Page 74 - The Indian Optician Digital Edition July-August 2021
P. 74
India has 21,000 ophthalmologists,
25,000 ophthalmic assistants, about 40,000
two-year optometry diploma holders,
approximately 14,000 optometrists with a
four-year degree (including non-practicing,
and some who work abroad) of which
approximately 9,000 trained optometrists
surveys have shown, there is an acute are currently in practice. To provide
shortage of adequately skilled manpower to comprehensive vision care to all, 115,000
cater to their health needs. four-year trained optometrists are required.
According to Orbis, a non-profit There are various efforts to reduce this
organisation that works to prevent and treat shortage. One such initiative was launched
blindness, the ratio of ophthalmologists to by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra
population in urban areas is 1: 20000 and Modi on 15 July 2015 under the title of “SKILL
in rural areas 1: 250000. Around 35% of the INDIA MISSION” with the aim to train over
population resides in cities where 72% of eye 40 crore people in India in different skills by
care professionals are located while 65% live in 2022. The mission aims at vocational training
rural areas, tier 3 and smaller towns where 28% and certification to enable Indian youth to
of ECPs provide their services (mainly through reap the benefit of a better livelihood and
government clinics, PHCs and eye camps). thereby, garner respect in the society.
JAMNAGAR CERTIFICATION CEREMONY
| 70 REPORT
