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The Government of Sikkim, in partnership with Siliguri Greater Lions Eye Hospital and Cure Blindness Project, has launched a statewide Elimination of Avoidable Blindness Program, marking a significant step towards strengthening eye care systems across the state. Inaugurated at the Tashiling Secretariat by Shri Tshewang Gyachho, IAS, the three-year initiative focuses on addressing preventable and treatable visual impairment, particularly in underserved and geographically challenging regions.
Designed as a system-led intervention, the program integrates screening, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up within the public health framework. ASHA workers will support early identification and referrals at the community level, while ophthalmic assistants and optometrists will be further trained to strengthen primary eye care services at government facilities. Alongside reducing the cataract backlog, the initiative also addresses conditions such as refractive errors, corneal abrasions, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy, ensuring a more comprehensive approach to eye health.
Aligned with the broader vision of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the focus on partnerships, the program reflects the importance of collaborative action in delivering sustainable impact. It builds on the contributions of Mission for Vision and CBM through “Project Ujjyalo,” which strengthened grassroots screening networks and advanced inclusive eye health practices across the state.
