RFP - Rapid Assessment of Visual Impairment (RAVI) and KAP survey in Nabarangpur District, Odisha

Background:

Vision impairment (VI), including blindness, represents a significant global public health crisis, with low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) bearing the greatest burden. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 2.2 billion people worldwide suffer from near or distance vision impairment, with nearly half of these cases being preventable or treatable [1]. In response to this growing challenge, WHO launched its inaugural World Report on Vision in October 2019, highlighting the urgent need for scalable eye care solutions [2]. India, home to the world’s second-largest population, faces a particularly severe VI crisis, with an estimated 4.8 million blind individuals and 74 million people living with vision impairment [3]. The leading causes— cataract and uncorrected refractive errors (URE)—account for a majority of cases, underscoring the need for targeted, region-specific interventions. Given India’s vast demographic and geographic diversity, localized, reliable data is essential to design effective public health strategies.

To address these critical gaps, Rapid Assessment of Vision Impairment (RAVI) surveys have emerged as a cost-effective and efficient alternative to traditional, resource intensive epidemiological studies. These surveys serve dual purposes: providing essential baseline data while enabling progress monitoring toward global eye care targets, including effective cataract surgical coverage and refractive error correction. Although RAVI surveys have been implemented across southern, western, central, northern, and eastern India, significant gaps persist - particularly in underserved regions of Nabarangpur district where comprehensive data remains lacking. Expanding these assessments is crucial for equitable eye care planning and targeted resource allocation, as they effectively identify visual impairment burdens and inform evidence-based interventions. Recognizing that eye health is fundamental to overall wellbeing yet remains inaccessible for many rural and marginalized communities.

Study objectives:

1. To assess the prevalence of blindness, severe visual impairment and moderate visual impairment among people aged 40 years and above in Jhargram district of West Bengal.

2. To determine the main causes of blindness and visual impairment.

3. To assess the spectacle coverage for refractive errors & presbyopia and determine the barriers and facilitating factors responsible for uptake of spectacles.

4. To determine the prevalence of aphakia and/or pseudophakia and cataract surgical coverage in this area.

5. To assess the knowledge, attitude and practices towards the update of eye health services in the district

How to apply

Interested agency must provide an expression of interest with a subject line: “Rapid Assessment of Visual Impairment (RAVI) Survey, Nabarangpur District, Odisha”. The proposals contain information indicating their qualification to perform the service (brochures/company profile, description of similar assignments, experience in similar territories, etc.). The proposals (technical and financial proposals) for this EOI should be submitted via following email, in sealedbids@sightsaversindia.org latest by 8th July 2025.

To download the proposal, click here: Rapid Assessment of Visual Impairment (RAVI) Survey, Nabarangpur District, Odisha

Tags Disability and Inclusion Advocacy Others