Phnom Penh: H.E. Dr. Ing Kantha Phavi, Minister for Women’s Affairs, has called on women to prioritize their health, particularly eye health, as statistics reveal that vision impairment in women aged 50 and above is double that of their male counterparts. This appeal was made during the launch of a community forum on ‘Gender Equality and Eye Health,’ which took place on Sunday in Khan Kambol, Phnom Penh.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the event was organized in collaboration with the Department of Women and Health, Ministry of Women’s Affairs; Referral Hospital of Phnom Penh Municipality; and the National Eye Health Programme, Ministry of Health. The forum aimed to educate the public on eye health care and to ensure that equitable and inclusive services are accessible to all, especially women, girls, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.

During the occasion, approximately 600 participants were provided with eye screenings and received eye drops, eyeglasses, or referrals for further
services based on their health conditions. H.E. Dr. Ing Kantha Phavi highlighted the necessity of regular eye care and consulting with ophthalmologists. She cited a study indicating that vision impairment rates for women aged 50 and above are twice those of men in the same age group, with rates of 3.2 percent for women compared to 1.6 percent for men. Despite this, a higher percentage of men (78.5 percent) than women (68.5 percent) seek treatment services for eye conditions such as cataracts.

The minister also addressed barriers to accessing these services, noting that financial inadequacy was cited by 15.4 percent of women and 9.5 percent of men as a significant obstacle.