Jhansi: Shri Sadguru Seva Sangh Trust (SSSST) and Standard Chartered on Saturday jointly launched the Standard Chartered–Sadguru Eye Care Education Academy in Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh.The academy aims to train more than 20,000 eye care professionals over the next three years, with a special focus on empowering women from underprivileged rural backgrounds.It was inaugurated by Madhya Pradesh deputy chief minister Rajendra Shukla in the presence of former UPSC member Rajiv Nayan Choubey, Standard Chartered India’s head of sustainability Karuna Bhatia, and SSSST director and executive trustee Dr Elesh Jain, along with other dignitaries.Speaking on the occasion, Rajendra Shukla said the academy marks a significant step towards developing skilled human resources in ophthalmology and eye care. Dr Elesh Jain said the academy will offer residential and short-term training programmes for ophthalmologists, allied ophthalmic personnel, community health workers and eye care managers. Training will be delivered through simulation-based skill laboratories and digital learning platforms.Officials said women will account for at least half of the total strength of trainees in ophthalmology and management courses, while over 70% of students enrolled in allied ophthalmic programmes will be women.Graduates of long-term allied health and management courses will be assured employment, primarily within Sadguru Netra Chikitsalaya’s extensive rural healthcare network.
