Global Spotlight: WHO to Document Karnataka’s Asha Kirana Eye Care Model

World Health Organization (WHO) has scheduled to formally document Karnataka's pioneering Asha Kirana program, a doorstep eye care program which is transforming vision health accessibility across the state. Commended for achieving international best practices, Asha Kirana will be a beacon of integrated, people-centered eye care globally.

 

Key Highlights:

 

Doorstep Eye Care: Asha Kirana offers a full eye screening and treatment to homes and reaches out to rural and underprivileged communities. Initial screening by health workers and ASHAs is followed by referral for free surgery, spectacles, and additional treatment if needed.

 

Global Recognition: WHO has praised the program for integrating eye care into primary health care and the broader public health system, pointing to its ability to eliminate avoidable blindness and ensure equal access.

 

Detailed Review: WHO will undertake an independent review of Asha Kirana using its Eye Care Situation Analysis Tool (ECSAT) and Eye Care Indicator Menu (ECIM) to document processes, outcomes, and lessons for global sharing of information.

 

Scalability: Success in Karnataka can spur replication elsewhere in states and countries and advance the vision of universal eye health.

 

Prospects: With WHO endorsement and backing, Karnataka's Asha Kirana will set new benchmarks in public health, offering a low-cost model of community-based eye care that will have the potential to reach millions of people globally.

 

Sources: Times of India, The Week, Deccan Herald, Forus Health