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.

Health Minister U.T. Khader said the initiative was aimed at preventing avoidable blindness by taking eyecare services closer to communities.

Dr. Mohammed Asheel, Country Focal Point for Eye Care, WHO India, said Asha Kirana demonstrated how the WHO’s Integrated People-Centred Eye Care approach could be implemented through community-based services, trained health workers, and technology.