About Careers Internship MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

Hold Grants To Centers With Unqualified Eye Technicians: Indian Optometry Federation

by Julia Samuel on June 4, 2015 at 6:47 PM
Hold Grants To Centers With Unqualified Eye Technicians: Indian Optometry Federation

High Court of Delhi, India has issued a notice to the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MOHFW) on petition of Indian Optometry Federation (IOF).

The notice was on the illegal release of money for deployment of untrained, unqualified manpower in various Vision centers established under NPCB program on Control of Blindness.

Advertisement

The petition filed by Indian Optometry Federation alleges that the government is releasing funds to the NGOs, private companies deploying untrained manpower under various misleading names of Eye Technicians.

Ajeet Bhardwaj, President, IOF, said, "As government is allowing employment of untrained and unqualified manpower by NGOS, Hospitals and lens manufacturing companies, it causes more harm to the unsuspecting people who believe that the person advising them is trained medical professional and believing their advice."
Advertisement

In our petition we have pleaded the High court to put stay on the grants to NGOs, Hospitals and private companies for various vision centers being established by them and huge money being spent without any benefit to the masses, informed Bhardwaj.

Optometrists are trained health care professionals who evaluate eye health, clarity of vision and importantly, can detect several disorders of eye like cataract and glaucoma as well as identify systemic diseases like diabetes.

As per estimate the total blind population in the country, 4.7% accounted for diabetic retinopathy and age related macular degeneration. Optometrists can help in early detection of diabetic retinopathy and in co-management of the same.

Bhardwaj said that Optometrist in developed countries provides 70 to 90% of total primary eye care independently. "We have 143 UGC recognized institutions and approximately 40000 plus optometrists in India but as per WHO, India requires about 2 lakh optometrists," he said.

R. S. Berwal, Secretary, IOF, said, "Blindness in India can only be reduced or controlled if optometry is given its role of primary health care where they can diagnoses and treat patients for common eye ailments and refer patients who needs specialized care and surgical intervention."

MOHFW unlawfully changed our duties, so that optometrists may remain subordinate and assistants in health care system. Bhardwaj said, "Without any rights and an independent optometry council, all these issues cannot be addressed."

Source: Medindia
Font : A-A+

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Readings

Latest Indian Health News

Alzheimer's Disease Affects 5-8 Million People in India
Lifestyle factors contribute to Alzheimer's. Low social engagement, sleep, physical activity, and diet increase the risk. Staying healthy can reduce these factors.
WHO Declares India's TB Control Efforts Extremely Impressive
India excels in tackling HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria, especially in TB elimination, surpassing global progress
India Stands 38th in Global Suicide Deaths Report
The data offers a wealth of information on suicide factors, warning signs, available resources, and dedicated prevention helplines, among other crucial details.
India's Three Key Health Priorities for Global Infrastructure Revealed
India's G20 leadership aims to bolster digital health initiatives and enhance healthcare equity through greater integration of telemedicine and artificial intelligence tools.
Road Accidents Contribute to 15-20% of Spinal Injuries in India
Minimally invasive spine surgeries have gained global prominence over the past two decades and have now become widely adopted in India as well.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
MediBotMediBot
Greetings! How can I assist you?MediBot
×

Hold Grants To Centers With Unqualified Eye Technicians: Indian Optometry Federation Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests