School Eye Screening Project –Kanakapura Taluk
A model pilot project was carried out in Kanakapura where a school eye screening programme was held in Kanakapura taluk, Bangalore Rural district between November 2003 and February 2004. This project was held in association with the Jain Group of institutions. 33,500 children (Class V to Class X) from 220 Government, aided and unaided schools were screened for different eye ailments.
           
The pilot was carried across four phases:
In Phase I, 220 teachers were trained on the early identification of visual problems in children. They were also provided with kits including instruction manuals, Snellen’s vision charts and registration forms for the school children (to be filled in duplicate).
In Phase II, symptoms of headache, watery eyes, redness, pain, itching, burning sensation, swelling etc. were recorded by the teachers and such children were referred for Phase III. In addition, children with a vision of 6/9 or above were recommended further diagnosis.

In Phase III saw the examination of children by the Project Drishti team. About 10% of the children were provided with medicines and eye drops. Over 2000 children with refractive errors were provided with spectacles.
In Phase IV, screening was held for all those children who for one reason or the other did not attend Phase II. A significant outcome of this pilot has also been the increased awareness on the importance of eye care amongst the teachers, children and their families.