ASG to Launch 200 Tech-Enabled Vision Centers in Bihar, Expand Tele-Ophthalmology Access

The initiative also integrates telemedicine services for remote diagnostics and follow-ups, ensuring timely specialist care.

ASG Eye Hospital, one of India’s largest super-specialty eye-care chains, has signed an MoU with the State Health Society, Bihar (SHSB).

The partnership aims to set up 200 state-of-the-art Vision Centers across 38 districts under a public–private partnership (PPP) model — a first-of-its-kind initiative in primary eye care for India.

These Vision Centers will be integrated with Primary Health Centers, Community Health Centers, Sub-Divisional Hospitals, and Referral Hospitals, serving as the community’s first point of contact for eye health services.

Moreover, each Vision Center will be equipped with advanced diagnostic instruments including auto-refractometers, slit lamps, tonometers, and telemedicine-enabled systems to facilitate remote consultations with ASG’s network of senior ophthalmologists.

“The first 50 vision centres have already begun operations across Patna, Gaya, Hajipur, Katihar, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Bhagalpur, and Nalanda. The rest will be operational over the next 45 days to reach the target of 200 by mid-August,” ASG said in a release.

Dr Arun Singhvi, Managing Director and CEO, ASG Eye Hospital, said, “Not only does this project enable us to reach the economically disadvantaged class in Bihar, but it also creates a path for a replicable public health model that allows us to address the critical, unmet need of timely diagnostic intervention for these beneficiaries.”

“These timely check ups for highly treatable cases of refractive errors, cataract, glaucoma can save sight and lives. All of this will reduce load on tertiary hospitals and will reduce treatment costs for patients since it will be covered under the government run insurance programs like Ayushman Bharat and the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF), with over 40 lakh+ patients benefitting from this project in just the next 12 months, through subsidized surgeries, medicines, and prescription spectacles. We believe the impact of this project will truly embody our vision of enhancing vision, touching lives,” he added.

The model, equipped for scalability, enhances the role of existing government health infrastructure while minimizing capital expenditure, ASG added.

The initiative also integrates telemedicine services for remote diagnostics and follow-ups, ensuring timely specialist care.

Stay tuned for more such updates on Digital Health News