(a) whether the number of blind persons in the country is increasing rapidly ;
(b) if so, the number of blind persons in the country at present and the reasons of the increasing blindness in the country; and
(c) the details of the measures being taken by the Union Government at the district level so as to check the blindness in the country?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE ( SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI)
(a) No, Sir. According to the National Surveys on Blindness, the prevalence of blindness was estimated to be 1.49% in 1986-89, which has reduced to 1.1% in 2001-02.
(b) There are estimated 12 million blind persons in the country.
(c) Under National Programme for Control of Blindness, following measures are being taken to reduce the prevalence of blindness:
1. Promoting free Intra Ocular Lens implantation for treatment of cataract;
2. Detection and correction of refractive errors in school children and providing free glasses to the poor;
3. Promoting eye donation and eye banking for treatment of corneal blindness;
4. Public awareness for prevention and treatment of eye diseases
5. Enhancing capacity for eye care services in Government and Voluntary sectors by providing assistance for infrastructure development, equipment and training.