NATIONAL PROGRAMME FOR CONTROL OF BLINDNESS IN INDIA
NPCB in India was launched in the year 1976 with the objective to reduce prevalence of blindness.
Programme organization: NPCB operates through activities at central level, state level and district level.
District blindness control society (DBCS) with Deputy Commissioner as its chairman who co-ordinates the activities at district level and ensures participation of the community and private sector.
‘Vision 2020: The Right to Sight, in India has been adopted under NPCB since August 2002 with following strategies:
• Strengthening advocacy,
• Reduction of disease burden,
• Human resource development, and
• Eye care infrastructure development.
Target diseases identified for intervention in India include: Cataract, childhood blindness, refractive errors and low vision, corneal blindness, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and trachoma (focal).
NPCB DURING 12TH FIVE YEAR PLAN (2012-2017)
• NPCB to continue under NCO flexipool as part of National Health Mission; to be implemented by District Health Societies.
• Financial contribution: Government of India, 75% and state/UT govt,25%
• Cataract surgery target: 33 corer operations with above 95% being IOL implantation.
• Spectacle distribution target for school age group children: 44 lakhs.