BlindWalk
The Concept
BlindWalk is a novel idea developed by Project Vision to express solidarity with the visually challenged people with the caption ‘Feel Being Blind’. Through this experience people are motivated to donate their eyes. Conducted in US, China, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Dubai and India, it is the largest eye donation campaign in the world and is part of the eye donation movement started by Project Vision.
The specialty of BlindWalk is that it blindfolds sighted people and takes them on a Walk in public place. Started with the first BlindWalk on M. G. Road in Bangalore in 2014, about 500 BlindWalks have been conducted so far.
The most touching aspect of the BlindWalk is that it is led by visually challenged people. While they walk in the front with their white canes, the blindfolded participants hold on to them to find their way.
The second objective is to create Vision Ambassadors. Despite having pledges done, most people are not able to take steps for actual donation when a death happens in the family. Vision Ambassadors help coordinate with the deceased family and the Eye Bank.
Third objective is to break the myths surrounding eye donations. Anyone can donate their eyes. There is no age limit. People with diseases can also donate. The face will not be disfigured. Eye donation can be done at home through a simple procedure.
Blind Walk 2021
4th Oct. Second Thursday – WORLD SIGHT DAY
BlindWalks organised in multiple locations in Karnataka, Kerala and Chandigarh to express solidarity with the 40 million visually challenged people globally. Participants pledged to donate their eyes to give them sight.
‘Love Your Eyes’ – theme for this year’s World Sight Day.
Care and protect your eyes. — Project Vision Team
Blind Walk 2019
BlindWalk is the largest eye donation program in the world. The campaign expresses solidarity with visually challenged people while promoting eye donation across India.
More than 200 BlindWalks were planned across India and a few abroad in 2019. Large number of social, educational, health and religious groups participated to support the cause.
Blind Walk 2018
The World BlindWalk 2018 was conducted in five countries across 250 locations with about 100,000 participants, most of whom pledged to donate their eyes.
Former Chief Justice of India Shri Venkatachellaih flagged off the Bangalore BlindWalk from St. Joseph’s School with 800 people participating.
The walk ended at the Samsung Opera with participants pledging to support the visually challenged and donate their eyes.
Blind Walk 2017
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Blind Walk 2016
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Blind Walk 2015
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Blind Walk 2014
Bengaluru hosted the first ever BlindWalk in 2014, from MG Road Metro Station to Bal Bhavan in Cubbon Park with over 600 participants.
Chief Commissioner of Persons with Disabilities Shri Prasanna Kumar Pincha flagged off the event, experiencing the walk as a visually challenged person.
The walk covered more than a kilometer, ending with an oath to donate eyes and several cultural performances by visually challenged artistes.