Hoshiarpur: With the aim of ensuring children's health and the timely detection and treatment of eye-related issues, an eye screening camp was conducted for students of DAV School, Patti, at CHC Harta Badla. This initiative was carried out under the guidelines of Civil Surgeon Hoshiarpur, Dr. Mandeep Kamal, and the able leadership of Senior Medical Officer Dr. Manpreet Singh Bains. During the camp, Ophthalmic Officer Mr. Tarsem Lal conducted detailed eye examinations and provided the children with essential information regarding eye care.
During the screening, the children's visual acuity was tested to determine if they were experiencing any difficulty in seeing distant or near objects. Additionally, inquiries were made regarding symptoms such as redness, burning sensation, itching, watering, pain, frequent rubbing of eyes, blurred vision, headaches, and difficulties in reading or viewing the classroom blackboard.
Ophthalmic Officer Mr. Tarsem Lal explained that vision impairment in children often develops gradually, and children might overlook it, considering it a minor issue. Therefore, regular eye screening for school children is crucial; timely detection allows for the proper management of vision-related problems and minimizes adverse effects on the children's academic performance.
Raising awareness about proper eye care, he advised the children to maintain an appropriate distance between their eyes and their books while studying and to avoid reading in dim light. He also cautioned against the prolonged, continuous use of mobile phones, tablets, computers, and other digital screens, emphasizing the need to give the eyes periodic rest.
The children were advised to avoid touching or frequently rubbing their eyes with unclean hands, to maintain personal hygiene, and to refrain from self-medicating or using eye drops without professional guidance if they encountered any eye-related issues. Parents were advised to consult a specialist if children experienced persistent eye pain, redness, watering, blurred vision, or headaches while reading.
Children showing signs of vision-related issues during the screening were given appropriate guidance regarding further examination and treatment as needed. Parents were also urged to pay special attention to their children's eye health and to ensure follow-up check-ups in accordance with the Health Department's recommendations.
On this occasion, children were encouraged to consume a balanced and nutritious diet to support eye health. Information was provided on the importance of including green leafy vegetables, seasonal fruits, and other nutritious foods in their diet. Children were also advised to protect their eyes from dust and pollution and to adopt good hygiene habits.
The Health Department appeals to parents and teachers to remain vigilant about children's eye health and to ensure an eye examination is conducted if any vision-related symptoms are observed. Teachers-in-charge of the school's medical affairs, Mrs. Pooja and Mrs. Reena, were present on the occasion.