Pema Gatshel’s Nganglam town is a developing town that has three factories. Quite often, workers at these factories need to get their eyes checked for dust pollution-related eye impairments. To raise awareness about vision impairment and the importance of eye care and to celebrate World Sight Day, an eye surgery camp was held recently in Nganglam.
The World Sight Day was celebrated at the Nganglam Hospital on Thursday.
Later on the same day, the eye surgery team from the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital checked the eyes of participants and patients.
According to an eye specialist from the JDWNRH, Dr Dechen Wangmo, Nganglam Hospital receives more patients with eye-related issues due to dust from the factories.
“You should love your eye. It should be protected and kept well. And in the factory setting, there is always a work hazard. Especially if you are in a factory cement powder, plastic particles, glass particles, stones, and sand can affect the front of your eye. And it can even damage it in some cases.”
The doctor added that the factory leadership should create awareness among its employees about mandatory eye check-ups every year.
Patients and participants said that the surgery camp and the awareness programme were useful to them.
“We have to take care when it rains and if we sweat. We are farmers, so we have to be careful leaves do not hit our eyes when we are in the forest,” said Sonam Dorji from Dungmin Gewog.
“Last year, I could not see properly with one eye. So, after the surgery, I can see quite clearly. I am very happy as I am able to see the world today,” said Leki Wangmo, a resident of Norbugang Gewog.
“As I am diabetic and have pressure, I was advised that there is a risk of getting my eyes damaged. So, I came to operate my eye and now I can see clearly. I am very glad today,” said Zangpo of Dungmin Gewog.
The Nganglam Hospital receives about three patients daily from the three factories, who come to get their eyes checked.
The week-long eye surgery camp, which ended on Friday, operated more than 50 patients and checked almost 500 patients.
The programme was organised by the Gyalyum Kesang Choeden Wangchuck National Eye Centre and the JDWNRH.
Thinley Dorji
Edited by Sherub Dorji
