Building a Stronger Eye Care System in Sikkim

Avoidable blindness can often be prevented through early detection and timely treatment. Recognizing the importance of strengthening eye care at the community level, the National Programme for Control of Blindness & Vision Impairment (NPCBVI), Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Sikkim, in partnership with Siliguri Greater Lions Eye Hospital and Cure Blindness Project, has launched a statewide blindness prevention program.

As part of the initiative, 676 ASHA workers were trained in Comprehensive Primary Eye Care Services through sessions held in Geyzing, Namchi, Soreng, Mangan, Singtam, Jorethang, Rongli, Pakyong, and Gangtok. As trusted community health workers and often the first point of contact for people seeking care, ASHAs were equipped to identify and refer individuals with eye conditions such as cataract, refractive error, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and eye injuries. They were also trained to guide patients through referral pathways to Community Health Centres, District Hospitals, Vision Centres, or Siliguri Greater Lions Eye Hospital for further diagnosis and treatment.

By strengthening the capacity of ASHAs to identify eye health issues early and connect patients to appropriate care, the initiative is bringing eye care closer to communities and helping reduce avoidable blindness across Sikkim.