The 16th annual conference of VISION 2020 INDIA, ‘Leave No One Behind’ was hosted by Siliguri Greater Lions Eye Hospital, Siliguri, on 3 & 4 September 2022. Prof. (Dr.) Vinod Paul, Member, Niti Aayog, was the Chief Guest and inaugurated the conference.
Selma Hembram, 68 hailing from Santhal tribe waited for 3 long years to regain her vision lost to cataract. Living in Sunderbans’ last hanging island, Patahar Pratima, separated by a deep forest and river, Selma did not have access to eye care facilities, but more importantly a qualified counsellor, who could address her fear of surgery.
A large number of West Bangal’s Sunderbans islanders face a similar fate. For them local traditional medical practitioners are the first contact and in several areas, the only. Commonly known barriers of lack of adequate h...Here is the story of an old couple, who lost their sight due to cataract and suffered life with vision loss for three long years. Years during which they lived alone and survived only due to their love for each other. What was needed was a simple surgery. This is the fate of the unreached in India who need not be blind. But fortunately there are organizations who are there to help. For Gafoor, 80 years old and Shahidhan, 75 love for each other was, perhaps, the only reason that gave them a motivation to live and face the dark drudgery of life with stoic silence. In their over 60 years...
The 66th World Health Assembly (WHA) concluded on 27 May, 2013 with agreement on a range of new public health measures and recommendations aimed at securing greater health benefits for all people, everywhere. At the WHA “Towards universal eye health: a global action plan 2014-2019” – was endorsed by delegates. This is an action plan that aims to further improve eye health, reduce avoidable visual impairment and secure access to rehabilitation services. The global target is to reduce the prevalence of avoidable visual impairment by 25% by 2019. Mr Peter Ackland, CEO, International A...
