Who launches project to prevent blindness in children.

Blindness and severe visual impairment have far reaching social, economic, and personal implications. When it occurs in children, it also poses serious barriers to the development of the child at a formative stage. Primary health care approaches such as immunization against measles and rubella, better nutrition, especially with regard to vitamin A, timely prophylaxis against eye infections in the new-born from diseases such as gonococcal infection, and the avoidance of harmful eye medicines, could all contribute to minimising childhood blindness. Surgical interventions would be necessary in conditions such as cataract, corneal opacities and glaucoma in childhood. Besides specialised training needed to equip surgeons to treat these conditions, early detection and increased access to treatment are essential to prevent irreparable damage to the eyes of children.