World Sight Day, observed annually on the second Thursday of October, is a global event meant to draw attention to blindness and vision impairment. This year, the day was celebrated on October 9 with the theme, “Love Your Eyes”, highlighting the importance of eye care and the role of preventive measures in maintaining good vision.
Yesterday, ERRH marked the day with the offering of long life prayers for His Majesty followed by a cake-cutting ceremony. It was then followed by speech from Dr. Sonam Choden Tshering (HoD of ophthalmology department) on the significance of the day and the importance of vision.
The program was attended by Medical Superintendent, administrative staff, Lams, HODs, In-Charges, and ophthalmic team.
Dr. Thinley (ophthalmologist) shared an inspiring anecdote about the lives of individuals who experienced life-changing transformations after recovering their vision. He emphasized how ERRH, as the apex center for ophthalmic services in the eastern region, is dedicated to offering quality eye care.
Similarly, Dr. Sandip Tamang (ophthalmologist) shared valuable insights on simple daily habits that promote healthy eyes. He discussed practical tips to protect vision, particularly in today’s screen-dominated world.
Globally, 1 billion people suffer from some form of vision impairment, which leads to significant loss of productivity. Shockingly, 80% of these vision problems are preventable.
In Bhutan, the follow up Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB) survey in 2018 revealed cataracts as the leading cause of blindness. Furthermore, the Bhutan School Sight Screening (2019) found that 14.5% of children had some form of vision impairment, with 94.2% of cases due to refractive errors. Refractive errors can be easily corrected with lenses, but a staggering 88% of children who need corrective lenses still do not have access to them as per the survey.
Dr. Sandip also provided helpful tips for maintaining healthy eyes. Simple habits, such as blinking often to keep the eyes moist, adjusting screen brightness and distance, maintaining good posture, and taking regular breaks can greatly reduce eye strain. Additionally, he advised using goggles or shields when handling chemicals or machines, avoiding touching the eyes, ensuring proper lighting, and seeking immediate medical attention for any eye injuries or vision loss. Eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients for eye health also plays a crucial role in maintaining optimal vision.
The ophthalmic team at ERRH will be conducting several eye camps as well as vision screening for all the hospital staff.
This initiative aims to extend the reach of eye care services and promote early detection and treatment of vision problems.
