Whose sight matters? How gender shapes access to eye care in India
Across their lifespans, from childhood to old age, women face disadvantages in access to eye health and care. For many, treatment depends on how their health is prioritised by the men in their household. Late care, or lack of access can leave girls and women with preventable visual impairment and loss
In India, gender plays a significant role in determining access to eye care, particularly for women and children. Rohit Khanna, a community ophthalmologist from L.V.Prasad Eye Institute in Hyderabad, recounts a case involving a young girl with retinoblastoma, a rare and aggressive eye tumor often diagnosed in early childhood. The family was initially resistant to the surgical recommendation, fearing that removing the eyeball would disfigure the child and prevent her from ever marrying.
This case highlights the cultural expectations and gender biases that can impede timely and adequate treatment for those in need.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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