Mobile unit provides free eye care to over 4,000 patients

Mysuru: The District Mobile Ophthalmic Unit serves as a crucial healthcare resource, delivering complimentary eye care services, examinations, operations, and eyewear to those in need, at their doorstep in Mysuru. The unit has emerged as a vital healthcare service in the city, reaching out to communities with limited access to medical facilities.

It serves an average of 200 patients monthly, providing comprehensive eye care services free of cost. The services encompass examinations, diagnostic procedures, treatments, surgical interventions, and distribution of spectacles. This specialised vehicle traverses various locations, mainly rural areas where ophthalmological services are scarce. The mobile team conducts on-site eye examinations, disease screenings, and basic treatments.

Patients requiring surgical intervention are referred to KR Hospital or the district hospital for further treatment and surgeries, if necessary. Post-surgery, they are safely sent back home the next day, with all expenses covered, including medicines and spectacles.

Dr Brunda, district blindness control programme officer, said, "Since Nov 2023, we've been utilising this mobile facility. We visit rural hospitals and primary health centres (PHCs) twice a week. The mobile unit is equipped with all the necessary tools to conduct eye tests. Patients who require surgery are then transported to either the district or KR Hospital for their procedures."

"We perform surgeries the day after their arrival and return them home the following day. All services, including surgeries, spectacles, and medication, are provided free of charge. Since Nov 2023, over 4,000 patients were treated, and more than 2,500 free surgeries were conducted," the officer said.

This programme has significantly contributed to preventing vision impairment and enhancing community health standards. Communities seeking to utilise this service are required to arrange a minimum of 50 patients per visit.