The finding of a global survey that Indians take the least care of their eyes is not at all surprising. Anybody who has even a nodding acquaintance with the situation in the country would readily accept the conclusion. It is a reflection of the low level of awareness about eye health among the people. This is despite the fact that India has the largest population of the visually impaired in the world. The results of the survey conducted by Bausch+Lomb should serve as an eye-opener. Seventy per cent of Indians do not go in for an eye check-up unless they have some symptoms of an eye disease. As a result, the total population of the blind in India stands at a whopping 15 million.
Come to think of it, 80 per cent of the blind in India could have saved their eyesight if preventive steps were taken in time. By the time they seek medical remedy, their eyesight would have been severely impaired. Take the case of diabetics whose disease, if uncontrolled, can damage the eyes. Few people are even aware of the fact that high blood sugar levels can lead to loss of eyesight. In many cases, eyes can be protected if the right kind of spectacles is worn. All this means that a person should undergo periodic eye check-ups, whether he has an eye problem or not. Alas, 58 per cent Indians believe that there is no need for such a check-up.
One of the main reasons for the sad state of affairs is poverty, coupled with illiteracy. There are millions of people who cannot afford cataract operations and, therefore, lead a life of misery. Needless to say, the quality of their life would dramatically improve if they are given the right spectacles. Unfortunately, ophthalmological services are not available in most government hospitals. Philanthropic organisations, civil society bodies and the private sector can play a major role in providing eye-care services to the poor at their doorsteps. Equally important is the need to increase public awareness about eye-care, using school curriculum and the print and visual media.