Media Release

Mangaluru, Aug 7: In observance of World Breastfeeding Week 2025, a combined awareness programme and ophthalmic screening camp was organized on August 6 by the department of child health nursing, Nitte Usha Institute of Nursing Sciences, Nitte (Deemed to be University), in collaboration with Durgavahini Mahila Mandal (Regd), Kuthar, and the department of ophthalmology, KS Hegde Medical Academy (KSHEMA).

This community outreach initiative aimed to promote awareness of the importance of breastfeeding for maternal and child health and to provide free ophthalmic screening to support early detection and prevention of vision-related issues among the local population.

Dhanalakshmi Gatty, former Zilla Panchayat member, inaugurated the programme by welcoming the audience and the resource persons. A health talk on the topic 'Breastfeeding' was delivered by Jeevitha Alva, assistant professor, while a demonstration on breastfeeding techniques and burping with baby doll was conducted by Prof Dr Sujatha R, head of the department of child health nursing.

The ophthalmic screening commenced and was carried out by a team of four ophthalmologists. The event was compered by Sheryl G Fernandes, and the programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Francilla Soniya D’Souza.

The participants gained knowledge about breastfeeding, its significance, and proper techniques for both feeding and storing breast milk. Mothers, Anganwadi teachers, Anganwadi officials, and government representatives attended the session. During the ophthalmic screening, 17 individuals were identified with cataracts and refractive errors. Those diagnosed with cataract and refractive issues were referred to Justice KS Hegde Hospital for surgical intervention and further treatment.