Indonesia Ministry of Health launches eye care programs

The Indonesian Ministry of Health has launched the Comprehensive Community Eye Care (CCEC) program to address vision impairment. This initiative follows data from the Free Health Check (CKG) program, which screened 34 million people and identified approximately 1.6 million individuals with potential vision problems.

Launched during World Sight Day, the CCEC program aims to screen more than 60,000 students and workers across five provinces and 19 regencies/cities over the next three years. Deputy Health Minister Dante Saksono Harbuwono emphasized the importance of early detection, noting that 90 percent of global vision impairment cases are preventable or treatable.

The Ministry's strategic plan includes strengthening eye screenings, expanding access to cataract surgeries, increasing the availability of ophthalmologists, and enhancing eye health education in schools and workplaces.