IVI Launches ‘Ocean to Vision’ Sustainability Campaign

India Vision Institute (IVI), launched the Ocean to Vision sustainability campaign that brings together recycling and community action to make eye care more environmentally responsible.

Launched at the Neelangarai fishing community here by the French Ambassador to India, H.E. Thierry Mathou, the campaign will recycle discarded fishing nets and other plastic into spectacle frames, collect and refurbish donated eyewear through optical outlets for distribution to people in need, and guide optical outlets to save energy, improve packaging choices and reduce waste.

Spectacle frames made from ocean-plastic waste were provided to fisherfolk previously vision-screened and found to have uncorrected refractive error.

Thierry Mathou said, “I congratulate India Vision Institute on this meaningful initiative. Turning waste into eyewear will provide clear sight without adding to environmental harm. It is innovation with purpose, and we are honoured to see France’s partnership in this initiative.”

D. Viswanathan, Chairman, Standing Committee on Education, Greater Chennai Corporation, and Mathiyalagan, Sholinganallur DMK Zonal Secretary, were among those present.

IVI’s CEO Vinod Daniel said, “Ocean to Vision is a simple idea with practical benefits. We will turn ocean-bound plastic into sturdy frames, put idle eyewear back to use, and help optical practices cut waste. This is about better vision for underserved communities and better care for the environment.”

“We thank Bourbon Offshore and Plastic Odyssey for making the collection and recycling possible, and Titan Eye Plus for inviting customers to donate unused spectacles at select stores for refurbishment and reuse,” he added.

Christelle Loisel, Communications & CSR Director, Bourbon Offshore, said “We are delighted to support India Vision Institute in developing this sustainability-focused initiative. By tackling two major issues - plastic pollution in our oceans and access to eye care for underprivileged communities - IVI is already making a strong impact, and the program’s early success points to even greater results. At Bourbon Offshore, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting the environment and advancing the socio-economic development of local communities by supporting locally led, sustainable initiatives.”

Simon Bernard, CEO and Co-Founder, Plastic Odyssey, said, “This initiative shows what collaboration can do. It is inspiring to see ideas and prototypes turn into concrete action. Transforming discarded fishing nets into eyewear that improves people’s vision gives waste a new purpose and creates a positive impact for communities.”