Alipurduar, West Bengal: In a landmark achievement, Alipurduar district of West Bengal has been declared Cataract Blindness Backlog Free, an accomplishment made possible through the steadfast collaboration of Sightsavers India and the Alipurduar District Health and Family Welfare Department. This declaration is a landmark in our active contribution towards eliminating avoidable blindness, setting a new benchmark in public health.
The event was presided over by the Honourable Additional District Magistrate of Development Alipurduar, Shri Gorai; Chief Medical Officer of Health, Alipurduar, Dr Sumit Ganguly; District Inspector of School, Shri A Karim; and Mr RN Mohanty, CEO of Sightsavers India.
This achievement marks the culmination of a four-year journey (2020–2024) to reduce the prevalence of blindness in the district to less than 0.3%, a goal that demanded dedication, innovation, and collaboration at every level. Over the course of the initiative, more than 15,000 cataract surgeries were facilitated, in collaboration with both Government and NGO hospitals. Critical infrastructure improvements included the renovation of the District Hospital’s Operation Theatre and the capacity enhancement of the Falakata Super Speciality Hospital.
The programme also addressed a key demographic—children. With the support of the District Administration, over 196,000 children in Government schools underwent eye screenings, with spectacles provided to those in need. This initiative ensured that vision issues did not hinder their academic progress or quality of life.
The initiative fostered a culture of eye health awareness, empowering communities with knowledge and access to services. Extensive training for healthcare workers and enhanced public outreach were critical components of this success.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. RN Mohanty, CEO of Sightsavers India, said:
“This achievement is a shining example of what can be accomplished when a shared vision meets passion and purpose. Over the past four years, we have worked in constant collaboration with the Government of Alipurduar, local partners, and dedicated healthcare professionals to turn the dream of making this district Cataract Blindness Backlog Free into a reality. Together, we have built a sustainable model of eye care that prioritizes accessibility and equity. This milestone reinforces the power of partnerships and inspires us to continue our mission of eliminating avoidable blindness.”
This accomplishment stands as a testament to the impact of multi-stakeholder collaboration in public health. It highlights the potential of targeted interventions and robust partnerships in eliminating avoidable blindness and improving quality of life.
Sightsavers India and its partners are committed to replicating this model across other regions, ensuring a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
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