Blindness Control Programme (NPCB)
Tamil Nadu State Blindness Control Society (TNSBCS)
The National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB) was launched by the Government of India in 1976 to reduce preventable blindness from 1.4% to 0.3%. In Tamil Nadu, the programme is implemented through the Tamil Nadu State Blindness Control Society (TNSBCS), established on 01.04.1996.
The programme was decentralized in 1994–95 with the formation of District Blindness Control Societies (DBCS). At the state level, TNSBCS is headed by a senior ophthalmologist as Project Director, while at the district level, the District Collector serves as Chairperson and implementation is carried out by District Programme Managers.
Since 2007, TNSBCS functions under the State Health Society and is part of the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) programme.
Key Focus Areas
- Reduction of avoidable blindness, primarily caused by cataracts (over 64%)
- Free cataract surgeries in Government, NGO, and Private Hospitals
- Financial support of ₹2,000 per surgery to partnered NGOs
- Strengthening eye care infrastructure and specialist training
- Adoption of advanced ophthalmic technologies and techniques
Programme Highlights
Cataract Surgeries
2,62,903 surgeries performed (2019–2020)School Screening
14,873 schools covered 1,90,817 spectacles distributedEye Donation
17 Eye Banks 8,824 corneas collectedInfant Eye Care
ROP screening in 74 SNCUs Tele-screening with RETCAMInfrastructure
₹7 Crore worth ophthalmic equipment suppliedSpecial Projects
Diabetic Retinopathy screening expanded to multiple districtsInfrastructure & Capacity Building
- Hi-tech eye clinics in 54 Government hospitals
- New Eye OT & Post-op wards in Tiruppur, Palani, Tiruchendur, Tindivanam & Cuddalore
- Centre of Excellence at Regional Institute of Ophthalmology, Chennai
- Regional Eye Care Centre at Thanjavur
- Advanced training for ophthalmic surgeons in sub-specialities
Outcome
Tamil Nadu has significantly strengthened its eye care services through infrastructure expansion, free treatment initiatives, and advanced screening programmes, contributing towards the reduction of avoidable blindness and improved visual health across the State.