Study Hall School student creates app to detect cataract

R L Pandey

Lucknow. Study Hall School, in collaboration with UP TSU (Uttar Pradesh Technical Support Unit), hosted a free eye check-up camp on the premises of Study Hall School on Saturday, September 2nd. During the event, An AI-based mobile app for cataract detection ‘Roshini’ was introduced. The app was jointly developed by the National Health Mission and India Health Action Trust, with a special contribution from Eshaan Vasanthkumar, a class 12 student at Study Hall School.

Eshaan's personal connection to cataracts sparked his interest in this disease as both his maternal and paternal grandparents were diagnosed with the condition three years ago. He volunteered at Sight Savers and later interned at UP STU, where he persuaded them to start a project focused on early cataract detection, especially in Uttar Pradesh. He says “ROSHINI is an innovation for social good. This AI-based application will help Uttar Pradesh become cataract backlog-free. Personally, this has been a journey of self-discovery and empowerment”

ROSHINI app is user-friendly, making it accessible to both the public and frontline health workers who will assist rural communities with primary cataract screening. Its goal is to eliminate unnecessary blindness and severe vision problems caused by untreated cataracts. The initial phase of the app's implementation is set to commence in the districts of Varanasi, Fatehpur, and Hapur.

Mr Satya Swarup Data Science Specialist from UP TSU said “Through this app, we want to revolutionize cataract screening in rural India we want to reach as many people as possible and help them lead healthier lifestyles”

The camp began with a demonstration of the app and free cataract screenings for the participants. Eshaan and six volunteers from Study Hall School assisted Mr Krishna Pathak (Optometrist) and the UP STU team in hosting a successful event.

Upon the camp's successful conclusion, Ms. Meenakshi Bahadur, Principal of Study Hall School, expressed  “Eshaan's hard work will soon make primary cataract screening accessible to our nation, and we're incredibly proud of him. We wish him the very best for the future.”