School Eye Health Programme Organized by Department of Community Health Nursing, KINS
A ‘School Eye Health Programme’ was organized by eight 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 20th March to assess and improve the visual health of school students.
The programme was conducted at Govt. High School, Laxmisagar where cluster schools such as Station Bazar UP School, Chintamani High School, BJP Nagar Govt. UP School and Badagada 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, Ophthalmologist, Khurda & 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 a successful initiative, impacting 150 students by providing essential eye care services. The collaboration played a crucial role in identifying and addressing eye health issues among school children. Further interventions and periodic screenings were recommended to sustain long-term eye health benefits for students.