Deputy Commissioner Santosh Sukhadeve chaired a meeting to implement the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) advisory on ocular trauma prevention and mitigation at the DC Conference Hall on May 27.

Ophthalmologist Dr. Motup Angmo from SNM Hospital delivered a presentation on ocular trauma types, emphasising the importance of timely intervention and protective measures such as safety glasses and helmets.

Chief Medical Officer, Leh, Dr. Deskit Dolma, provided an overview of the NHRC advisory, focusing on prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. The advisory highlights the significance of ocular trauma in India, particularly among young males, with major causes being road accidents, sports, and occupational hazards. Recommendations include establishing an online portal for recording ocular trauma cases, involving ICDS workers and school teachers, raising awareness among health professionals, and collaborating with relevant organisations for data analysis.

Dr. Dolma also discussed preventive measures such as public awareness campaigns, informative posters, educational curricula, warnings on hazardous products, and seminars for high-risk individuals. In addition, the advisory calls for bans on dangerous firecrackers, updated eye protection standards, low-cost safety eye protection, first-aid kits in high-risk areas, eye check-up camps, and regulation of hazardous chemicals. Mandatory eye check-ups for drivers and developing underground shelters for war-related injuries are also emphasised.

Treatment recommendations include developing ocular trauma as a sub-specialty, increasing postgraduate seats, equipping hospitals with necessary facilities, increasing ophthalmologist posts with trauma training, sponsoring research, and upgrading eye banks.

DC Santosh Sukhadeve emphasised the importance of holistic efforts across departments and rural outreach. He urged the dissemination of general advisory material through social media and advertisements to create dedicated awareness activities. He added that stakeholders involved in construction work should ensure that their workers are provided with safety glasses and headgear.

The meeting was attended by Block Medical Officers, SP Traffic Police, and officials from various departments.