Healthcare

School and community eye screening for children

The Challenge

Uncorrected refractive errors are the single largest cause of visual impairment. In children, this problem is compounded as they may be unaware of the problem and may not even realize they are afflicted with defective vision. A significant percentage of visually impaired children in developing countries do not attend or drop out of school, increasing the likelihood of entering the poverty trap.

The Solution

School and community eye screening programmes seek to address this issue. The Foundation’s projects in this area, implemented in the last few years, provide comprehensive eye health services to children in schools and the community. Children undergo screening for refractive errors and other eye conditions. Children who need spectacles get prescription eyewear, in the school or Vision Centres, in the presence of parents or teachers. Children needing surgeries and other treatment get referred to the base hospital where the treatment is provided free of cost or at subsidized rates. Periodic check-ups are done to monitor the efficacy of the interventions and ensure compliance. Children and parents receive counselling support as needed.

This initiative has screened over 60,000 children in Maharashtra and New Delhi and offered eye health services such as prescription eyewear and corrective surgeries for over 1600 children, so far. The initiative continues to reach out to more children in New Delhi.