10/06/2026
In a commendable initiative aimed at promoting eye health and preventive healthcare among prison personnel and inmates, the Ophthalmic Cell of the Directorate of Health Services (DHS), Goa, in collaboration with Central Prison, Colvale, and the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Bicholim Branch, successfully organized a Free Ophthalmic Screening Camp at the prison premises. The camp benefited police personnel and prison staff, with a total of 78 individuals undergoing comprehensive eye examinations.
The camp was inaugurated by Sucheta Desai, Superintendent of Police, Central Prison, Colvale, in the presence of Dr. Medha Salkar, State Programme Officer and Chief Medical Officer of the Ophthalmic Cell and Viral Hepatitis Programme, Directorate of Health Services, Goa; Dr. Shekhar Salkar, President of IMA Bicholim Branch; Dr. Yogesh Govekar, Medical Officer, Central Prison, Colvale; Ms. Nehanki Mhadeshwari and Ms. Juie Bandodkar, Optometrists from North Goa District Hospital; Ms. Apika Naik, Optometrist from Colvale Primary Health Centre; along with senior officers and staff members of the prison administration.
Speaking on the occasion, Sucheta Desai lauded the Ophthalmic Cell of DHS Goa for its prompt response in organizing the camp and for its unwavering commitment to delivering quality eye care services. She expressed her appreciation for the provision of reading glasses, free of cost, to staff members and inmate prisoners requiring visual correction. She observed that such healthcare initiatives play a pivotal role in enhancing the well-being, efficiency, and quality of life of both prison personnel and inmates while fostering a culture of preventive healthcare within the institution.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Medha Salkar underscored the importance of regular eye examinations, particularly among individuals living with chronic conditions such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension, which can silently affect vision and lead to serious complications if left undiagnosed. She emphasized that early detection and timely intervention remain the cornerstones of preventing avoidable blindness and preserving vision. Recognizing the healthcare needs of the prison population, which comprises nearly 800 staff members and inmates, Dr. Medha Salkar assured continued support from the Directorate of Health Services by deputing an optometrist to the Central Prison once every fortnight to provide regular eye screening, counselling, and follow-up services, as suggested by Dr. Yogesh Govekar, Medical Officer, Central Prison.
Dr. Shekhar Salkar highlighted the various community outreach initiatives jointly undertaken by IMA Bicholim Branch and the Ophthalmic Cell of DHS Goa. He informed that the organizations have successfully conducted eight similar eye screening camps for self-help groups and hepatitis awareness and screening programmes for municipal sanitation workers in Bicholim and Mapusa. Encouraged by the positive response and tangible impact of these initiatives, similar programmes are now being planned for the staff of the Panaji Municipal Corporation.
During the programme, Dr. Yogesh Govekar emphasized the importance of preventive healthcare and regular screening in institutional settings. He remarked, “Eyes are the windows to overall health. Regular eye examinations not only help preserve vision but also aid in the early detection of systemic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. Timely intervention can prevent complications and significantly improve quality of life.”
The screening camp revealed several ocular and systemic health conditions requiring further evaluation and management. Of the 78 individuals examined, 13 were prescribed reading glasses for near-vision correction, while seven required bifocal spectacles. Sixteen participants were identified as diabetic, among whom one case of non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy was detected. Ten participants were found to be hypertensive. The examinations also identified seven cases of cataract, four cases of pterygium, one case of chalazion, and one case of stye. Diabetic fundus examinations were performed for five diabetic patients to assess retinal health and facilitate the early detection of diabetes-related ocular complications.
The programme concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks proposed by DySP Vilas Parab, who expressed sincere gratitude to the Directorate of Health Services, the Ophthalmic Cell team, IMA Bicholim Branch, the prison administration, medical personnel, and all participants for their wholehearted cooperation in making the camp a grand success. He acknowledged the dedication, teamwork, and commitment of all stakeholders whose collective efforts ensured the smooth and successful conduct of the programme.
The initiative stands as a shining example of the commitment of DHS Goa and IMA Bicholim Branch towards strengthening preventive healthcare services, promoting awareness about eye health, and ensuring the early detection and management of vision-threatening conditions. Such collaborative endeavours continue to make a meaningful contribution towards building a healthier, more informed, and socially responsible society.
Encouraged by the overwhelming response to the programme, the Ophthalmic Cell of DHS Goa, in collaboration with the Central Prison authorities and IMA Bicholim Branch, has planned a series of follow-up screening camps to ensure comprehensive eye care coverage for all prison personnel and inmates. The next camp is scheduled for 17th June 2026 and will cater to the remaining staff members of Central Prison, Colvale. Thereafter, a series of camps will be conducted for inmate prisoners on mutually convenient dates, with a total of seven additional camps planned up to the end of August 2026. This sustained initiative reflects the shared commitment of all stakeholders to ensure that every member of the prison community has access to quality eye care services, timely diagnosis, and appropriate treatment, thereby fostering a healthier and more inclusive correctional environment.
Sucheta Desai
Superintendent of Police
Central Prison, Colvale
