Itanagar, Feb 21: In a landmark initiative to extend quality eye care services to India’s remotest frontiers, the Arunachal Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), in collaboration with the National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment (NPCBVI), Govt of Arunachal Pradesh, has formally adopted Kaho village under a comprehensive programme aimed at achieving free universal eye health coverage for all its residents.
Kaho, located in the Kibithoo circle of Anjaw district, is widely recognized as India’s first village along the easternmost Indo-Tibet (China) border. Home to around 75-100 residents, primarily from the Meyor community, the small hamlet lies on the banks of the Lohit River, about 8-10 km from the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The village has gained prominence under the Vibrant Villages Programme as a model border settlement witnessing steady infrastructure development.
The adoption marks a focused effort to eliminate preventable blindness in one of the country’s most inaccessible regions. Informing this, Dr Taba Khanna, State Programme Officer, NPCBVI, said the initiative aims to ensure sustained and structured eye care outreach in the frontier village.
Under the programme, AAO and NPCBVI will provide regular free services, including: conducting periodic eye screening camps, diagnosis and treatment of common conditions such as cataract, refractive errors and glaucoma, free distribution of spectacles, referral support for advanced interventions, including surgeries where required, awareness drives on eye hygiene and early detection of vision problems.
Speaking on the initiative, AAO president Dr Kaling Darang said that remote border areas like Kaho often face significant healthcare barriers due to distance, difficult terrain and limited connectivity.
“By adopting Kaho, we aim to ensure that every resident, regardless of age or economic status, receives comprehensive eye care without any financial burden. This initiative aligns with national goals under the NPCBVI and supports the vision of ‘Eye Health for All’ in Arunachal’s frontier regions,” he said.
As part of the sustained adoption model, AAO will conduct screening and awareness camps in Kaho and nearby areas at two-month intervals, with periodic follow-ups to monitor progress toward full coverage. The model is expected to serve as a replicable example for other remote villages under the Vibrant Villages initiative.
Local leaders and residents have welcomed the development, noting that improved eye health will significantly enhance quality of life in a community that is also witnessing growing tourism potential and strategic infrastructure upgrades.
On the eve of Arunachal Pradesh's Statehood Day, AAO members distributed free blankets to all villagers and interacted with residents to understand their health concerns, while providing eye health awareness sessions.