January 10, 2011
Approximately 8 million individuals in India suffer from some form of visual impairment. Many are born with cataracts, loss of vision or lack eyes entirely. Blindness is a serious problem, with this number steadily rising every year. Over 75 per cent of these cases are easily preventable but are a result of a severe shortage of eye care and optometrists. The Kolkata Blind School located in Behala offers specialized education from kindergarten through grade 12. The primary goal of the school is to provide students with knowledge and skills necessary to be independent. This educational institution provides services to help in this rehabilitation process. Founded in 1894 by Lal Behari Shah, who also introduced the Braille press to the country, the Kolkata Blind School is the oldest institution of its kind in the region.
