4,000-5,000 people totally visually impaired in Sri Lanka

2.7 per cent of the population victims of eye ailments causing blindness 

By Suranga Rajanayaka 

 A survey conducted by the Gift of Vision Organisation has revealed that between 4,000 and 5,000 people in the country are victims of total blindness, and that it is 2.7 per cent of the population.   

Coordinator of the Gift of Vision Organisation and former Chairperson of Sri Lanka Eye Surgeons’ Institute, Dr Kusum Ratnayake said 2.7 per cent of the population has been victims of eye ailments causing blindness. She said that diabetes and cataract resulted in visionary impairment.   

She told the media during the Medical Camp held at the Gampola Teaching Hospital to perform eye surgeries of 500 patients to mark the centenary celebrations of the hospital that another 1,000 surgeries would be performed this month at the Colombo Eye Hospital.  

Dr Kusum Ratnayake pointed out that the programme provided relief to several patients who have been in the waiting lists to undergo eye surgery in the remote area hospitals. The medical camp to perform eye surgeries had been organised with the help of Hospital Director Dr Duminda Dias, Eye Surgeon Dr Amila Jayaratne, Institute of Eye Surgeons, and the Sri Lanka Eye Donation Society.