World Obtometry Day was observed with a training of school teachers on vision checking at Directorate of School Education (DoSE), here on Tuesday organised by Nagaland Optometry Association (NOA).
In a short speech, DoSE principal director, Shavanas C highlighted the importance of a person’s vision and how people often overlooked the need to take care of their eyes.
Sharing experiences on how he had to wear spectacles from a young age because of poor eyesight, Shanavas said it was important for a student to have good sight to perform better at school.
He lauded NOA for coming up with the event and expressed optimism that through this initiative, teachers would be able to help out students in detecting defective eyesight and refer them to necessary remedial help.
He further requested NOA members to train teachers in a few schools in Kohima which he added would greatly benefit the students.
Sharing the keynote address, Hitoli Khehoto Jimo said there were more than 30 optometrists in Nagaland who were working in both private and government sectors as opthalmic assistants.
He disclosed that the main cause of vision impairment among the general masses was because of uncorrected refractive error (URE) which affected people of all ages and ethnic groups.
She pointed out that URE adversely affected the society through different forms including loss of education, employment opportunities, lower productivity and impaired quality of life.
Jimo said that world optometry day was observed to raise awareness of eye care among the public, to inform the public on the importance of having optometrists as part of health teams and the need to consult professionals for their eye problems.
She stated that through their initiative, the teams hoped to reach out to children who were unable to access basic eye examination and minimise the negative consequences of failing to take proper care of one’s eyesight.
Later NOA convenor, Porenthung Odyuo gave a PowerPoint presentation on good eyesight. He also demonstrated on how to conduct a basic eye exam by teachers in their respective schools.
Earlier the programme was chaired by NOA assistant general secretary, Kilin Noswe while NOA president, Nengneilhing Nakhro proposed the vote of thanks.
More than 30 teachers from various government schools in and around Kohima attended the training programme.
