Port Blair, March 12: Under National Programme for Control of Blindness, on the observance of “World Glaucoma Day” Fortnight on 12th March 2013, a Glaucoma Screening Programme was organized at Panchayat Hall, Guptapara on 12th March 2013 from 9.00 AM in association with Gram Panchayat, Guptapara to detect glaucoma cases.
The eye team headed by Dr (Mrs) Anita Shah, Ophthalmologist, G.B. Pant Hospital, Port Blair has examined 124 glaucoma suspect patients, of which 6 glaucoma cases were detected and referred to G.B. Pant Hospital for further investigation and management.
Apart from glaucoma cases, 16 cataract cases, 2 Ptergium, 70 refractive errors and other 30 other cases has been detected. The cataract cases and Ptergium cases has been referred to G.B. Hospital for surgery, whereas the other cases have been referred for further investigation and management. During the Programme, talks on eye care were been delivered with special focus on Glaucoma to create awareness amongst the public about prevention and control of Glaucoma.
Dr. Anita Shah on the occasion explained that Glaucoma is a silent disease and its affect is irreversible. It usually occurs in the age group of people above 40 years and the worst part is there is hardly any indication of the disease. The only solution is a regular eye check up to help stop vision loss, she said.
Dr. Shah further said that the disease is also known as ‘Kala Motia’ but unlike Cataract the vision loss cannot be regained.
The programme was started with welcome address by Shri. Shyam Shanker, Pradhan, Gram Panchayat, Guptapara and concluded with vote of thanks proposed by Dr. H. Charles, Chief Medical Officer, PHC Manglutang.
To make the camp a great success, the PRIs and Staffs of PHC Mangluang extended their full cooperation. Eye testing machines were also brought to the camp for screening the patients.