The 26th State-level observance of World Sight Day was held today at Chandel District Hospital, reaffirming Manipur’s collective commitment to eliminating preventable blindness and promoting healthy vision for all.
The event was organised by the National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment (NPCBVI), Manipur, in collaboration with the State Health Society (NHM), District Health Society, Chandel, and the Directorate of Health Services, Manipur.
Presiding over the occasion as Chief Guest, Dr. N. Hemantakumar Singh, Director of Health Services, emphasized that vision care must become an essential part of everyday health practices. Dr. Joyson Mathew Monsang, Chief Medical Officer of Chandel, served as the President of the event, with Dr. Y. Premchandra and Dr. Serbum Sakchung attending as Guests of Honour.
Free Eye Camp Benefits Hundreds
A Mega Eye Camp was held as part of the observance, benefiting 257 patients with free eye check-ups and treatment.
| Service Provided | Number of Beneficiaries |
|---|---|
| Cataract cases identified | 36 |
| Pterygium cases identified | 18 |
| Free spectacles distributed | 110 |
| Total patients screened | 257 |
All attendees received free medicines, while those diagnosed with cataract and pterygium will undergo surgery at the State Ophthalmic Cell in Imphal.
‘Love Your Eyes’ — Message of Awareness and Care
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Hemantakumar urged citizens to “love and care for their eyes” through simple but consistent habits such as regular check-ups, balanced diets, and protection from infections.
He also encouraged everyone to:
Spread awareness and pledge for eye donation,
Stay alert against dengue and other vector-borne diseases,
Undergo blood pressure and diabetes screenings, both known to affect eyesight.
The Director also assured that a regular ophthalmologist would soon be posted at Chandel District Hospital to strengthen local eye care facilities.
Shared Vision for a Blindness-Free Manipur
Concluding the event, officials and health workers renewed their commitment to the global theme — “Love Your Eyes” — underlining the collective responsibility to protect vision and promote inclusivity in healthcare.
The observance reflected not only a medical milestone but also a human one — bringing hope, accessibility, and compassion to people in rural Manipur.