Comprehensive Guide to Organising a Successful School Eye Camp in South India

Dear Editor, World Health Organization has set a goal to prioritise community eye health by 2030.[1] As a result, the participation of all eye care professionals, whether in the public or private sector, is crucial to meet the high demand for eye care services. This inclusive approach is essential to achieving the objectives and ensuring the public benefits. One of the most effective ways to reach a large population is to hold eye camps in public spaces and directly engage with beneficiaries at their locations. It is essential to identify suitable venues, such as schools or designated campgrounds, and obtain the necessary approvals and authorisations to organise a successful eye camp. This article provides a comprehensive guide, delineating the essential steps to execute a successful eye camp in South India. Orchestrating an eye camp requires meticulous planning, seamless coordination, and collaboration with various stakeholders. By following this systematic guide, one can streamline the process and ultimately contribute to the success of the eye camp. Providing vital eye care services to the community at large is a significant benefit of conducting an eye camp. Systematic protocol for conducting a school eye screening camp The following is a systematic protocol for conducting a school screening camp to ensure that every student receives proper eye care. Identification of appropriate school: The first step is identifying a school willing to participate in the eye-screening programme. The school should have a suitable space for conducting eye screening, and the cooperation of the school administration is essential for successfully conducting the camp. Institutional approvals: The next step is to obtain permission from the school headmaster. The headmaster will discuss with the school member committee (SMC). He/she is responsible for the overall operation of the school and will need to approve for the eye screening. The SMC is a group of parents- teachers representing the school community and SMC will support the eye screening. Letters: The next step is to write letter to the Deputy Director of Health Services (DDHS) and obtain permission. The DDHS is responsible for the health of the people in the area, so they must approve the eye screening to ensure that it is conducted safely and effectively. This letter should confirm the date of the eye screening, the specific location, and the contact information of the person coordinating the eye screening. The letter should state that there would be no invasive procedures or use of any therapeutic/diagnostic drugs as per the government order. Block Education Officer: The next step is to take the letters to the Block Education Officer (BEO). BEO is responsible for education in a specific area, so they will need to be involved in the planning and coordinating the eye screening to maintain the school’s educational and other activities. Further approvals, if required will be obtained by BEO from Chief Education Officer (CEO) Public Health Centre: The next step is approaching the primary health centre (PHC). The Block Medical Officer in the PHC will inform the concerned Ophthalmology department (paramedical ophthalmic assistant—PMOA) regarding the eye screening camp. Conducting Eye Camp: The optometrists will perform preliminary tests to identify students who may need further evaluation by an ophthalmologist. Where required, the non-governmental organisation (NGO) can also provide trained personnel for eye screening. For instance, when a NGO conducts camps like the Acchutha Institute of Optometry, the optometrists and optometry students are trained in the protocol and conduct the screening camps.[2] The optometrists and ophthalmologists will perform a comprehensive (non-invasive, drug-free) eye examination. Letters back to school: The next step is to take the letters back to the school. This will confirm the date of the eye screening and inform the teachers and parents. The teachers must know the eye screening to arrange for the students to attend. The parents must also be aware of the eye screening to consent to their children’s participation. Refer students for further evaluation: The next step is to refer any students who need further assessment to an ophthalmologist. The ophthalmologist will be able to conduct more detailed tests to diagnose any eye problems that are found and recommend treatment options. Follow up with students. The final step is to follow up with the students diagnosed with eye problems. This will ensure that they receive the necessary treatment and that their vision improves. Compliance visit: Once the spectacles are prescribed, a visit in three months is to be completed to check compliance with the usage of correction. Follow-up has to be done with the children who have been referred for further evaluation. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.