Partnerships are key. As is the sharing of practices and experiences to avoid mistakes and make the most of lessons learned and the different expertise of partners.

And, sustainability matters. Clear, healthy vision must last a lifetime. So should eye care. Therefore, each program should provide frequent and reliable service in the selected region. One-time activities are disappointing to people, not beneficial to public health, and usually a waste of time, money, and acceptance.

Aloka has been operational in India since 2015. The team is based in Bengaluru, Karnataka for all field operations, partner relations, supply chain and program development. Today it is led by Dr. Premjeeth Moodbidri with a core team of optometrists and back-office staff. It is supported by the Optometry Council of India, students from optometry colleges, Lions Club volunteers, ophthalmologists, health workers - and our partners: non-governmental organizations committed to promoting clear vision for all.

The entire operation is set up as an independent entity, initiated and supported by ZEISS, but self-governed and working as a partnership network for NGOs, hospitals, and institutions. The Aloka Vision Program is part of ZEISS' social engagement and social business strategy and has been established to contribute to the sustainability goals of the ZEISS Group, which include a commitment to eye care and public health.