The School Eye Health Programme was organized by 8 postgraduate students of the Department of Community Health Nursing, Kalinga Institute of Nursing Sciences (KINS) under the guidance of Mrs. Soumya Sonalika, Associate Professor in collaboration with the Surendra Sai Dibya Drusti Yojana and Dr. Ajay Kumar Singh (DPM, Ophthalmologist, Khordha) on 20.03.2025 to assess and improve the visual health of school students. The programme was conducted at Govt. High School, Laxmisagar where cluster schools attended Station Bazar UP School, Chintamani High School, BJP Nagar Govt. UP School and Badagoda Govt. UP School attended. The methodology involved preliminary eye screenings using Snellen charts, ophthalmic examinations conducted by Dr. Ajay Kumar Singh, health education sessions on eye hygiene, nutrition, and common eye disorders and referral services for children with significant visual impairments. Despite challenges such as limited awareness about eye health, pre-existing undiagnosed conditions, and the need for more frequent screenings, the programme successfully impacted 150 students by providing essential eye care services. Key recommendations included conducting regular eye screenings, integrating eye health education into school curriculums, facilitating free or subsidized eyeglasses for students with refractive errors, and ensuring continuous follow-up for identified cases.
The collaborative effort of KINS under Surendra Sai Dibya Drusti Yojana(SSDDY) and Dr. Ajay Kumar Singh, DPM, Opthalmologist, Khordha & Dr Suchismita,BEE played a vital role in identifying and addressing eye health issues among school children, emphasizing the need for sustained interventions and periodic screenings to ensure long-term benefits.
The School Eye Health Programme was organized by postgraduate students of the Department of Community Health Nursing, Kalinga Institute of Nursing Sciences (KINS) in collaboration with the Surendra Sai Dibya Drusti Yojana and Dr. Ajay Kumar Singh (DPM, Ophthalmologist, Khordha). The primary objective was to assess and improve the visual health of school students by conducting eye screenings and providing necessary interventions.
2.Objectives of the Programme
To identify common refractive errors and visual impairments among school children.
To create awareness about eye health and hygiene.
To provide necessary referrals for children requiring further ophthalmic care.
To promote preventive measures for eye diseases in school-aged children.
The programme was conducted in the following schools:
- Govt. High School, Laxmisagar
- Station Bazar UP School
- Chintamani High School
- BJP Nagar Govt. UP School
- Badagoda Govt. UP School
- Methodology
Preliminary Eye Screening: Vision tests were conducted using Snellen charts and other screening tools.
Ophthalmic Examination: Conducted by Dr. Ajay Kumar Singh, identifying cases requiring corrective measures.
Health Education Sessions: Students were educated on eye hygiene, nutrition, and common eye disorders.
Referral Services: Children with significant visual impairments were referred to higher centers for further evaluation and treatment.
- Challenges Faced
Limited awareness about eye health among students.
Some students had pre-existing eye conditions but were unaware of the need for corrective measures.
Need for more frequent screenings to ensure early detection and intervention.
- Recommendations
Regular Eye Screenings: Conduct annual vision checks in schools.
Awareness Campaigns: Include eye health education in school curriculums.
Provision of Spectacles: Facilitate free or subsidized eyeglasses for students with refractive errors.
Follow-up Mechanisms: Ensure continuous monitoring and treatment for identified cases.
The School Eye Health Programme was a successful initiative, positively impacting 150 students by providing essential eye care services. The collaboration between KINS, Surendra Sai Dibya Drusti Yojana, and Dr. Ajay Kumar Singh played a crucial role in identifying and addressing eye health issues among school children. Further interventions and periodic screenings are recommended to sustain long-term eye health benefits for students.
