Arclight and LVPEI Partner to Enhance Early Childhood Eye Care

Early diagnosis of childhood eye conditions such as cataract and retinoblastoma (eye cancer) is critical not only for preserving vision, but in some cases, for saving a child’s life. To strengthen early detection at the community level, the L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) has partnered with the Arclight Project, supported by Tata Trusts, to equip frontline healthcare workers in the aspirational districts of Kadapa and Alluri Seetharam Raju (Andhra Pradesh) and Bhdradri Kothagudem (Telangana) with the tools, skills, and confidence to identify serious eye conditions early.

As part of this initiative, LVPEI hosted Dr Andrew Blaikie for a “Train-the-Trainer” workshop in Hyderabad, combining structured learning with hands-on, field-oriented training. A key focus is red reflex screening, a simple yet powerful technique aligned with WHO newborn screening guidelines. Health workers are trained to detect abnormalities such as ‘asymmetry’ or a “white reflex,” which can indicate conditions like congenital cataracts or retinoblastoma.

Key Highlights:

–  Practical Training
The training is practical and accessible, enabling ANMs, ASHA workers, nurses, and medical officers to understand both the how and why of early screening. Through demonstrations, simulation, real-world practice, and follow-up field visits, they learn to use the device correctly, recognise warning signs, and ensure timely referrals while addressing common hesitations.

–  Leveraging the Pyramid Model
By integrating Arclight’s innovative teaching methods with LVPEI’s eye care pyramid model, the collaboration aims for a seamless referral pathway from primary care to advanced specialist services. This structured approach is reinforced by community coordinators, who play a vital role in guiding health workers during screenings, facilitating referrals, and coordinating with patient care teams to ensure timely access to treatment.

Central to this effort is the Arclight device—a portable, affordable, and durable ophthalmoscope designed for low-resource settings. Its “drop-proof,” solar-powered, battery-operated design eliminates dependence on electricity and fragile components, making it ideal for community use. With hybrid functionality as an ophthalmoscope, anterior segment loupe, and otoscope, it allows health workers to examine eyes and ears using a single, easy-to-use tool, enabling large-scale deployment even at the level of Vision Health Guardians.

–  Scalable Education
The initiative is further strengthened by LVPEI’s eye care pyramid model, which ensures that early detection at the community level connects seamlessly to specialised care. Community coordinators support screenings, guide Arclight use for infant examinations, facilitate referrals, and coordinate with care teams—acting as a vital bridge between grassroots workers and advanced care centres.

Way Forward:

Going forward, the collaboration aims to scale reach and sustainability by expanding screenings, conducting refresher training, strengthening referral pathways, and integrating newborn eye screening into routine government health systems.

By combining innovative technology, practical training, and a strong referral network, the TATA Trusts supported LVPEI–Arclight partnership is bridging a critical gap in early childhood eye care—bringing life-changing interventions closer to the communities that need them most.

Read more, here: https://arclightprojectshop.co.uk/blogs/news/improving-early-childhood-eye-care-in-india-arclight-and-lvpei