The Outreach Unit of Nava Dristi Eye Hospital, Itahari actively conducts Eye Health Awareness Programs to reduce preventable blindness in Eastern Nepal. The goal is to educate communities about common eye diseases, promote regular eye check-ups, and encourage early treatment-seeking behavior.

Key Activities:

1. Community Awareness Sessions  

Organized in schools, health posts, women’s groups, and public spaces. Topics include cataract, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, childhood blindness, refractive error, and eye injury prevention. Sessions use flip charts, videos, and live demonstrations in Nepali and local languages.

2. Awareness Rally

The outreach team coordinates Eye Health Rallies in collaboration with local government, schools, and community clubs. Participants include hospital staff, students, teachers, and health workers carrying placards, banners, and slogan chants like “आँखा जाँच गरौँ, अन्धोपन हटाऔँ” and “Regular eye check-up saves sight”.  

Rallies are typically held during World Sight Day, World Diabetes Day and local health campaigns to maximize visibility.

3. Stakeholder Engagement  

The program works with municipalities, health offices, schools, and media to amplify messages. Street drama and radio jingles are used in rural areas to reach wider audiences.

Impact  

Through these outreach activities, Nava Dristi Eye Hospital reaches 10,000+ people annually, increases OPD footfall for early-stage diseases, and builds strong community ownership in eye health.