Eye Screening Program Launched in Kanchanpur to Address Student Vision Defects

Kanchanpur. The 'School Eye Screening Program' has been launched in Kanchanpur to detect vision defects in students studying in schools in a timely manner and arrange for their treatment. The program has been initiated with the objective of identifying and resolving vision problems that directly affect children's studies at an early stage.

Under the program, supported financially by the Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh and coordinated by Geta and Mahendranagar Eye Hospitals, the goal is to test the eyes of approximately three thousand students from 10 government and community schools in the district. Through this program, eye examinations will be conducted right at the schools, vision defects will be identified, and necessary treatment arrangements will be made.

According to Senior Eye Officer Bir Singh Dhami of Geta-Mahendranagar Eye Hospital, the campaign to conduct eye tests at schools has been launched to identify vision problems in students at the initial stage. "We are providing immediate necessary consultation after examining the students' eyes and detecting vision defects. We are providing free eyeglasses and medicines to students who require spectacles, and arranging for free treatment at Geta or Mahendranagar Eye Hospitals if treatment is necessary," he stated.

According to him, the problem of vision defects among school-age children is on the rise. One study shows that approximately 3.5 percent of students studying in schools have vision defects. Senior Eye Officer Dhami stated that if such problems are not detected in time, there is a possibility of affecting the children's ability to concentrate on their studies and their overall academic achievement. He added that regular health check-ups are necessary because school-going children may not be able to express their problems easily.

So far, the eye screening program has been completed in three schools in Dodhara Chandani Municipality, Bhimdatta Municipality, and Belauri Municipality. The eyes of 1,155 students from those schools have been tested. Senior Eye Officer Dhami informed that during the testing, 65 students showed vision problems and were distributed free eyeglasses, while 27 students were referred to Geta or Mahendranagar Eye Hospitals for further treatment.

Under the program, the target is to distribute free eyeglasses to 150 students. Along with this, necessary medicines and treatment services are also being provided free of cost to students in need. He says, "The main causes of vision defects in children include eye weakness, prolonged use of mobile phones or televisions, inadequate lighting for reading, nutritional deficiencies, and genetic reasons. If such problems are not detected in time, children may experience difficulty seeing things written on the board, reduced interest in studies, headaches, or eye pain."

Senior Eye Officer Dhami urged parents to inquire about their children's vision status from time to time. According to him, the team of doctors is ready to visit the school and provide free eye testing services if the school administration requests it. This is expected to provide easier access to health services for students in rural and remote areas.

"Children's learning process is effective only if their eyes are good," Officer Dhami said, "Clear vision makes it easier to concentrate on studies, read textbooks, and understand the subject matter taught by the teacher in the classroom. Therefore, eye testing at the school level is important."