Kapurthala observes World Sight Day with district-wide eye health awareness activities

A district-wide awareness campaign was conducted across Kapurthala on the occasion of the 26th World Sight Day, led by Civil Surgeon Dr Sanjeev Bhagat under the National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment (NPCBVI).

This year’s theme, “Love Your Eyes,” aimed to promote awareness about eye health and the prevention of avoidable blindness across all age groups.

Addressing the public, Dr Sanjeev Bhagat emphasised that the excessive use of digital devices such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops and television screens has become a leading cause of eye strain, particularly among children and young adults. He recommended the adoption of the “20-20-20 rule” — taking a 20-second break to look at an object 20 feet away after every 20 minutes of screen time — to reduce eye strain, dryness and discomfort. Dr Bhagat also urged people to incorporate healthy eye care habits and undergo regular eye check-ups to prevent long-term vision issues.

Assistant Civil Surgeon and Nodal Officer of the programme, Dr Annu Sharma, stated that all ophthalmologists in the district were directed to organise special eye screening camps. These camps aimed to provide eye examinations and raise awareness among citizens, students and the general public. She noted that the objective was not only early detection of visual impairments but also public education on maintaining good eye health through lifestyle management and timely medical consultations.

Renowned Phagwara-based eye specialists — Dr H Mittra, Dr Rajan, Dr Tushar Aggarwal, Dr Virdi and Dr Amit Sharma — also offered their expert advice during the campaign. They highlighted the importance of protecting eyes from harmful UV rays, limiting screen exposure, maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet and spending time outdoors in natural light.

Various institutions across the district, including schools, colleges and community centres, actively participated in the awareness drive as directed by the State Health Society. Educational talks, poster exhibitions and free eye check-up camps were organised to sensitise the public about the significance of maintaining healthy vision.

A step towards preventing eye diseases

To mark World Sight Day, the Health Department Hoshiarpur held an awareness seminar and rally at the Eye Mobile Wing of the Civil Hospital. Assistant Civil Surgeon Dr Ajay Basra highlighted that India has the highest number of blindness cases globally, with 80 per cent being preventable.

He identified cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and corneal blindness as the leading causes. Dr Meenu Sidhu stressed the importance of vitamin A-rich diets, protective eyewear, regular check-ups and the 20-20-20 rule to prevent digital eye strain.

The event concluded with a student rally promoting eye health. Deputy Mass Media Officer Ramandeep Kaur emphasised the theme, "Love Your Eyes at Work," urging care in digital environments.