Assessing the Critical Imperative for Optometric Care and Professional Education Expansion in Peri-Urban and Rural Ecosystems: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Nabadwip-Mayapur Corridor, Nadia District, West Bengal
Abstract: Uncorrected refractive error (URE) and unaddressed presbyopia remain the primary etiologies of avoidable moderate-to-severe visual impairment globally, disproportionately disabling productive populations in rural and peri-urban zones. This study investigates the institutional necessity for primary optometric infrastructure, refractive services, and formal optometric education within the Nabadwip- Mayapur corridor of Nadia District, West Bengal. This geographic region presents a unique socio-epidemiological cross-section: an indigenous agro-artisan populace-predominantly the traditional handloom (tant) weaving clusters of Nabadwip- intersecting with a massive floating and permanent international/domestic pilgrimage community situated across the Bhagirathi River in Mayapur. Utilizing a population-based, cross-sectional descriptive design, structured clinical evaluations and visual acuity assessments were conducted among 850 individuals aged ≥ 15 years across four representative clusters. The overall prevalence of presenting visual impairment (
Keywords: Optometry, community eye health, uncorrected refractive errors, Nabadwip, Mayapur, Nadia, handloom weavers, presbyopia, public health optometry, allied health education, employment
How to Cite?: Dr. Anindya Saha, "Assessing the Critical Imperative for Optometric Care and Professional Education Expansion in Peri-Urban and Rural Ecosystems: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Nabadwip-Mayapur Corridor, Nadia District, West Bengal", Volume 15 Issue 10, October 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 213-218, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR261002115046, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR261002115046