BICHOLIM
The Indian Medical Association (IMA), Bicholim Branch, in association with the VisionSpring Foundation, Ophthalmic Cell of the Directorate of Health Services (DHS), Goa, and Manipal Hospital Goa, organised an eye screening and prescription glasses distribution programme for traffic police personnel and truck drivers at the Sports Hall, Government College, Sanquelim.
The programme, titled “Drishti Suraksha – Clear Vision. Safer Roads”, focused on promoting eye care among frontline personnel and improving road safety.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who attended the programme, stressed the need for regular eye check-ups and health screenings. He said early detection and treatment of diabetes and other lifestyle-related diseases could help prevent vision loss. He also appreciated the efforts of the organisations involved in providing eye care services to traffic police personnel and truck drivers.
IMA Bicholim Branch president Dr Shekhar Salkar said good vision was important for road safety and that preventive health initiatives could help build safer communities.
A total of 101 people underwent eye screening during the programme, including 86 police personnel from Bicholim, Sanquelim and Valpoi jurisdictions and 15 truck drivers.
Of the total beneficiaries, 80 were prescribed ready-to-wear glasses, while 14 received spectacles on the spot. In all, 94 beneficiaries received spectacles. Screening also detected five cases requiring diabetic retina evaluation, two cataract cases and one case of pterygium.
The eye examinations were conducted by optometrists from DHS Goa, Manipal Hospital Goa and private practitioners under the guidance of ophthalmologist Dr Sanjay Bandekar. Beneficiaries requiring specialised treatment were advised further evaluation and follow-up care.
The organisers said the initiative aimed to encourage preventive eye care, early detection of vision problems and safer driving practices.
