Indore: A national conference was organised by Indore Divisional Optometrist Welfare Association at a city hotel on Sunday.Chief guests of the event were health minister Tulsi Silawat, head of International Association of Contact Lens Educators Yashwant Saoji and CEO of Optometry Council of India Laxmi Shinde.
Association president Shailendra Vaishnav highlighted irregularities of private shops in name of eye check-up and optometry tests. Association secretary Rajesh Meshram said, “Though the state has 1.5 lakh primary health centres, only 40,000 are qualified optometrists. Due to fewer appointments of optometrists, patients in government hospitals cannot be assured with a 100 percent guaranteed eye check-up. Chances of errors persist.”
Head of International Association of Contact Lens Educators Yashwant Saoji while talking about increasing usage of spectacles in younger generation said, “Recently, an increase in usage of spectacles is seen in children of 12 years to 20 year old youths. Fast food and sedentary lifestyle are its main reasons. Also, prolonged use of mobile phones especially during night has weakened people’s eye sight.”
Issues raised during conference
The association members raised issues related to appointment of more qualified optometrists in primary health centres. It was also suggested to make rules for keeping a check on parameters for conducting eye investigation and action to be taken against unqualified people doing check-up at private shops.