In an effort to enhance eye care service delivery in India, Orbis, the international non-profit dedicated to the prevention of avoidable blindness, has partnered with the Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) to release the Eye Care Manual on Mapping of Human Resource and Infrastructure for Pediatric Eye Care Services in India. The manual provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of pediatric eye care services and resources available in India.

The manual was developed using data from the All-India Ophthalmological Society and the National Program for the Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The manual provides information on the availability of services, infrastructure, and human resources for pediatric ophthalmology across different regions in India.

“This manual is a crucial step towards ensuring that children receive the best possible eye care and preventable blindness is reduced,” said Dr. Praveen Vashist, Professor and Officer In-charge, Community Ophthalmology at Dr. R.P. Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, AIIMS. “Mapping resources and infrastructure is essential in mitigating childhood blindness,” added Dr. Jeevan Singh Titiyal, Chief of Dr. R.P. Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, AIIMS.

Orbis and Dr. R.P. Centre have been actively involved in initiatives to improve pediatric eye care in India, including a 2006 national survey on HR & Infrastructure for Control of Childhood and Corneal Blindness, the establishment of a Children’s Eye Centre at Dr. R.P. Centre, and strategic planning for Orbis partners under the Eye Care Management project. The manual is expected to play a significant role in the development of the pediatric eye care sector in India and improve service delivery.

“We’re excited about the progress being made in partnership with Dr. R.P. Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, AIIMS and the impact this manual will have on pediatric eye care in India,” said Derek Hodkey, President and CEO of Orbis.

Author

By