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
The issue of gender inequality in access to eye care in India is a pressing concern, as highlighted by community ophthalmologist Rohit Khanna. In a poignant case, Khanna recounted a patient, a young girl afflicted with retinoblastoma, a rare and aggressive eye cancer often diagnosed in early childhood. The family, upon learning of the necessity for surgery and potential loss of the eye for the girl's survival, expressed reservations.
The father's concern centered on the implication of disfigurement for his daughter's future prospects, raising doubts about her ability to marry in the future. This instance underscores the deeply gendered barriers in seeking and receiving eye care in India, where the social and cultural implications for women and girls can override medical necessity.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu - Sci-Tech's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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