World Sight Day Celebrations in South East Asia

South East Asia joined the world to mark World Sight Day this year on 10th October 2024. Major screening and awareness campaigns were organized by countries and organizations. This year’s theme, “Love Your Eyes,” highlighted the critical importance of eye health, particularly in young people, promoting awareness and preventative care.

Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, Dr. K. Zaman BNSB Eye Hospital organized activities from September 08 to October 10, 2024, which included a mini marathon for children titled “ Run for Healthy Sight”, Free Eye Screening Camp for adults and children, Rally and discussion meeting at the community level. At Mymensingh, Bangladesh, a total of 843 boys and girls took part in the 5 km mini marathon advocating for health.

Month long free eye screening camps were organized for adults and children through 14 vision centers followed by grand colorful rallies “Drishti Padajatra” (Walk for Sight) at Sherpur and Netrakona district.  47649 people screened and examined from September 10 to October 10, 2024 to mark this great event and distributed free spectacles among the school children.

India

In India, the second edition of the Vision Centre Manual was launched by VISION2020 India on 9th October 2024 at Dr. R.P. Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, AIIMS, New Delhi.

Vision2020: The Right to Sight INDIA announced two awards as part of its Annual Awards, given every year to luminaries.The Life-Time Achievement Award 2024 was conferred to Col. (Retd.) Dr. M Deshpande, Eye Care Consultant.The Guru Dronacharya Award 2024 was conferred to Dr. (Prof.) JS Titiyal, Chief, Dr RP Centre of Ophthalmic Sciences All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi.

The WSD celebration at the Dr RP Centre, AIIMS, New Delhi also followed talks and panel discussions on various aspects of eye health and preventive measures by prominent eye health experts. A special “Walkathon” was also held at the Dr RP Centre, AIIMS, on October 10 in the presence of eminent ophthalmologists to promote the need for child eye care, and successfully drew the attention of the public.

Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai, organised two notable events: a human chain and awareness rally and an eye care awareness exhibition aimed at promoting eye care and raising public awareness.

Nepal

In Nepal, Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh (NNJS) organized a series of impactful programs to promote eye health across Nepal. The initiatives included free eye examinations, distribution of eyeglasses and medicines, and various awareness activities, aimed primarily at children.

Over 2000 children received free eye examinations at 28 NNJS eye hospitals and All NNJS network hospitals and centers provided free Outpatient Department (OPD) services for children.

As part of its Integrated Eye and Ear Health Program for Karnali, NNJS collaborated with local governments to organize awareness rallies in the districts of Salyan, Jajarkot, Kalikot, and western Rukum.

Hon Health Minister Mr Pradeep Paudel delivers best wishes to all stakeholders on eye health for the achivement on development eye health in Nepal. He further elaborated need of contnue colloborative effort and commitment is required to achieve the set targets on eye health and to reduce causes of vision impairemnt  and blindness in Nepal.

https://www.facebook.com/nheicc.nepal/videos/759697432950811

Bhutan

The GKCW National Eye Centre, JDW National Referral Hospital in collaboration with the Primary Eye Care Program, National Medical Services, observed World Sight Day 2024 at Laya Primary School, Gasa, which is one of the remote places in Bhutan. The event coincided with a week-long eye camp at the Laya Primary Health Centre, providing examinations and treatment to 350 patients, including cataract and other surgeries for 28 individuals.This initiative aimed to address the eye health needs of underserved communities. Similarly, awareness and screening programs in several districts across the country with the Ministry of Health posting WSD messages on its social media platforms.