25 March 2024 10:14 am
By Dayaratne Embogama
A recent survey carried out by the health authorities has revealed that more than 12,000 school children in Anuradhapura District are suffering from optical disorders.
They had held 14 eye clinics for school children this year covering the whole district.
During the eye clinic for school children in the Anuradhapura Municipal limits under the Vision 2000 programme, Medical Officer in Charge of the Non-Communicable Disease Prevention Unit of Anuradhapura Divisional Health Services office Dr. H. B. L. P. Dharmasiri told the media that all school children upto Grade 13 were subject to optometry tests and found that more than 12,000 of them were suffering with eye ailments. He said eye glasses were donated to those who were not in a position to buy them.
“The Vision 2000 Programme is implemented by the Colombo Eye Specialists Association. The affected children are identified through a team of Public Health Inspectors who have received training for it. Several children were referred to Colombo Eye Hospital for treatment.
Eye Specialist Dr. Mangala Gamage said eye clinics were held in several difficult areas and that most number of school children suffering from eye ailments were identified from Anuradhapura District. She pointed out that it was a matter of serious concern that the children concerned were not aware of their optical disorder and that it was due to the negligence of parents and teachers as well.
“Majority of them were from low income families. Eye ailments should be identified at early stage and provided treatment. Or else it could seriously affect their life. It is sad many children who attended the clinic had not had the morning meal,” She said.
Anuradhapura Divisional Director of Health Services Dr. N.C.D.Ariyaratne, Municipal Medical Officer Dr.Wasantha Ratnayake, Municipal Commissioner Ruwan Wijesinghe and Development Officer Vijitha Ruwan were present at the occasion.