Prevention of Blindness Week 2023: The Indian government organises “Prevention of Blindness Week” from April 1 to April 7 in an effort to raise awareness about blindness and the blind. It is commemorated in India with a variety of events and activities, as well as education on the lives, rights, and prevention of blindness.
The objective is to promote the blind’s and their disability’s inclusion by focusing on multiple institutional aspects, such as enhancing their employment opportunities, constructing more health institutions for their care, and discussing various health-related topics throughout the week.
Theme for Prevention of Blindness Week in 2023
The World Health Organization (WHO), the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), and other non-governmental organisations chose “The Right to Sight” as the theme for a campaign to eliminate preventable blindness.
History for Prevention of Blindness Week in 2023
1960 saw the founding of the National Society for the Prevention of Blindness by Jawaharlal Nehru and Raj Kumari Amrit Kaur. Since then, the organisation has collaborated with Rotary International and Sight Savers to raise awareness of blindness and work on disability.
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Significance for Prevention of Blindness Week in 2023
The general public is informed about trachoma, vitamin A deficiency, cataracts, and malnutrition, as India is the country with the highest number of blind people.
The purpose of Prevention of Blindness Week is to raise awareness of blindness as a disability. Throughout the week, the general public receives eye care-related instruction. NGOs, various departments, and publication houses are encouraged to collaborate for the success of the campaign. With a greater understanding of blindness, more effective preventative measures can be taken.
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Facts for Prevention of Blindness Week 2023
- According to the statistics, India has the most blind people in the world. One in three individuals in India are blind.
- Over 15 million people are blind in India, and as many as 37 million are blind worldwide (2007 records).
- Among the leading causes of blindness are malnutrition, trachoma, and cataract.
- Vitamin A deficiency is the most prevalent cause of childhood blindness.
- Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in India.
- More than two thirds of blind people reside in Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh in absolute terms.
- Activities and Events conducted during this week
- This week, a variety of leaflets, pamphlets, and posters were displayed on school grounds.
- During this week-long campaign for the prevention of blindness, the Indian government organises a variety of events and activities, including the distribution of free educational materials, information on eye diseases, and free eye examinations, including the detection of cataracts, at community health centres. Cornea donation for transplantation is also organised in order to prevent congenital eye diseases.
