India was the first country to launch the National Programme for Control
of Blindness (NPCB) in 1976, as a 100% centrally sponsored Programme. It incorporates
the earlier trachoma control programme which was started in 1968.
The
objectives of the programme are:
·
To
reduce the backlog of blindness through identification and treatment of the
blind
·
To
develop comprehensive eye care facilities in every district
·
To
develop human resources for providing eye care services
·
To
improve quality of service delivery to the affected population
·
To
secure participation of voluntary organizations/private practitioners in eye
care
·
To
enhance community awareness on eye care
·
To
provide best possible treatment for curable blindness available in the
district/region.
·
To
set up the mechanism for referral coordination and feedback between
organizations dedicated to prevention, treatment and rehabilitation
Till few years ago, National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB)
was a cataract centred programme. However, currently it is funding for
management of Diabetic Retinopathy {DR}, Glaucoma, Ocular Trauma, Childhood
Blindness, Keratoplasty, Squint, Low Vision, Retinopathy of Prematurity {ROP}
in addition to ongoing schemes through successful Public Private Partnership
(PPP). Eye donation fortnight is organized from 25th August to 8th September
every year to promote eye donation/eye banking.
Under the programme, the
following new initiatives are proposed:
·
Construction
of dedicated Eye Wards and Eye Operation theaters in Districts and Sub
Districts Hospitals in North- Eastern States, Bihar, Jharkhand, Jammu &
Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal and few other States as per demand.
·
Appointment
of Ophthalmic Surgeons and Ophthalmic Assistants in new districts in District
Hospitals and Sub District Hospitals.
·
Appointment
of Ophthalmic Assistants in PHCs/ Vision Centers where there are none (at
present ophthalmic assistants are available in block level PHCs only)
·
Appointment
of Eye Donation Counselors on contract basis in Eye Banks under Government
Sector and NGO Sector.
·
Development
of Mobile Ophthalmic Units in NE States, Hilly States & difficult Terrains
for diagnosis and medical management of eye diseases.
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