Asha Kirana facilitates over 2.5 lakh cataract surgeries in Karnataka
Karnataka's 'Asha Kirana' initiative has successfully facilitated over 2.5 lakh cataract surgeries and distributed 4.5 lakh free spectacles since 2022. The program integrates community-based vision centers with the state's public health system to combat avoidable blindness.
Why it matters
It demonstrates a scalable model for public health delivery in developing regions, focusing on integrated, people-centered eye care.
More than 2.5 lakh cataract surgeries have been performed in Karnataka under the Asha Kirana eyecare initiative since 2022, according to a report released by the World Health Organisation, the State government, and OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation on Wednesday. October 8 is observed as World Sight Day.
The initiative has also enabled 14 million primary vision screenings and the distribution of more than 4.5 lakh free spectacles across eight districts, the report ‘Advancing Integrated, People-Centred Eyecare’ said.
A key achievement highlighted in the report was the institutionalisation of 393 vision centres, or Drishti Kendras, as part of the State’s public health system. The centres, located at community health centres, taluk hospitals and district hospitals, provide community-based eyecare services, with a focus on uncorrected refractive errors and cataract.
Each Drishti Kendra has been linked to a secondary-level surgical centre for cataract procedures and specialised treatment of complex eye conditions.
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