Regular eye check-up and early diagnosis of eye disorder are crucial for preventing permanent visual damage. This was the thrust of the 14th World Sight Day observed in the city on Saturday.

An event on this year’s theme “Universal Eye Health - get your eyes tested” was jointly organised by Ophthalmic Cell of Directorate of Health Services and Kar Vision Eye Hospital.

Speaking at the event, Health Minister Damodar Rout said about 22 per cent of the newborns in the State suffer from severe malnutrition. “If a child does not get adequate nutrition, he will be vulnerable to all kinds of diseases including visual disorder,” Rout said.

The Minister said though a lot of research is undertaken to treat visual disorder, not much is done to work towards its prevention.

At present, there are more than six million visually challenged people in the country. The State Government has taken steps in this regard by providing vaccinations for babies against measles and other disease which, if left untreated, may lead to visual complications.

Drushti Daan member Jayshree Das said most of the people refrain from eye donation due to misconception that they will be defaced after the donation. “Only the cornea, which is a thin film, is removed from the eyes without damaging the face of the deceased,” said Das.

Except the people suffering from AIDS and Hepatitis, everyone can donate eye. “A single cornea donation can help two visually challenged people in getting back their eyesight,” Das said.

Actors Mihir Das and Kuna Tripathy also attended the event. Both of them stressed on the importance of having a healthy diet to maintain the eyes. A public rally by school children was taken out to create awareness about healthy eyes.

Source: The New Indian Express