Free Eye Camp Held for Fishermen in Kakinada District
Ram Prasad urged fishermen to make use of free eye screening programmes to safeguard their vision and seek timely treatment for eye disorders.
Kakinada:More than 100 fishermen underwent eye examinations at a free medical camp organised jointly by the forest department and All Eye Foundation at the Coringa Forest Complex in Tallarevu mandal on Saturday.
All Eye Foundation managing trustee A.T. Ram Prasad said fishermen and coastal workers are vulnerable to eye ailments, including cataracts at a relatively young age, due to prolonged exposure to sunlight, saltwater spray, strong winds and blowing sand.
He said the reflection of ultraviolet rays from the sea surface further increases the risk of vision-related problems. The foundation would extend support for advanced phaco cataract surgeries in modular operation theatres equipped with modern safety standards, he added.
Ram Prasad urged fishermen to make use of free eye screening programmes to safeguard their vision and seek timely treatment for eye disorders.
District forest officer N. Ramachandra Rao said the camp was organised to help prevent avoidable blindness among fishermen. He said around 20 fishermen identified during the screening would require advanced phaco cataract surgery.
Officials said similar awareness and screening programmes would help improve eye health among coastal communities.
