Thousands of schoolchildren in Delhi’s government and municipal schools face a silent but serious challenge: poor vision that directly impacts their ability to learn and thrive. According to recent data, nearly 60,000 children were screened for eyesight problems during the 2024-25 academic session, out of which close to 3,000 were found to urgently need corrective spectacles. Yet experts estimate this number represents only a fraction of the true problem, with an estimated 5% of the more than 22 lakh students in these schools potentially experiencing undiagnosed or untreated vision issues.
The Hidden Roadblock to Learning
Many children with untreated vision problems struggle silently in classrooms. They often:
- Sit far from the blackboard because they can’t see clearly
- Lose attention and fall behind in studies
- Face increased risk of dropping out due to frustration and low confidence
These issues are compounded by the fact that many schools lack comprehensive, regular vision screening programs. Parents and teachers may not always recognize the symptoms, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
Eye Health Experts Weigh In
Experienced ophthalmologists highlight that untreated refractive errors, amblyopia (lazy eye), and strabismus (crossed eyes) can begin impairing a child’s learning abilities from an early age. Added to this, rising screen time and digital exposure accelerate vision problems among children.
To help reduce eye strain and improve vision health, experts recommend:
- Minimum 1–2 hours of outdoor play daily
- Practicing the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes of screen time, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds
- Early and regular vision screenings followed by prompt delivery of spectacles
Untreated eye problems also lead to headaches, eye strain, social withdrawal, and, in severe cases, permanent vision loss, restricting both educational achievement and future opportunities.
Challenges in Current Vision Care Efforts
Despite ongoing efforts by the Delhi government and Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), only a fraction of students receive timely screenings and corrective glasses. Shortcomings persist due to:
- Inadequate coverage and follow-up programs
- Delays in providing spectacles, sometimes lasting weeks or months
- Lack of awareness among parents and schools about preventative eye care
- Resource constraints and understaffed schools without dedicated medical personnel
NGOs help bridge some gaps, but systemic obstacles remain an issue.
Judiciary Steps In for Swift Action
Recognizing these challenges, the Delhi High Court has directed the city government and MCD to:
- Scale up school eye health programs significantly
- Ensure children diagnosed with vision problems receive spectacles ideally within one week
- Report clear, actionable plans to the court on their current and future eye care strategies
This judicial intervention aims to shift vision care into a guaranteed, accessible service for all students in Delhi’s public schools.
What Can Parents and Schools Do Now?
- Watch for signs like frequent squinting, headaches, or difficulty reading
- Facilitate early professional eye examinations and pursue regular check-ups
- Encourage healthy habits that protect eye health, including outdoor time and breaks from screens
- Advocate with school authorities for better vision screening programs and follow-up
Innovative Solutions Offer Hope
Efforts are underway to address this vision care gap across Delhi:
- Mobile eye screening units reach remote and underserved schools
- Partnerships with NGOs and health organizations expand coverage
- Digital tools help track screenings and timely delivery of spectacles
The combined impulse of judiciary, government, medical experts, teachers, and families can ensure every Delhi child has the clear vision needed to succeed academically and in life.
FAQs
Q1: Why is vision screening important for schoolchildren?
Vision screening helps detect undiagnosed eye problems like refractive errors (needing glasses), lazy eye, or crossed eyes early. Early identification and treatment are crucial because poor vision can severely impact a child’s ability to learn, participate actively in class, and build confidence.
Q2: How often are vision screenings conducted in Delhi schools?
Screenings are ideally conducted at the start of school and repeated every 1-2 years depending on the child’s vision health status. The Delhi High Court has emphasized regular and expanded screening programs to cover all government and municipal school students efficiently.
Q3: Who conducts the vision screenings in schools?
Trained teachers initially perform basic visual acuity tests after receiving specialized training by ophthalmic professionals. When children fail initial screenings, optometrists or ophthalmic assistants perform detailed evaluations and prescribe corrective spectacles as needed.
Q4: What happens if a child fails the vision screening?
Children who cannot clearly read standard vision charts are referred for detailed eye exams and refraction tests. If necessary, spectacles are provided—usually free of cost—and children are monitored for compliance to ensure they wear the glasses.
Q5: How quickly are spectacles provided after diagnosis?
Programs aim to supply spectacles within one week of diagnosis to minimize learning disruption, as ordered by the Delhi High Court. Timely delivery is key to preventing further academic and social consequences.
Q6: Are these spectacles provided free to all underprivileged students?
Yes, the government and Municipal Corporation of Delhi, in collaboration with NGOs and health agencies, work to provide free spectacles to underprivileged students. However, coverage is still expanding to achieve universal access.
Q7: How can parents and teachers support children with vision difficulties?
Parents should observe warning signs such as frequent squinting, headaches, or inability to see the board clearly and seek professional eye exams promptly. Teachers can encourage healthy eye habits and support children to wear their spectacles regularly.
Q8: What preventive measures can help reduce vision problems in children?
Limiting excessive screen time, encouraging outdoor activities for at least 1-2 hours daily, and following the 20-20-20 rule (taking breaks every 20 minutes) help reduce eye strain and support healthy vision development.
Q9: What challenges remain in providing vision care in Delhi schools?
Despite efforts, issues like limited coverage of screenings, delays in spectacle delivery, resource shortages, and lack of awareness hinder universal vision care. The Delhi High Court’s recent directives aim to address these gaps.
Q10: How is the Delhi government improving vision screening programs?
The government is expanding school screening initiatives, training teachers, collaborating with NGOs, incorporating digital tracking for follow-ups, and ensuring quicker spectacle distribution, working toward full coverage in all government and municipal schools as mandated by the court.