In a world where young people are usually focused on academics, social media, and hobbies, a 16-year-old from India has decided to tackle a critical issue impacting millions of workers. Instead of following the conventional path, this teenager has ventured into the field of healthcare, focusing on eye care for blue-collar workers—individuals who form the backbone of many industries, yet often go unnoticed and unsupported.

This story begins with a visit to a factory. Like any other teen, he accompanied his father to various construction sites and factories, initially just to observe. But what he saw changed his perspective forever. The workers he encountered were skilled, dedicated, and hard-working, yet they lacked basic resources, especially when it came to eye care. Many worked long hours under dim lights, performing tasks that required sharp vision, yet they were not equipped with protective eyewear or access to routine check-ups. As he continued to interact with them, he noticed a recurring theme: most of these workers were unaware of eye care practices and often couldn’t afford preventive healthcare. The result? Many developed avoidable vision problems that directly impacted their productivity and quality of life.

This young changemaker couldn’t stand by and watch. Inspired to create real change, he launched an initiative called Eye Care Equality, an organization dedicated to providing eye care services to blue-collar workers at no cost. The project was grounded in a simple but powerful belief: that everyone, regardless of their background, deserves access to basic healthcare.

The Birth of Eye Care Equality: From Idea to Action

Launching a healthcare initiative as a high school student is no easy task. With limited connections in the medical industry and no previous experience, he faced a steep learning curve. But his determination to make a difference pushed him forward. He started small, reaching out to local doctors and building a network of healthcare professionals who shared his vision. Together, they began visiting factories, construction sites, and schools to provide on-site eye exams, distribute reading glasses, and offer medical prescriptions when needed. If workers required more specialized treatment, they would receive a   prescription to access further care.

To him, simply raising awareness on social media wasn’t enough. He wanted to be on the ground, actively meeting people and addressing their needs in real time. Through this hands-on approach, he believed he could make a bigger impact and ensure that workers received the help they required, rather than relying solely on online campaigns that might only reach a limited audience.

Overcoming Challenges: Persistence in the Face of Obstacles

Building Eye Care Equality from scratch was anything but smooth. While he initially believed that factories would welcome his efforts, he quickly learned that gaining access to these workplaces required persistence and resilience. Cold-calling factory managers, sending countless emails, and relying on family connections were all part of his daily routine. He also had to handle logistical challenges—arranging transportation for his team, coordinating with doctors, and ensuring that necessary medical supplies like glasses and eye drops were readily available.

These initial challenges taught him valuable lessons about the importance of perseverance. Instead of feeling discouraged, he was motivated to keep pushing. Despite the numerous rejections and setbacks, he managed to secure partnerships with several factories and institutions willing to support his cause. His persistence and dedication helped him build a solid foundation for Eye Care Equality, which would later allow the organization to expand and make a substantial impact.

The Impact of Eye Care Equality: Real Lives Changed

Since its launch a year ago, Eye Care Equality has transformed the lives of over 2,000 workers. His team, which started with just one other volunteer, has grown to include 15 high school students, all committed to making a difference.

This teenager’s initiative goes beyond just distributing glasses. For many workers, it’s their first-ever eye exam. When these individuals discover they have a vision issue, they are often surprised, yet grateful for the help. His team’s efforts have not only improved their quality of life but have also shown the workers that they are valued and cared for.

The initiative has expanded across nine locations in four northern Indian states and raised approximately ₹370,000 ($4,500) to fund operations. His vision has even attracted media attention, with over ten national newspapers covering the organization’s work and the impact it has created. In recognition of his efforts, he was invited to speak at TEDxYouth at The Shriram Millennium School, where he shared the story behind Eye Care Equality and his journey as a young social entrepreneur.

Looking to the Future: A Vision for Nationwide Impact

With Eye Care Equality’s initial success, his vision has expanded. His goal is to take this initiative nationwide, reaching blue-collar workers across the country. By building partnerships and scaling operations, he hopes to make preventive eye care accessible to every worker, regardless of their financial situation. This ambition involves creating a model where Eye Care Equality can operate almost autonomously, with a sustainable system in place to provide ongoing support and resources.