National Programme for Control of Blindneshttps://npcbvi.mohfw.gov.in/Homes & Visual Impairement


Introduction

 National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment (NPCB&VI) was launched in the year 1976 as a 100% centrally sponsored scheme (now 60:40 in all states and  90:10 in NE States) with the goal of reducing the prevalence of blindness to 0.3% by 2020.  Rapid Survey on Avoidable Blindness conducted under NPCB during 2006-07 showed reduction in the prevalence of blindness from 1.1% (2001-02) to 1% (2006-07).

Prevalence rate of blindness and targets

·         Prevalence of Blindness - 1.1%. (Survey 2001-02 ).

·         Prevalence of Blindness - 1. %. (Survey 2006-07).

·         Current Survey (2015-18)  in progress. The projected rate of  prevalence of blindness is 0.45%.

·         Prevalence of Blindness target -  0.3% (by the year 2020).

 

Main Causes of blindness

            Cataract (62.6%) Refractive Error (19.70%) Corneal Blindness (0.90%), Glaucoma (5.80%), Surgical Complication (1.20%) Posterior Capsular Opacification (0.90%) Posterior Segment Disorder (4.70%), Others (4.19%) Estimated National Prevalence of Childhood Blindness /Low Vision is 0.80 per thousand.

Main objectives

 

·         To reduce the backlog of avoidable blindness through identification and treatment of curable blind at primary, secondary and tertiary levels, based on assessment of the overall burden of visual impairment in the country;

·         Develop and strengthen the strategy of NPCB for “Eye Health for All” and prevention of visual impairment; through provision of comprehensive universal eye-care services and quality service delivery;

·         Strengthening and up-gradation of Regional Institutes of Ophthalmology (RIOs) to become centre of excellence in various sub-specialities of ophthalmology and also other partners like Medical College, District Hospitals, Sub-district Hospitals, Vision Centres, NGO Eye Hospitals; 

·         Strengthening the existing infrastructure facilities and developing additional human resources for providing  high quality comprehensive Eye Care  in all Districts of the country;

·         To enhance  community awareness on eye care and lay stress on preventive measures; 

·         Increase and expand research for prevention of blindness and visual impairment;

·         To secure participation of Voluntary Organizations/Private Practitioners in delivering eye Care.