Historical Background / Periodical Development

Tracoma Control Programme was launched in 1972-73 in the state, then it was reformed as National Programme for Control of Blindness. National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB) was launched in the year 1976 as a 100% centrally sponsored scheme with the goal reducing the prevalence of blindness to 0.3 % by 2020.  Rapid Survey on Avoidable Blindness Conducted under NPCB during 2006-07 showed reduction in the prevalence rate of blindness from 1.1% (2001-02) to 1% (2006-07).