Main findings of this performance audit on implementation of National Programme for Control of Blindness in Kerala covering the period 1996-97 to 2000-01 are given below:

1. Results of surveys conducted to identify blind persons were not reliable due to inadequate coverage. As a result, action plan formulated in 8 districts did not serve the intended purpose.
2. Against the target of 400 cataract surgery per 1 lakh population, achievement during 1998-2001 in the State did not go beyond 273 in any year. Possibility of achieving the objective of reducing avoidable blindness to 50 per cent by 2002 is remote.
3. Due to lack of separate operation theatres and separate beds for eye treatment the services of even the available trained ophthalmic surgeons were not utilised. Shortfall in achievement of target for performance of cataract operations in Government sector ranged between 56 and 96 per cent during 1999-2001.
4. Out of 14 eye banks (Government sector: 12, Private sector: 2) approved in the State, 10 (Government sector: 9, Private sector: 1) were not functioning as of May 2001 due to absence of various facilities.