Sanquelim: Demonstrating its commitment to preventive healthcare and community well-being, Manipal Hospital Goa, in collaboration with the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Bicholim Branch, VisionSpring Foundation, and the Directorate of Health Services (DHS), Goa, successfully organised “Drishti Suraksha – Clear Vision. Safer Roads.”, a vision screening and Ready-to-Wear Prescription (Rx) Glasses Distribution Programme for traffic police personnel and truck drivers.
Held at the Sports Hall, Government College, Sanquelim, the initiative focused on improving road safety by ensuring frontline personnel who spend long hours on the road receive timely eye examinations and corrective eyewear.
The programme was graced by Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, who distributed ready-to-use prescription glasses to beneficiaries and appreciated the collaborative efforts of the healthcare institutions in promoting preventive eye care among frontline workers.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Sawant highlighted the importance of regular eye examinations and timely management of diabetes and other lifestyle diseases, which remain among the leading causes of preventable vision loss. He stressed that early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential in preventing avoidable blindness and improving overall quality of life.
As part of the initiative, Manipal Hospital Goa deployed specialised ophthalmic equipment and an experienced clinical team to conduct comprehensive vision assessments. The hospital’s optometrist, Mr. Ravi, worked alongside optometrists from the Directorate of Health Services and private practitioners under the guidance of ophthalmologist Dr. Sanjay Bandekar.
The programme benefited 101 individuals, including 86 police personnel from Bicholim, Sanquelim, and Valpoi jurisdictions, along with 15 truck drivers.
Among those screened:
- 94 beneficiaries required spectacles.
- 14 Ready-to-Wear prescription glasses were distributed immediately.
- 80 customised prescription glasses were ordered for delivery.
- 2 cataract cases and 1 pterygium case were detected.
- 5 beneficiaries underwent diabetic retinopathy screening.
- Individuals requiring specialised treatment were counselled and referred for further medical evaluation.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Shekhar Salkar, President of IMA Bicholim Branch, emphasised that clear vision is a critical component of road safety.
“Traffic police personnel and truck drivers spend countless hours on our roads, and even minor vision problems can significantly increase the risk of accidents. Through this collaborative initiative, we are promoting early detection, timely intervention and preventive eye care while helping build safer roads for everyone.”
The event was attended by Dr. Medha Salkar, Director, Directorate of Health Services, Goa; Mrs. Shridevi B. V., IPS, SDPO Bicholim; Ms. Noopur Srivastava, Director, VisionSpring Foundation; Dr. Pradeep Padwal; Shri Vijay Rane; Shri Arun Bakre; Shri Vishesh Pilgaonkar; Ms. Shilpa Pangam; Shri Gourish Govekar; and Shri Santosh Patil, among other dignitaries.
The organisers also acknowledged the support of Government College, Sanquelim, Principal Rajesh Pednekar, Dr. Atul Pai, Medical Officer In-charge, CHC Sanquelim, the Goa Police Department, volunteers, and Manipal Hospital Goa’s clinical team for ensuring the successful execution of the programme.
The initiative concluded with a collective commitment to advancing preventive eye care, encouraging early diagnosis, and strengthening road safety through regular vision screening under the campaign message:
“Drishti Suraksha – Clear Vision. Safer Roads.”
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