This year, the Tilganga Eye Institute has chosen to celebrate World Sight Day on the second Thursday of October. The slogan for this year's event is "Love Your Eyes at Work," emphasizing the significance of maintaining healthy vision in the workplace. In line with this theme, the institute has organized a week-long eye health awareness program, including eye camps and educational initiatives across various workplaces.
According to data provided by the World Health Organization, the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), and the International Labor Organization, approximately 13 million working-age individuals worldwide live with vision impairment. Alarmingly, each year, an estimated 3.5 million people sustain eye injuries due to workplace accidents. Additionally, the likelihood of employment for visually impaired workers is significantly reduced, standing at less than 30.2 percent when compared to their sighted counterparts.
Employers are urged to take measures to prevent workplace hazards and protect the eye health of their employees. Identifying and mitigating risks is crucial to minimizing vision-related problems caused by occupational factors.
A recent RAAB Survey conducted in 2020 revealed that 20 percent of Nepal's population aged 50 and above suffer from low vision. Among the causes of blindness, cataracts are the leading factor, accounting for 65 percent of cases. Other contributing factors include macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and insufficient access to eye examinations and corrective eyewear. Despite the potential to eliminate many cases of blindness, a significant number of individuals continue to face vision-related challenges. This issue disproportionately affects women, making visual impairment one of the prominent disabilities in Nepal.
The reduced access to education for visually impaired children is another concerning consequence, with a potential fivefold decrease in formal education opportunities. Notably, four out of five children with blindness can have their vision restored through appropriate treatment.
While the overall disease burden has shown signs of decreasing compared to previous surveys, the challenges persist due to factors like an aging population, the emergence of non-communicable eye diseases, an increase in new eye conditions, and limited access to eye care services in rural areas.
Nepal's limited research into the state of eye diseases in workplaces underscores the need for greater attention to eye health at work. Regular equipment checks and periodic risk assessments tailored to the workplace's nature are essential steps in mitigating these risks.
By prioritizing eye health in workplaces, Nepal aims to enhance the well-being and productivity of its citizens, ultimately contributing to the nation's prosperity. The celebration of World Sight Day 2023 is a significant step toward these goals, emphasizing the importance of loving and caring for our eyes, especially in the workplace.
