Universal eye health in Odisha, India, Sunetra. Report # 1. Program planning

PURPOSE: To describe the program planning of Sunetra (Healthy Eyes), the universal eye health coverage in the Indian state Odisha. METHODS: The Indian state of Odisha launched the universal eye health coverage in October 2017. This is the first Indian state to officially respond to the World Health Organization’s Global Action Plan. RESULTS: The Government of Odisha pledged INR 6,820 million (US$ 100 million approximately) spread over 5 years. Each third of the pledged money is allocated for immediate direct benefit, building the infrastructure and human resources, and creating a digital eye health platform for uniform documentation and policy planning. CONCLUSION: It is hoped that at the end of 5 years, by 2022, the state will attain the goals prescribed in the Global Action Plan in eye care.