On December 30, 2024, ECOS Eye Hospital organized a vital sensitization program for local Asha and ANM workers, focusing on primary eye health and disability inclusion. The event was led by Dr. Sashiprava Sahoo, Executive Director, and Mr. Santosh Kumar Sabat, Senior Optometrist, who delivered insightful lectures aimed at empowering community health workers with essential knowledge.

The program covered critical topics such as visual acuity, refractive errors, and common eye diseases, including cataract, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. This initiative sought to enhance early detection and management of eye conditions at the community level, a key step toward reducing avoidable blindness.

An equally important part of the program was a lecture on disability inclusion. The session encouraged perspective-building on disabilities and emphasized the importance of creating an inclusive society by removing barriers for individuals with disabilities. The discussions underscored the need for accessible healthcare and social support systems, fostering a sense of responsibility among attendees to advocate for inclusivity in their communities.

Interactive Q&A sessions followed the lectures, allowing participants to clarify doubts and gain deeper insights into primary eye health and disability inclusion. The event concluded with a lunch for Asha & ANM workers and ECOS Eye Hospital staff.

This program exemplifies ECOS Eye Hospital’s commitment to capacity building and spreading awareness about eye health in Ganjam and nearby districts of Odisha. By equipping frontline health workers with knowledge and skills, ECOS aims to combat avoidable blindness and create a more inclusive society, ensuring better health outcomes for all.