Community Ophthalmology: Blindness and Its Related Various Programs

Community Ophthalmology Community ophthalmology is a branch of ophthalmology focused on the prevention of blindness and promotion of eye health at the community level. It integrates eye care with public health principles to address avoidable blindness through screening, education, and outreach services. Blindness 1. Definition of Blindness (WHO & NPCB) WHO Definition: Visual acuity <3/60 (20/400) in the better eye with the best possible correction. Or a visual field <10° from fixation in the better eye. National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB, India): Visual acuity <6/60 in the better eye with best possible correction (used for epidemiological purposes in India). 2. Categories of Visual Impairment (WHO) Normal vision: 6/6 to 6/18 Moderate visual impairment: <6/18 to 6/60 Severe visual impairment: <6/60 to 3/60 Blindness: <3/60 3. Magnitude of Blindness According to WHO, globally about 43 million people are blind. In India, blindness prevalence has significantly reduced…