Chennai:
On the occasion of World Optometry Day, the Optometric Association of Tamil Nanbargal (Reg. No: 524/2012) organized a Walkathon at Elliot’s Beach, Besant Nagar, Chennai, to create public awareness on eye health, vision care, and the vital role of optometrists.
The Walkathon witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 700 members of the optometry fraternity, including practicing optometrists, members of the National and Tamil Nadu State Ophthalmic Sciences Professional Council, Heads of Optometry colleges, faculty, and students from more than 20 institutions. Participants marched with placards and banners carrying key messages on eye health and the importance of regular eye examinations, raising slogans to educate the public. Noted Tamil cinema actor Yogi Babu attended as the Guest of Honor along with his wife, Mrs. Manju Bhargavi, an optometrist.
The Walkathon was flagged off by Chief Guest Dr. R. Krishna Kumar, President of the Ophthalmic Sciences Professional Council under the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. He stressed the importance of annual eye examinations, preventive eye care, and the implementation of the new five-year optometry curriculum under the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions to standardize optometry education and practice across the country.
Optom. Preetha Ramprasat, President of the Optometric Association of Tamil Nanbargal (OATN), said, “World Optometry Day serves as an important reminder for the public to prioritise regular eye check-ups and preventive eye care. Optometrists are independent primary eye care professionals, providing services that range from comprehensive vision testing and prescribing spectacles and contact lenses to advanced care such as myopia management, binocular vision therapy, specialty contact lenses, low vision rehabilitation, occupational and sports vision, and community eye screening for underserved populations. With rising screen time and lifestyle-related vision issues, it is essential for people of all age groups — especially children and the elderly — to give due importance to routine eye examinations and seek timely care from qualified optometrists.”
