Manipal Hospital Goa Strengthens Road Safety Through Vision Screening Initiative for Traffic Police and Truck Drivers

Manipal Hospital Goa Strengthens Road Safety Through Vision Screening Initiative for Traffic Police and Truck Drivers

Sanquelim: Reinforcing its commitment to preventive healthcare and community well-being, Manipal Hospital Goa, in collaboration with the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Bicholim Branch, VisionSpring Foundation and the Directorate of Health Services (DHS), Goa, successfully conducted “Drishti Suraksha – Clear Vision. Safer Roads.”, a vision screening and Ready-to-Wear Prescription (Rx) Glasses Distribution Programme for Traffic Police personnel and truck drivers at the Sports Hall, Government College, Sanquelim.

The initiative was graced by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, who distributed ready-to-use prescription glasses to beneficiaries and lauded the collaborative efforts of the healthcare institutions in promoting preventive eye care among frontline personnel.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of regular eye examinations and timely management of diabetes and other lifestyle diseases, which remain among the leading causes of preventable vision loss. He said early diagnosis and appropriate treatment play a crucial role in preventing avoidable blindness and ensuring better quality of life. He also appreciated the efforts of Manipal Hospital Goa, IMA Bicholim, VisionSpring Foundation and the Directorate of Health Services in bringing quality eye care services directly to those who spend long hours on the road.

As part of the programme, Manipal Hospital Goa deployed specialised ophthalmic equipment and an experienced clinical team to conduct detailed vision assessments. The hospital’s optometrist, Mr. Ravi, worked alongside optometrists from the Directorate of Health Services and private practitioners under the guidance of ophthalmologist Dr. Sanjay Bandekar to provide comprehensive eye screening and facilitate the distribution of spectacles.

A total of 101 beneficiaries underwent eye screening, comprising 86 police personnel from Bicholim, Sanquelim and Valpoi jurisdictions and 15 truck drivers. Of these, 94 beneficiaries received spectacles, including 14 ready-to-wear glasses distributed on the spot, while 80 customised prescription glasses were ordered for delivery. The screening also identified two cataract cases, one pterygium case, and five individuals who underwent diabetic retinopathy screening. Those requiring specialised treatment were counselled and referred for further evaluation.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Shekhar Salkar, President, IMA Bicholim Branch, said, “Clear vision is not merely a health issue—it is a critical road safety measure. Traffic police personnel and truck drivers spend countless hours on our roads, and even minor vision problems can significantly increase the risk of accidents. Through this collaborative initiative with Manipal Hospital Goa, VisionSpring Foundation and the Directorate of Health Services, we are promoting early detection, timely intervention and preventive eye care. Together, we are protecting lives while building safer roads for everyone.”

The programme was attended by Dr. Medha Salkar, Director, Directorate of Health Services, Goa; Mrs. Shridevi B. V., IPS, SDPO, Bicholim; Ms. Noopur Srivastava, Director, VisionSpring Foundation; Dr. Sanjay Bandekar, Treasurer, IMA Bicholim Branch; Dr. Pradeep Padwal, Senior Member, IMA Bicholim Branch; Vijay Rane, Police Inspector, Bicholim Police Station; Shri Arun Bakre, Police Inspector, Traffic Cell, Bicholim; Vishesh Pilgaonkar, Police Inspector, Valpoi; Ms. Shilpa Pangam Gourish Govekar; and Santosh Patil, Project In-charge, VisionSpring Foundation.

The organisers also acknowledged the support of Government College, Sanquelim, Principal Rajesh Pednekar and his staff, Dr. Atul Pai, Medical Officer In-charge, CHC Sanquelim, as well as the police department and volunteers for ensuring the success of the initiative. Special appreciation was extended to Manipal Hospital Goa for providing specialised ophthalmic instruments and trained personnel that enabled comprehensive screening and early detection of vision-related disorders.

The programme concluded with a shared commitment to advancing preventive eye care, promoting early diagnosis and strengthening road safety through regular vision screening initiatives under the campaign message: “Drishti Suraksha – Clear Vision. Safer Roads.”