| |
|
News & Events: March 2009 |
|
|
|
World Glaucoma Day |
-
On 12th March 2009, the 2nd World Glaucoma Day, our
centre joined hands
with World Glaucoma
association (WGA)
and World Glaucoma
Patients Association
(WGPA) to conduct
Educational and
Screening Events for
the general public
with a purpose of
spreading awareness
on Glaucoma.
-
Glaucoma, a progressive degenerative
disorder of the
optic nerve, happens
to be the second
leading cause of
preventable
blindness worldwide,
not because of lack
of effective
diagnostic and
treatment methods,
but due to
insufficient
information and low
awareness of the
public on the
implications of the
disease. Also known
as the “Silent
Thief of Vision”
glaucoma has no
symptoms well up to
an advanced stage of
the disease and
unfortunately, the
damage to vision is
irreversible. The
good news is that
timely diagnosis and
therapy can prevent
the advanced damage
to vision or
blindness. Research
has shown that
glaucoma can be
familial, is more
common among
diabetics,
hypertensives and
after the age of 40
years.
-
Whereas most of us are aware that after age 40 years routine
check-ups are
necessary for
monitoring blood
sugar and blood
pressure, how many
of us are aware of a
similar need for
glaucoma? Also,
there are
indications that
with changing
lifestyles, like
diabetes, glaucoma
is probably on the
rise and is a
serious health
hazard of the
future. The idea
behind having a
dedicated World
Glaucoma Day
is mainly to create
a public awareness
on these issues.
-
On the eventful 2nd World Glaucoma Day on 12th March 2009
Sunetra Family Eye
Care Centre had over
100 persons visit
their centre.
Doctors and staff of
the centre conducted
a public quiz on
Glaucoma, answered
questions and
clarified doubts.
Token prizes were
distributed for
correct answers to
the quiz questions.
Persons at risk were
offered a free
Glaucoma Screening
check-up. An
alarming nearly 50%
of them were
discovered to have
clinical signs
suspicious for
glaucoma, requiring
further
investigations.
-
The day-long program was an astounding success and was
thoroughly enjoyed
by one and all.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Charitable Services |
|
-
Doctors and staff of our centre, in association with Bharat
Sevasram Sangha, conducted
routine monthly free screening
eye camps at remote villages as
well as in-house. A total of 418
patients received free
consultation and advice.
Medicines were distributed free
of cost and spectacles at basic
manufacturing costs were
distributed to many of them. 36
patients underwent advanced
glaucoma screening tests at
subsidised rates and 7 needy
patients underwent
vision-restoring surgeries at
our centre completely free of
cost.
-
A notable free camp was the one at
Udayan, Barrakpore, on Sunday
29th March. 244 residential
school children from classes
1-10 in this wonderful home for
children of leprosy patients
were examined by our doctors &
staff. About 25 of the children
required treatment for
correctable vision related
problems. Father James Stevens,
founder of the centre, was
present and provided inspiration
to our staff in serving the
cause of the destitute lepers’
children.
|
|
 |
 |
| |
|
|
Expert Consultant Visit |
-
Dr Navin Jayakumar, expert on Neouro-Ophthalmology, from
Chennai, visited
our centre on
25th March. He
offered expert
advice to 40
patients with
complex neuro-ophthalmic
problems.
|
|
 |
|
|
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
