Netra Vasant-Rural Eye Health Programme: Training on Eye Health

23 March 2023, Hazaribagh: Sightsavers, a global organization working towards the prevention and cure of blindness, has been supporting the Netra Vasant-Rural Eye Health Programme by NBJK. As a part of this programme, ASHAs and Anganwadi workers attended one-day training on eye health care at the NBJK Coordination Office.

The training was focused on identifying eye diseases, preventive measures, and referral services. Cataract was a key point during the knowledge sharing session. Mr. Shankar Prasad, Retd. Eye Officer from Sadar Hospital, Hazaribagh, was the resource person for the training. He explained the anatomy of the eye with simple practical methods of vision measurement and cataract checkup. He also informed the trainees about the availability of cataract surgery services at Sadar Hospital or LNJP Eye Hospital, Bahera (Chouparan).

A total of 45 trainees, including Sahiya didis of Barkagaon and Churchu blocks, Anganwadi workers from Sadar rural, mobilizers, and eye assistants, were involved in the training. Sightsavers DPC Mr. Kirti Rawat and Churchu block’s eye assistant Mr. Akash Kumar played an important role in making the event a success.

The training was aimed at building the capacity of health workers to identify eye diseases and provide timely referrals. The Netra Vasant-Rural Eye Health Programme aims to reach the most marginalized and remote populations with eye health services. The programme is being implemented in partnership with the government of Jharkhand.