Hyderabad, March 10th, 2019 : Hyderabad Ophthalmologists’ Association (HOA) and Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital hosted the Glaucoma Awareness walk.
This was a part of the World Glaucoma Awareness Week being held from March 10th to 16th, 2019. The Walk was flagged of by Shri Etala Rajender, Health Minister, Telangana at Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital, on Sunday.
Led by the Hyderabad Ophthalmologists’ Association’s President Dr Manoj Mathur, the walk included many noted personalities. It was a grand walk as there was participation on large scale. Hence, it goes on to say, Glaucoma disease treatment on large scale.
On this occasion Shri Etela Rajender, Health Minister, Telangana; inaugurated World ‘Glucoma Awarenss Walk’.
Government of Telangana launched ‘Kanti Velugu scheme for Avoidable Blindness Free Telangana. Awareness on Glaucoma is very essential, it was noted. He said, “Glaucoma problem is more prevalent in our country than any other countries of the world. We need to adopt all innovations and technological developments to defeat Glaucoma”.
He further said, “1 crore 50 lakhs screened for eye problems, and 20 lakhs cataract operations were done recently. Over 22 lakhs spectacles free of cost distributed under this prestigious Kanti Velugu Shceme. Government of Telangana appreciates the services rendered by the Doctors and Staff. Sarojini Eye Hospitals is one of the prestigious Eye Hospital in India”.
Glaucoma Awareness:
According to Dr Manoj Mathur, President, Hyderabad Ophthalmologists’ Association, Glaucoma is referred to as sneak thief of sight. Glaucoma is often detected late due to lack of awareness. In India about 90% of the disease is not diagnosed and hence the need for extensive awareness required.
The damage once detected cannot be reversed, thereafter it can only be controlled. He emphasizes on the need for eye screening for everyone with risk factors. Dr Mathur, also points out that on the other hand about 50% of patients are over diagnosed and hence the need for training of general ophthalmologists for correct detection of the problem rises. Keeping this in view, HOA is hosting intensive sensitization programs for both lay people and medical fraternity to reach out to a wider section of the population. This campaign should raise awareness and reduce the incidence of Glaucoma, he adds.
Initiating Programs on Glaucoma:
As part of the intensive drive to sensitize common man and the medical fraternity on this sneak thief of sight, Hyderabad Ophthalmologists’ Association and Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital, are organizing a host of programs. Besides the Walk, on Sunday Glaucoma Awareness Public Lectures will be delivered in English, Telugu and Hindi, Urdu between 9-10 AM at New Seminar Hall, SD Eye Hospital, which is coordinated by Dr Superna. Thereby follows Hands on Glaucoma Diagnostic Workshop for PGs and interested practitioners at Department of Glaucoma, SD Eye Hospital between 10-12 Noon, coordinated by Dr Venkatratnam.
Please also note that; Center for Sight at Banjara Hills, is organizing a World Glaucoma Day CME, coordinated by Dr Vanita Ray, under the aegis of HOA from 9.30 AM, on Sunday.
