In May 2025, Label STEP India hosted three eye camps across key carpet weaving regions to offer free eye check-ups and prescription glasses to weavers. These camps are part of STEP’s broader health initiatives, ensuring artisans receive the care they need to thrive.
In May 2025, Label STEP India hosted a series of three mobile ophthalmology clinics designed to address the pressing issue of vision health among weavers. These targeted interventions brought ophthalmologists directly into the communities where hand-knotted carpets are made, offering eye exams and prescription glasses free of charge. These camps put STEP’s two-level healthcare approach into action, where prevention and awareness raising (in this case rest periods and good lighting at the workplace) comes first and is then followed by health support to address work-related issues.
Weaving is a meticulous craft that demands long hours of close-up focus on minute design details. This constant strain can lead to a range of vision problems—from eye pain and headaches to blurred vision and more severe binocular vision issues. For many weavers, particularly older artisans, declining eyesight threatens not only their health but also their livelihood. Beyond discomfort, lack of clear vision can have a direct impact on a weaver’s wages as their rate of pay is often determined by their productivity and quality, meaning that better vision not only means better rugs but also better wages.
Eye Clinics for 355 Weavers and Their Families
On May 1 and 2, 2025, STEP organized three camps to bring practical healthcare directly to weavers’ workplaces: one each in Mirzapur and Bhadohi on the first day, and another in Shahabad, Hardoi district, on the second. These areas are part of Uttar Pradesh’s renowned carpet belt, home to generations of skilled artisans. The sessions were conducted by ophthalmologist Mr. Devendra Yadav, with support from four STEP team members. One of the weaving units where a clinic was held was selected specifically because of its large number of senior weavers, who are most likely to experience age-related vision decline.
In total, 355 weavers and their families benefited from the clinics, which led to the diagnosis of vision problems among 239 weavers—157 men and 82 women—who received treatment and spectacles free of cost. Many of the weavers expressed gratitude—not just for the care, but for the dignity and attention afforded to their wellbeing. Better vision will not only enhance their productivity but also extend the years they can continue their craft.
“I have been a carpet weaver for 41 years. About 4–5 years ago, I noticed that the colors in the yarns became harder for me to see clearly, and I also started having trouble focusing on close-up details. Recently, when the eye camp was held here, I received an eye test and was given the correct glasses. Now, I can see the colors and intricate designs much more clearly again.”
— Intezaar
This isn’t the first time STEP has brought eye care to weaving communities. India has held over 13 eye clinics in past years, while in 2023, a series of eye clinics in Afghanistan distributed 1,839 pairs of glasses to weavers in need. Each year builds on the last, expanding access and improving outcomes.
STEP India’s Larger Health Initiative
The eye camps are part of a larger health initiative run by Label STEP in India. STEP’s Health Monitoring and Health Check-up programs provide weavers with regular access to preventative care. Health Monitoring Camps track basic health indicators like blood pressure, blood sugar, pulse, height, and weight—typically conducted by STEP’s trained field staff. These are held directly at audited weaving units to ensure minimal disruption to the artisans’ workdays.
Meanwhile, Health Check-up Camps bring in doctors who can offer deeper assessments and treatments, including the distribution of medicines sourced from generic pharmacies. The goal is twofold: to identify and treat existing conditions early, and to empower weavers with the knowledge they need to manage their health in the long term.
Access to Health Care is a Labor Issue
This year’s eye camps also held special significance as they coincided with International Labor Day, May 1. In addition to the eye exams, STEP shared information on labor rights with the weavers—reminding participants that fair work includes not only fair pay but also access to health care, safety, and dignity.
Healthcare access, especially preventative care, is a critical part of fair labor. According to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, good health and well-being are essential to sustainable development and economic resilience. “Healthy people are the foundation for healthy economies,” the UN states—a truth that STEP has taken to heart in its programming. By bringing healthcare directly to the loom, STEP reaffirms its mission to create lasting improvements in the lives of the artisans who are the backbone of the handmade carpet industry.
These camps help to ensure fair and dignified working conditions for artisans, which must begin with good health.
