Government High School New Market in Kohima, District Hospital Longleng, and PHC Tamlu observed the 27th World Sight Day on Thursday.
DIMAPUR — Government High School New Market in Kohima, District Hospital Longleng, and Primary Health Centre (PHC) Tamlu observed the 27th World Sight Day on Thursday under the aegis of the National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment.
Kohima: At Government High School New Market in Kohima, the programme was organised by the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare.
Addressing the students, Dr. E Phyantsuthung, Joint Director and State Programme Officer at the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare, explained that World Sight Day is observed globally on the second Thursday of October to raise awareness of eye care and regular examinations.
According to an update, he stated that vision screening was conducted for students with the assistance of teachers. Students identified with abnormal or low vision will undergo further assessment for prescription spectacles, which will be provided free of cost under the programme.
Dr. Phyantsuthung advised students to limit screen time on digital devices, spend more time outdoors, and observe the 20-20-20 rule by taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes to look at an object 20 feet away.
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He cautioned against self-medication, particularly using unprescribed eye drops or sharing medicines, and advised individuals with existing glasses or vision issues to undergo regular check-ups.
Longleng: At District Hospital Longleng, the programme was held on the theme “Love your eyes” to promote awareness of eye health, prevention of avoidable blindness, and timely access to eye care.
Y Chingphuh Phom, Ophthalmic Assistant at District Hospital Longleng, spoke on the theme, pointing out the importance of maintaining good eye health, regular eye examinations, early detection of vision problems, and timely treatment to prevent avoidable visual impairment.
At PHC Tamlu, Ophthalmic Assistant Loktinola delivered an awareness talk on basic eye care, focusing on preventable eye diseases and refractive errors.
During the programme, eye screenings were conducted and reading glasses were distributed to beneficiaries requiring them.