At least 1.25 lakh elderly people suffering from poor vision are awaiting a cataract surgery in the East Godavari district.
The third phase of the YSR Kanti Velugu programme was postponed due to the spread of COVID-19 virus in the district from April to November 2. The programme envisages screening of elderly persons to identify problems related to eyesight and providing them timely medical assistance, apart from performing the cataract surgery.
The YSR Kanti Velugu Programme Coordinator (East Godavari) P. Mallikarjun Rao said, “The secretariat staff have been roped in for registration of beneficiaries. The third phase is dedicated to elderly people.” Mr. Rao is also the president of the District Blind Control Society.
New facilities
“The State government has sanctioned three theatres for cataract surgeries and other medical treatment for eye defects and have been set up in Amalapuram, Ramachandrapuram and Tuni,” said Mr. Mallikarjun.
“By the end of the second phase, at least 1.25 lakh people are required to undergo the cataract surgery. Many old people neglect eye defects citing age factor. However, many defects leading to temporary blindness can be cured through proper medical intervention,” he added.
A team of doctors visits the village secretariats, where the elderly people are asked to report for screening. Surgeries are performed as per an action plan to ensure that every needy person gets access to timely medical aid.
