In a bid to combat avoidable blindness in Assam, Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya, in partnership with the World Sight Foundation (WSF), launched a three-day training program for primary eye care practitioners. The initiative, inaugurated today at Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya’s Guwahati campus, aims to equip optometrists across the state with advanced ophthalmic knowledge and skills, bringing them up to par with global standards.
The program will see renowned doctors, ophthalmologists, and trainers from the United Kingdom share their expertise with practitioners in Assam. This collaboration signifies a concerted effort to provide accessible eye care in underserved rural areas, ultimately establishing a self-reliant healthcare system.
Dr. Harsha Bhattacharjee, Director of Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya, states that this initiative extends Nethralaya’s mission to serve the community. “With the support of the World Sight Foundation, we are confident that we can make a significant impact on the future of eye health in our region.”
Dr. Anthony Chingnell, Chairman of World Sight Foundation, emphasized the importance of training primary eye care workers to reach the last mile and foster sustainable eye care within communities.
This initiative marks WSF’s first venture into Eastern India, leveraging its extensive experience in advancing primary eye care education in developing countries like China and Africa.
The training program will be led by a distinguished faculty of globally recognized experts in ophthalmology, including Dr. Anthony Chignell, Dr. Bruce James, Dr. Bill Green, Dr. Seema Verma, Dr. Richard Markham, and Mrs. Jane Tapley.
This collaboration underscores the growing significance of global partnerships in addressing avoidable blindness and promoting accessible healthcare in resource-limited regions. It establishes Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya as a key player in ophthalmology, set to reshape primary eye care in Assam.