Lack Of Awareness and Access To Eye Care Major Causes For Vision Disorders

Impaired vision is one of the most debilitating, yet preventable disabilities in the world. About 42 percent of drivers in India have vision problems, which could be the cause of 59 percent of the road accidents, says a study.

The major challenge for overcoming eye disorders in India is lack of awareness and accessibility to eye care, according to the study, conducted by Vision Impact Institute.

It added that 42 percent of workers in India have vision problems, reducing their productivity and resulting in a loss of USD 37 billion annually.

The study was released in the run up to World Sight Day on October 8.

In order to draw attention to the importance of good vision and raising awareness about the same, lens maker Essilor has launched a nationwide campaign by conducting eye screenings in various states.

It is also working to bring vision care to the doorstep of people in rural and semi-urban areas by training youth about the basics of vision screening and spectacle dispensing.

Highlighting the need for better eye care, Chief Corporate Mission Officer, Essilor International, Jayanth Bhuvaraghan, said, "There is a need to bring all stakeholders together to build a cohesive public education campaign besides linking skill development with vision care for improving the access to quality vision care through trained human resources."

According to World Health Organization, as much as 550 million people in India need vision correction and the total productivity loss due to uncorrected vision is estimated to be Rs 2 lakh crore per annum.

Source: PTI