Kanti Velugu Conducts Eye Tests for One Crore People in Telangana

The health authorities in Telangana have successfully carried out free eye tests for over one crore people under the second phase of the ‘Kanti Velugu’ programme, which is considered to be the world’s largest eye screening initiative. Since the launch of the second phase in January, 1,500 medical teams have conducted eye examinations for 1,01,65,529 individuals, including 47,70,757 men, 53,85,293 women, and 3,360 transgenders. The target of the second phase is to screen 1.5 crore people, and officials have reported that 64.07% of the target has been achieved. As part of the initiative, free reading glasses were distributed to 16.33 lakh people, while 12.31 lakh people were identified as requiring prescription glasses. Additionally, nearly 73 lakh people were diagnosed without any eye problems. The programme was launched in 2018 by Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, and one crore people were screened during the first phase. The second phase was launched on January 18 in Khammam by Chandrashekar Rao in the presence of several other political figures. The initiative has been well-received by people in rural areas who are able to undergo free tests without having to travel to cities or hospitals. The Kanti Velugu camps are receiving a positive response from people of all ages and backgrounds, and public representatives and officials are actively involved in managing the camps and raising awareness about them. The programme has been particularly beneficial for those who are unable to afford eye tests.