In order to address blindness among city residents, including slum dwellers, the UK-based development organisation Sightsavers in collaboration with Health and Family Welfare Department on Saturday opened two Vision Care Centres here.
While one is located in the Pokhariput Urban Primary Health Centre, another is at the Jaydev Vihar adjacent to the Salia Sahi slum.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Pratap Jena inaugurated both the centres. Ekamra MlA Culture and Tourism Minister Ashok Panda and North MlA Priyadarshi Mishra were present at centres opened in their respective region.
The centres were opened as per the MoU signed between the Sightsavers and the H and FW department.
These two centres would act as referral units for the Capital Hospital Eye Department and provide comprehensive eye care services to people which includes eye examination, cataract, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy screening with refraction.
Minister Jena said the two eye care centres developed in partnership with the Sightsavers would fulfil the State’s vision for ensuring universal eye health declared by Chief Minister on World Sight Day. He lauded the Sightsavers’ supports in blindness control in the State.
Similar centres would be opened in 15 districts as per the MoU, Jena said.
Sightsavers CEO RN Mohanty, State Programme Officer Akbar Mehfuz Alam, Joint Director Dr PKB Pattnaik, State Universal Eye Health Programme Nodal Officer Dr Sabyasachi Pattanayak, Singhtsavers Area Director Sudipta Mohanty were present.