​​​​​​​Delhi, Jan 28: With the ocular trauma on the rise that’s one of the biggest deformities among the children & youth, the University Grant Commission(UGC) has expressed concern over it and prescribed its community resolution.

Underlining the NHRC’s recommendation in this connection, the UGC authorities have sought community interventions of the Varsities and other higher institutions to fight the vision related issues.

The UGC has asked all Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across the country to intensify awareness efforts on the prevention of ocular trauma, citing eye injuries as a significant public health concern and a leading cause of preventable blindness in India.

Acting on the advisory issued by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Ocular Trauma, the UGC has urged institutions to actively disseminate information on the causes, risks and prevention of eye injuries through massive awareness campaigns.

As the NHRC observes, ocular trauma accounts for nearly 7 per cent of all bodily injuries and contributes to 5 per cent of irreversible blindness in the country. Young generations in general and particularly males below the age of 25, are among the most affected victims. Ocular trauma almost results in long-term socio-economic consequences for families and communities, taking away one’s vision and making someone permanently blind.