The main objectives of PBMA are:
- To prevent blindness through awareness and treatment.
- To rehabilitate the blind through education and training.
- To establish institutions for the welfare and development of the blind.
The Poona Blind Men’s Association (PBMA) is a registered charitable organization that was founded on 2nd October, 1952 by Late Mr. Tukaram Sahadeo Bamankar (blind) and a group of fellow blind persons. The organization started with a small room where they provided welfare services for the blind community. Later, Late Mr. N. M. Merchant joined the organization and helped in creating employment opportunities for the blind in various industries.
Late Mr. Niranjan Pandya, who became the Hon. Secretary in 1966, initiated several projects that made PBMA one of the best and most recognized organizations for the blind in India and abroad.
PBMA offers a wide range of services for the visually impaired, covering all aspects of rehabilitation. Some of the services include:
- A Technical Training Institute where the blind can learn skills such as computer literacy, call centre operation and more.
- A Home for Aged Blind Women where elderly blind women can live with dignity and comfort in a peaceful environment.
- Poona Blind Men Association’s HV Desai Eye Hospital, a non-government, non-profit, NABH Accredited eye care facility that was established in 2000 on a 5-acre land.
PBMA's H. V. Desai Eye Hospital, is accredited by National Accreditation Board of Hospitals (NABH) with specialized eye care service facility located in the city of Pune, Maharashtra. The hospital is recognised as a leader in comprehensive eye care, has been providing all specialised eye care related services in more than 10 districts of Maharashtra around Pune through a network of more than 34 Vision Centres. The main hospital at Hadapsar, Pune has 26 highly experienced ophthalmologists who offer high-quality eye care in all sub-specialities like suture less Cataract surgery, Cornea, Glaucoma, Retina, ROP, Paediatric ophthalmology, Oculo-plasty, Refractive error correction (LASIK).
