TFP Bureau,Raipur, July 18, 2025: Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai and Health Minister Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Chhattisgarh has achieved a significant milestone in eye health, with 11 districts now qualifying as Cataract Blindness Backlog-Free Zones (CBBFS). This accomplishment is part of the state’s intensive efforts to eliminate preventable blindness through free, high-quality cataract surgeries and comprehensive eye care services.
Between April 2024 and June 2025, over 1.80 lakh successful cataract surgeries were performed across 43 health institutions—including district hospitals and medical colleges—providing relief to thousands of patients who regained their sight.
The ongoing implementation of the Government of India’s “National Netra Jyoti Abhiyan” has been instrumental in this achievement. Through this program, patients blind in both eyes due to cataracts are identified and prioritized for corrective surgery, accelerating the journey towards a blindness-free state.
The districts of Kawardha, Raipur, Dhamtari, Balodabazar, Balod, Durg, Rajnandgaon, Khairagarh, Raigarh, Korba, and Bastar have submitted their applications to the Centre for official CBBFS recognition. Meanwhile, verification is underway for Kanker and Bemetara, with their declarations expected soon.
Besides cataract interventions, the state is focusing on early detection and treatment of glaucoma, a silent yet irreversible cause of blindness. Screening facilities have been expanded to all block-level health centers, encouraging individuals over 40 to undergo regular eye check-ups every six months.
To tackle corneal blindness, the government launched the “Corneal Blindness-Free State Initiative,” registering patients for treatment and facilitating corneal transplants from eye donations. Thanks to robust awareness campaigns, 351 eye donations were recorded between April 2024 and June 2025, enabling timely transplants and saving vision.
Additionally, free treatment for other eye conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, retina disorders, pediatric ophthalmology, and glaucoma is regularly provided at district hospitals. Over 1,06,000 patients benefited from these services in the past 15 months alone.
The Health Department’s sustained focus on quality diagnostics, screening camps, and cutting-edge medical equipment underscores its commitment to accessible, effective eye care for all residents.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai praised the achievements as a testament to the state’s dedication to healthcare and urged citizens to continue participating in awareness and screening initiatives to maintain Chhattisgarh’s vision of becoming a model state in eye health.
