On the occasion of ‘World Optometry Day’ which is celebrated on March 23rd, India Vision Institute (IVI) is combining both the day and the week with a range of activities to highlight the important role of optometry in the eye care sector.
The week’s focus will be on myopia and presbyopia, as well as on protecting people’s eyes from harmful UV rays and professional work hazards. More than 10 crore Indians cannot see or see well because they do not have access to a pair of glasses.
“This week, we are providing 3,000 sunglasses to fishing communities and traffic police personnel in Chennai, and 1,500 safety glasses to stone sculptors in Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu,” said IVI’s CEO, Vinod Daniel.
Vision screenings are being conducted in Salem and Chennai for underprivileged communities. An industry forum of senior Indian ophthalmic industry representatives is being held during the week to focus on issues concerning the eye care sector. A panel session on how ‘Every Indian can have access to a pair of glasses by 2050 was also organized.
“With myopia becoming a major concern, IVI will work with partners to manage myopia, help create awareness, and provide ground-level support through screenings,” said Mr Daniel.
“We are happy the commemoration coincides with the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Bill, 2020 being passed by the Rajya Sabha, to be taken up in the Lok Sabha. The Bill is a pathbreaking initiative that will bring standardisation of the Ophthalmic Sciences profession, in addition to ushering in reforms in the education system for professionals,” Mr Daniel noted.
