The Kanti Velugu programme, launched by the State government, aims to control avoidable blindness among the masses in the State. The programme has successfully screened over 88.51 lakh people and provided reading glasses to over 14.69 lakh people. Phase-II of the programme is ongoing and has been well received by the people. Eye tests and free glasses are being provided to those above 18 years of age until June 15, except on holidays. The staff is locally drafted and works with commitment to complete the tests quickly.
To run Kanti Velugu camps across the State, 1,500 teams coupled with buffer teams were formed. They are working in all mandals and municipalities, selecting villages taking primary health centers as units. Asha workers, ANMs, and officials are collecting population-wise details in villages and organizing camps accordingly. Local public representatives such as Sarpanches, Panchayat Secretaries, Municipal Chairman, Commissioners, and Councilors are actively involved in ensuring that everyone above 18 years of age gets tested.
Officials report that eye tests were conducted for 88,51,164 people, which is equal to 55.79% completion of the target. As part of the second phase, the officials of the medical and health department aim to conduct eye examinations for around one and a half crore people in all under the jurisdiction of all gram panchayats and municipalities in the state. Free reading glasses were distributed to 14.69 lakhs people while Vitamin A, D, B complex tablets were distributed to those with infections along with eye drops. Doctors are giving advice and instructions to those who need surgery.
