Prevention of Blindness Week 2024- History & Significance

Prevention of Blindness Week refers to a week-long campaign launched by the Government of India. This annual celebration is observed from 1st April to 7 April. This week aims to raise awareness about the struggles and achievements of blind people through various events, activities, and factual education on the rights of blind people. Additionally, the Government of India also aims to increase the inclusivity of the blind by working on several institutional aspects such as improving their employment opportunities, building more health institutions for their care; and covering various health-related topics throughout the week.  

Name of the event	Prevention of Blindness Week
Observed on	1st April to 7 April
Reason	To educate people about the struggles and achievements of blind people.

History of Prevention of Blindness Week

The foundation and establishment of the National Society for the Prevention of Blindness in 1960, by Jawaharlal Nehru and Raj Kumari Amrit Kaur, it was first started, under the Societies Registration Act of 1860. Since then, the organisation has actively participated and collaborated with Rotary International, and Sight Savers to spread awareness about blindness and work on disability.  As recently as in 2020, the World Health Organisation (WHO)’s “The Right to Sight” campaign was launched, in which the Indian government has joined their presence and participated in spreading awareness on the prevention of blindness. 

Also Read: World Sight Day 2023: History, Significance & More

What is the Theme of the Prevention of Blindness Week 2024?

Every year a theme is decided to celebrate Prevention of Blindness Week. In 2023, the theme was “Right to Sight”. However, the 2024 theme is yet to be announced by the official sources.

Importance of Prevention of Blindness Week

Prevention of Blindness Week plays an important role in spreading awareness of blindness as a disability. 

• On this day, a reminder to offer better opportunities to blind people is set in motion. 
• Education related to eye care is provided to general people throughout the week. 
• NGOs, various departments and publication houses are prompted to work together to make the campaign successful. 
• With better awareness of blindness, better preventive measures can be taken. 
• Risk factors leading to eye impairment on this occasion. 
• With India being the country with the largest number of blind people, awareness of the major causes such as trachoma, vitamin A deficiency, cataracts, and malnutrition are provided to the general public. 

Also Read: World Sight 2023 Logo: Vision for All

Celebrating Prevention of Blindness Week: Facts and Figures 

Celebrating Prevention of Blindness Week 2023: Events and Activities 

During this week-long campaign on the prevention of blindness, the government of India organises various events and activities, such as those mentioned below. 

1. Free educational material and free eye checkups, including cataract detection, are provided at community health centres. 
2. Further knowledge of eye ailments, and eye care, is shared with people. 
3. Free eye camps, with rubella and measles vaccination, are organised to provide preventive measures for congenital eye diseases. 
4. Further, eye camps for awareness of eye and cornea donation for transplantation are also organised.
5. Prevention of Blindness is brought to awareness in schools as well, with a variety of leaflets pamphlets and posters displayed on school premises. 

Also Read: World Sight Day Activities to Plan for Your School

Suggestions to Take Care of Your Eye Health 

Now that a majority is covered related to Prevention of Blindness Week (1st – 7th April), let’s talk about some of the tips and suggestions to take care of your eye health. 

1. Say No to Smoking

Age-related eye problems are an increased risk of smoking and consuming ‘tobacco’. Prevention of the same can lead to the prevention of blindness. 

2. Intake of Vitamins 

Taking care of your eyes also means regularly taking food that is high in vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc. Some examples are nuts and citrus fruits like oranges. 

3. Measures to Avoid UV radiation 

Wear sunglasses or hats in extreme summer and avoid your eyes coming in contact with harmful sun UV radiations. 

4. Regular Eye-Check-Up 

Make sure to regularly schedule eye checkups to be updated with the health of your eye, taking necessary preventive measures if and when needed. 

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