AMMACHI Labs and Amrita’s Center for Women’s Empowerment Drive Transformative Eye Care Initiative in Honduras

AMMACHI Labs, together with Amrita Center for Women’s Empowerment & Gender Equality, has successfully concluded an inspiring Amrita Eye Care Champions training program in Honduras—marking a significant step toward community-led, sustainable eye health.

Twenty-four committed health promoters journeyed from remote villages, setting aside family responsibilities for three intensive days to emerge as leaders in eye health, women’s empowerment, and digital literacy. The participants—teachers, musicians, and caregivers—engaged in immersive learning from 8 AM to 8 PM, embracing both theory and hands-on practice.

Despite limited prior exposure to digital platforms, participants quickly adapted to a digital health application designed to support community vision screenings. Their enthusiasm was striking; many requested extended 12-hour sessions to maximize learning before returning to their hard-to-reach communities. By the end of the program, they were equipped to deliver basic eye screenings and facilitate referrals in areas with limited access to care.

A defining moment of the training was the opportunity to support live eye examinations at the Embracing the World cataract camp in San Lorenzo. Witnessing the immediate, life-changing impact of accessible eye care transformed learning into purpose, as trainees stepped confidently into their new roles as community “Champions.”

The initiative was made possible through strong local and global partnerships. AMMACHI Labs expressed gratitude to Cáritas de Honduras (Diocese of Choluteca) for exceptional coordination; the AMMACHI Labs technical team at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri Campus, for critical digital support; and partners Visió Sense Fronteres and Club Rotario Choluteca for their continued collaboration in advancing eye health.

The program concluded with a shared meal at a local restaurant—celebrating partnership, commitment, and community spirit. These newly trained volunteers now return home prepared to change how their villages see the world—quite literally.

As this initiative demonstrates, when local leadership meets global expertise, the result is resilient, community-driven care with lasting impact.