NPCBVI’s Netra Jyoti Abhiyan
Clearing the Backlog of Cataract Cases Under the National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment (NPCBVI), the Mission Mode Cataract Surgery campaign, known as Netra Jyoti Abhiyan, has been making significant strides in its efforts to combat blindness and visual impairment in India. Launched for the period 2022-2025, the campaign has set yearly targets for each State and Union Territory to address the backlog of eligible cataract cases.
Surpassing Targets
83,44,824 Cataract Surgeries Performed in FY 2022-23 The Mission Mode Cataract Surgery campaign has achieved a major milestone in its mission to reduce avoidable blindness. For the fiscal year 2022-23, the campaign’s target was set at 75,00,000 cataract surgeries. Remarkably, a total of 83,44,824 cataract surgeries were successfully performed, surpassing the initial target and bringing hope to countless individuals suffering from cataract-related visual impairments.
Commitment to Eliminating Avoidable Blindness by 2025 The overarching goal of the National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment is to reduce the prevalence of avoidable blindness to 0.25% by the year 2025. The success of the Mission Mode Cataract Surgery campaign is a crucial step in achieving this ambitious target, demonstrating the program’s commitment to ensuring better eye health and preventing avoidable blindness across the country.
Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Initiatives In addition to the cataract surgery campaign, the NPCBVI program emphasizes regular IEC activities and awareness drives. These initiatives play a vital role in promoting eye health and educating the public on preventive measures to avoid blindness. Specific IEC activities are also organized annually on occasions like World Glaucoma Week, Eye Donation Fortnight, and World Sight Day, creating greater awareness about the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle for preventing avoidable blindness.
Impact on State Level
Telangana’s Fund Allocation The NPCBVI’s State Programme Implementation Plan (SPIP) has allocated funds for various states, including Telangana, from FY 2015-16 to 2022-23. These funds are utilized to support the implementation of eye care initiatives in the region, contributing to the overall success of the national program in combating blindness.
NPCBVI’s Ongoing Efforts
The National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment continues its relentless efforts to tackle the issue of blindness and visual impairment across India. Through strategic campaigns like the Mission Mode Cataract Surgery and IEC activities, NPCBVI aims to create a healthier and brighter future for individuals affected by avoidable blindness.
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