Ludhiana, December 19
A two-day national orientation module for optometrists is being held at the Vocational
Rehabilitation Training Centre, (VRTC), Haibowal, in collaboration with the National Institute for Visually Handicapped (NIVH) Dehra Dun. Twenty optometrists from various parts of India are participating. Some of them are from government
institutes while some are private practitioners.
Prof. Arin Chatterjee, Chairman of VRTC and CBM international consultant for ophthalmic services, apprised the participants of the causes of low vision in certain regions and races and discussed the major role played by optometrists.
The programme was basically an orientation programme to familiarise the participants with the various of eye ailments, refractive errors, their causes, and prevention.
Mr Rupanandam, Assistant Director, NIVH, Dehra Dun, talked of testing of visual functions in young children and various low vision
devices. He said, “The NIVH conducts 19 courses all over India. Today total blindness has reduced but low vision has increased tremendously. An optometist’s job is to suggest to people whether to use optical or non-optical devices. Non- optical devices include better illumination, use of contrast colours, bold prints, magnifiers, telescopic lenses and aspherical lenses. Causes for low vision are basically malnutrition, lack of hygiene and genetic factors.
Mr C.S Ravinram, member secretary, Rehabilitation Council of India, zonal advisery committee, said the focus was to reach the grassroots level for creating awareness to prevent low vision.
Dr. Neeraj Arora,
ophthalmologist and consultant eye surgeon, spoke about low vision devices, magnification uses, and measuring of focal distance.
