On December 26, 2024, ECOS Eye Hospital conducted a sensitization program for local Anganwadi Workers, focusing on primary eye care and disability inclusion. Dr. Sashiprava Sahoo, Executive Director, and Mr. Santosh Kumar Sabat, Sr. Optometrist, delivered insightful lectures covering a range of topics, including primary eye health, visual acuity, refractive errors, and common eye diseases such as cataract, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.

The program covered key topics such as common childhood eye conditions, the importance of early detection and treatment, and strategies for creating an inclusive and supportive environment for children with visual impairments within the anganwadi setting.

The program also emphasized disability inclusion, fostering a deeper understanding of disability perspectives and exploring strategies to create a more inclusive society by removing barriers for individuals with disabilities. A lively Q&A session followed, allowing participants to engage with the speakers and clarify their doubts on primary eye care and disability inclusion. The programme concluded with a shared lunch for all participants and staff of ECOS Eye Hospital.

This programme exemplifies ECOS Eye Hospital's unwavering commitment to capacity building and raising awareness about eye health within the community. By empowering Anganwadi Workers with crucial knowledge, ECOS aims to significantly contribute to the reduction of avoidable blindness in Ganjam and surrounding districts of Odisha.