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started by the Indian government).
The project is being conducted by an
RBSK team, ASHA (accredited social health
activist) workers, local medical officers,
ophthalmologists and an ophthalmic team
from the Lions Eye Hospital Nanded.
Primary screening for visual
impairments was to identify children
with refractory errors, cataracts, squint,
lazy eye, or corneal ulcer. To begin with,
around 4,000 children from 16 talukas
were referred to the district hospital.
In a secondary screening conducted
by an ophthalmic team approximately YOGITA TRAINING THE CHILD FOR VT DEVICE
2,700 children were diagnosed with
refractive errors and ophthalmic disorders. They covered the definition of blindness, low vision,
were given spectacles and different types of World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines,
appropriate treatment. low vision signs and myths, optical devices and
their correct usage, and the importance of early
Around 800 who had complicated eye interventions. This was followed by an interactive
problems were referred to the Lions Eye Hospital question and answer session which was enjoyed
Nanded for further treatment. Of these, 380 and appreciated by the attending audience.
children were examined for amblyopia, squint
and low vision by paediatric ophthalmologists Next on the agenda was an engaging talk
and around 80 patients were advised surgical by Chief Officer Ms Varsha Thakur Ghughe
intervention. Their operative procedure was who emphasised the importance and need for
done at the Nanded Civil Hospital. providing rehabilitation services to the children.
To meet the urgent need for education Later, three groups were formed – each group
awareness on low vision, a presentation was comprising of government officials, parents,
organised along with the distribution of vision teachers and children – the beneficiaries were
identified and presented with appropriate
therapy VT devices. The programme held on devices to help them overcome their
13 May 2022 commenced with the singing of shortcomings. Yogita explained about the
the Saraswati Vandana in the presence of 200 devices, their application and procedure to
attendees including children and their parents, use the devices in the correct manner. Many
RBSK doctors, teachers and medical officers queries were raised which were aptly answered
from various districts. in English, Hindi and Marathi language for the
Among those present and introduced by benefit of all the participants.
Dr Archana Bajaj were Zila Parishad chief Projects such as this address a vital need for
officer Ms Varsha Thakur Ghughe, coordinator children who require rehabilitation services. They
from Lions Eye Hospital Dr Laxmikant Bajaj, work best when parents are shown what they
senior optometrist and low vision specialist Ms are, how to access them, including about the
Yogita Rajgandhi from Mumbai, district health local medical officer who is available for further
officer Nanded – Mr Balaji Shinde, civil surgeon assistance. All of which was communicated very
Dr Nilkant Bhosikar, trustees from Lions Eye nicely during the programme.
Hospital, Arun Toshniwal and Prafful Agarwal
and President Lions Club- Shivprasad Tak. The eventful day concluded with a group
photo followed by a delicious lunch of local
Yogita Rajgandhi’s presentation on low vision Marathi cuisine which was enjoyed by all.
40 THE INDIAN OPTICIAN MAY-JUNE 2022 REPORT
