The Odisha administration introduced the Sunetra Scheme 2026 as a key component of its broad Universal Eye Care initiative. This program has been inaugurated four times over the past four years within the state. During its initial rollout in 2017, the state authorities pledged to deliver universal eye health services by 2022, though this goal was later adjusted to 2023. This post provides a comprehensive overview of the Odisha Sunetra initiative.
Odisha Sunetra Scheme 2026 for Universal Eye Care
How many times can an administration introduce the same initiative? Based on official state communications, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s flagship Sunetra eye health program has been inaugurated at least four times over the last four years.
Initial Launch of the Sunetra Eye Health Initiative
Asserting that Odisha is the nation's first state to design a universal eye health program aimed at providing comprehensive care and preventing vision-related issues, the Chief Minister first introduced the scheme on October 12, 2017, coinciding with World Sight Day.
The state government initially planned an expenditure of Rs. 682 crore over five years, aiming to eradicate cataracts and establish vision care centers at the Community Health Center (CHC) level across all districts by 2022. Provisions were also made for free treatment of diabetic retinopathy and serious conditions like glaucoma, alongside free spectacles for children suffering from refractive errors.
Second Launch of the Sunetra Scheme
Six months following the initial launch, CM Naveen Patnaik reintroduced the program alongside two other initiatives. On April 7, 2018, to mark World Health Day, the Sunetra Scheme was presented alongside the Nirmal program, which promotes hospital hygiene, and the Sammpurna Suraksha Kabacha, focused on maternal and child health.
Third Launch of the Sunetra Eye Care Program
Prior to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the Chief Minister restarted the eye care project during the "Ama Gaon Ama Bikash" event on January 15, 2019. While the 2017 launch targeted 2022 for universal eye care, this iteration shifted the completion goal to 2023.
Fourth Launch of the Sunetra Scheme in Odisha
As if three launches were insufficient, Health and Family Welfare Minister Nabakishore Das also introduced the Sunetra Scheme, promising advanced eye care for everyone by 2023. During this fourth launch event, he inaugurated mobile vision centers for the Khurda, Ganjam, Jharsuguda, and Sundargarh districts.