Goa's School Health Programme Screens Over 84,000 Students for Vision Errors
84,000 schoolkids screened for vision errors since 2021
The Times Of IndiaImage: The Times Of India
Since the 2021-22 academic year, 84,528 students in Goa, India, have been screened for refractive vision errors as part of an intensified school health programme. The initiative aims to improve student health and has provided free spectacles to 3,811 children, though overall health check-up coverage remains low.
- 01A total of 84,528 students screened for vision errors since 2021.
- 02Only 3,811 students received free spectacles under the programme.
- 03Screening coverage increased significantly from 2,928 in 2021-22 to 30,495 in 2024-25.
- 04Less than 50% of children in Classes I to VIII receive annual health check-ups.
- 05Iron folic acid and deworming tablets were administered to 77% and 83% of students, respectively.
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In Goa, India, a total of 84,528 primary and high school students have undergone screening for refractive vision errors since the 2021-22 academic year, as part of an enhanced school health programme. Historically, the programme had low coverage, but efforts were ramped up in 2023-24, resulting in 23,009 screenings across 288 schools. By 2024-25, this number rose to 30,495 students screened in 387 schools. Over the past six years, 5,148 children were identified with refractive errors, and 3,811 received free spectacles. In addition to vision screening, the programme encourages annual health check-ups for students, although less than 50% of children enrolled in Classes I to VIII receive these check-ups. The initiative also includes the administration of iron folic acid and deworming tablets to students, with coverage rates of 77% and 83%, respectively. However, the distribution of vitamin A tablets remains significantly low.
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The programme aims to enhance the vision health of schoolchildren, potentially improving their academic performance and overall well-being.
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