Nepalese Association of Optometrists celebrates World Optometry Day

By TRN Online, Kathmandu, March 23: Nepalese Association of Optometrists, the alliance of all professional optometrists has celebrated World Optometry Day in Kathmandu. On this occasion, it organized a walkathon event in Kathmandu.

The walkathon started from Basantapur dabali today morning and walked round the Tundhikhel to converge at Nepal Eye Hospital, Tripureshwor. There was over 200 optometrists participated in the walkathon. Likewise, other events like eye health awareness exhibitions were held at different optometry colleges in Nepal.

This day is celebrated in recognition of the important category of eye health workforce all over the world- Optometrist. Optometrists are the primary health care practitioners of the eye and visual system who provide comprehensive eye and vision care. This includes refraction and dispensing, detection or diagnosis and management of disease in the eye, and the visual rehabilitation. They are the prime point of contact for eye care service receivers. This year, the day is being observed worldwide with the theme: “Expanding Optometry’s role: the time is now”.

Niraj Dev Joshi, president of Nepalese Association of Optometrists while addressing the participant optometrists mentioned, “Optometrists have critical role in addressing the major cause of vision loss- uncorrected refractive error. This condition can be treated with a simple pair of spectacles. Expanding the role of optometrists is important to ensure that quality eye care services are available and accessible to everyone. World Optometry Day is an opportunity to raise awareness about this profession to the people and service receivers.”