The Sankara Nethralaya Academy celebrated World Optometry Day 2023 by organizing multiple events, over a period of two weeks.

In the first part celebrated on 18^th March 2023, Saturday, the focus was on knowledge dissemination, fun activities by students and felicitating achievers.

Mr. Ramachandran Parthasarathy, Business Advisor to Retail Eye Wear industry and Consultant – Hoya, delivered a talk on opportunities for Optometrists post education.  He explained that there is a need for good quality eye care practice in Tier 3 & Tier 4 cities and how the Graduates and Post-graduates could fill in the gap by opening lucrative practices equipped with the skill set and knowledge they possess.

Mr. Sankarraman, from Hoya India Private Limited, spoke on the role of ophthalmic lenses in myopia management.  The M. Optom students presented a skit on various roles and responsibilities performed by an Optometrist.  Following this, the students who had meticulously prepared posters for the Low Vision awareness month in February were felicitated by the Chief Guest Mr. Ramachandran.

The Program concluded with high-tea and student interaction with the chief guest.

In the second part of the World Optometry Day 2023 celebrations, TSNA partnered with the Indian Optometric Association (IOA), an apex body involved in the promotion of Optometry as a Profession, to organize an awareness rally in Edward Elliots Beach in Besant Nagar, Chennai.

About 150 students participated in the rally, which was flagged off by Brigadier Rajaram and graced by his wife Mrs Geethanjali Rajaram. The students held placards depicting the various roles and responsibilities performed by Optometrist which includes prescribing Low Vision devices, working as a Pediatric and Geriatric Optometrist, Occupational Optometrist, Orthoptics practitioner, etc.

Brigadier Rajaram, gave a brief speech about how Optometrists play an indispensable role in eye care.

The event concluded with a sumptuous breakfast sponsored by The Indian Optometric Association. TSNA thanks Mr. Mahendran, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Adyar and the Asst. Commissioner of Police, Adyar, for their support in conducting this program.

We wish to express our sincere thanks to the Management of TSNA / SN and the office bearers of IOA, including Mr. Subodh Dixit, President, Mr. Rajeev Prasad, Secretary-General, and Mr.Chandrasekar, Sothern India Representative.