In a groundbreaking effort to bridge healthcare gaps in India’s frontier regions, Kaho village in Arunachal Pradesh’s Anjaw district has been selected for a universal eye care initiative. This collaborative project, spearheaded by the Arunachal Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and the state branch of the National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment (NPCBVI), aims to deliver free, accessible vision services to one of the nation’s most isolated and strategically vital communities.
Nestled in the Kibithoo circle close to the Indo-China border, Kaho is situated just 8-10 kilometers from the Line of Actual Control (LAC) along the Lohit River. With a modest population of 75-100 people, predominantly from the Meyor tribe, the village faces significant barriers to specialized medical care due to rugged terrain, long distances, and limited infrastructure.
Health experts have positioned this adoption as a targeted strategy to eradicate avoidable blindness in such hard-to-reach areas. The program will feature routine eye screening camps held every two months, offering diagnostics and treatments for common issues like cataracts, refractive errors, and glaucoma. Complimentary eyeglasses will be provided on-site, while cases needing advanced interventions or surgeries will receive referrals to equipped facilities. Community education sessions on eye health practices and the importance of timely check-ups will also be integrated to promote preventive care.
Dr. Taba Khanna, the state program officer, emphasized the inclusive nature of the drive: “Our goal is to make sure no one in this remote area is denied essential eye care due to location or economic barriers.” Echoing this, AAO President Dr. D. Kaling Darang added, “Frontier settlements like Kaho often lack reliable access to health services. This model ensures complete coverage for all residents, irrespective of age or financial status.”
Ongoing monitoring and evaluations will track the program’s effectiveness, with hopes that it becomes a blueprint for similar efforts in other distant locales under the Vibrant Villages Programme. Village elders and locals have expressed strong support, noting that enhanced medical outreach will greatly improve daily living in this easternmost Indian settlement, which is seeing gradual upgrades in connectivity and amenities.
This initiative not only addresses immediate health needs but also aligns with broader goals of equitable development and community resilience in Arunachal Pradesh’s border zones.
Tags: Arunachal Pradesh Eye Care Initiative, Kaho Village Border Program, Universal Eye Care Drive, Anjaw District Health Project, AAO NPCBVI Collaboration, Preventable Blindness Elimination, Meyor Tribe Welfare, Vibrant Villages Programme, Northeast India Healthcare, Arunachal Border Development
Hashtags: #ArunachalPradesh #EyeCareInitiative #KahoVillage #UniversalEyeCare #AnjawDistrict #AAO #NPCBVI #BorderHealth #NortheastIndia #VibrantVillages #PreventableBlindness #ArunachalNews
