Manipur Eye Bank to be operational this month
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, October 12 2023:
The 24th World Sight Day 2023 was observed with the theme "Love Your Eyes at Work" at Hotel Classic Grande, Chingmeirong on Thursday.
The event was organised by National Programme for Control of Blindness & Visual Impairment (NPCB & VI), SHS, National Health Mission, Manipur.
As chief guest of the event, health minister Dr Sapam Ranjan Singh stated that the eye is one of the most vital organs in the human body.
With the growth of the digital revolution in recent years, the function of the eyes has been greatly enhanced.
Caring schemes and preventive measures for eye infections need to be implemented, he said.
The minister continued that the efforts of NGOs, private hospitals, and eye volunteers to combat blindness and treat individuals with eye disorders cannot be overlooked.
He then advised that spectacles should only be purchased from authorised retailers, adding that stores selling low-quality eyewear should be scrutinised.
Sapam Ranjan announced that the Manipur Eye Bank will become operational by the end of October 2023 and encouraged the people to take eye donation pledges.
Stating that many have come forward to donate eyes, the minister disclosed that he himself had pledged for eye donation two years ago.
According to Health Service director Dr Kh Sasheekumar Mangang, eye is the most essential of the five sense organs.
The number of people suffering from eye disorders has increased in recent years.
Many people become blind as a result of negligence or ignorance of eye disorders, he said while stressing the need for preventive care of eyes.
Dr Somorjit Ningombam, SMD, NHM, Manipur, ex-director Health Services, Manipur and Dr Y Yaima also spoke on the occasion.
Officials and staff of National Programme for Control of Blindness & Visual Impairment, ophthalmologists and others also attended the event.
To commemorate World Sight Day 2023, Shija Eye Care Foundation (SECF) organised a free eye check-up camp at SECF, Langol on Thursday.
Out of 189 patients examined for eye related issues during the camp, 28 cataract, 8 pterygium, 1 chalazion, 1 double eyelid, 2 vitrectomy, 1 DCR and 1 Naevus cases were diagnosed.
Doctors along with other support staff of Shija Eye Care Foundation examined patients during the camp.
Those patients detected with eye related problems will be treated under NPCB (NHM)/CMHT/PMJAY Scheme, according to a release of the Shija Eye Care Foundation.
Lions Club of Imphal, Lions district 322D also observed the World Sight Day 2023 by handing over spectacles to the residents of Chanura Leikol Children Home, Khurai on Thursday.
Beneficiary residents were identified during an eye screening camp held at the same venue on October 8 as part of Lions World Service Day observance.
At the observance on Thursday, immediate past president of the club, Dr P Brajamani talked on keeping healthy eyes and simple precautionary measures that can be taken to ensure good eyesight stating that such practices increases the productivity of a person by around 22 per cent.
Later, the club distributed awareness pamphlets issued by International Association for Prevention of Blindness (IABP) on this year's theme "Love Your Eyes at Work" to the Home residents and also to few offices as part of the observance.