Prevention of Blindness Week 2023
The Government of India organises the Prevention of Blindness Week from April 1-7 every year to raise awareness about the causes and prevention of blindness. The annual event aims to support individuals with visual impairments, and to promote access to eye care services. The Government of India organises several events to highlight many factors that cause blindness. Several departments work towards bringing inclusivity to the blind, and their disability. The week-long campaign aims to raise awareness about the causes of blindness, its prevention, and treatment. Various organizations, including government and non-governmental organizations, conduct activities such as eye camps, free eye checkups, and awareness programs during the week.
Several institutional aspects such as improving employment opportunities for the blind, building more eye care health institutions, and covering various health-related topics remain in focus at various events and campaigns organised during the week. On this Prevention of Blindness week, here is all you need to know about the history and significance of the observance.
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History of Prevention of Blindness Week
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Raj Kumari Amrit Kaur, the first health minister of India, established the National Society for the Prevention of Blindness and along with it, the observance of the week was started in 1960. The organisation has since participated and collaborated with various other agencies like the Rotary International, and Sightsavers to spread awareness on prevention of visual impairment. It was initiated by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the National Society for the Prevention of Blindness with the aim of raising awareness about the causes and prevention of blindness. The week-long campaign is observed annually from April 1st to April 7th. The week includes various activities such as eye screening camps, awareness programs, and distribution of information materials to educate people about the importance of regular eye checkups and early detection of eye diseases. The National Prevention of Blindness Week has played a crucial role in creating awareness about eye health and preventing blindness in India.
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