Through different eyes – photography exhibition by visually impaired students

This show displays photographs taken by visually impaired children, says Zeenia F Baria

This photography exhibition is extra special. For it has on display a collection of 30 to 40 photographs taken by partially visually impaired students. Titled Through Different Eyes,10 children,aged between 10 to 16 years have, over the past two months, given their best shot in capturing photographs. Elizabeth Kurian, CEO (India), Sightsavers, which has organised the show says, Sightsavers has been working in India since 1966 to eliminate avoidable blindness and promote equality of opportunity for disabled people. Taking this forward, Through Different Eyes is an awareness event by which we would like to break the myths surrounding visual impairment,sensitise sighted people to the challenges that blind people face and raise awareness about eye care the fact that most eye conditions are avoidable and easily treated.The photography exhibition showcases works of children, who were suffering from an eye disorder and were treated by our partner eye hospital. These children come from economically backward families where expense on health care is a huge burden.They are testament to the fact that visual impairments are not a deterrent to exploring newer opportunities.

The children were trained in the basics of handling a digital camera. Since these were point and shoot cameras,they were easy to use. Children being inherently quick at picking up things of interest,were able to grasp the nuances of using a camera quite fast.They were excited at handling cameras especially since most of them were using one for the first time.The outdoor shoots were the ones the children enjoyed the most, i.e. within the hospital premises,a day in a garden-cum-park and in and around their homes.The photographs are bright, colorful and cheerful matching the moods of the children.They have also photographed their loved ones parents,siblings,grandparents and pets,which is very endearing adds Kurian with a smile.

There is also an Experience Zone,which will be a part of the event. It is an interactive area where people can get an idea of the challenges faced by people who are blind. It creates awareness about how visually impaired people overcome these challenges enabling them to lead regular lives.For eg., today people who are blind can use technology over mobile phones and computers as well as use the Internet as easily as anyone else. Accessible technologies like audio based software make this possible, ends Kurian.

Take some time out and visit the photography exhibition to encourage these brave and talented students. Itll be a trip worth making.

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