The prevalence of diabetes is on a rapid rise especially in low- and middle-income countries than in high-income countries. Diabetes is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke and many other conditions. A multifaceted approach which includes awareness creation, adherence to treatment, and lifestyle modifications are crucial to controlling diabetes. Since eye is one of the main organs affected by uncontrolled diabetes, Aravind Eye Hospitals observed World Diabetes Day with a wide variety of programmes.

Retinopathy of prematurity (RoP) is a potentially blinding disease caused by the abnormal development of retinal blood vessels in premature babies. Blindness due to RoP can be avoided if the baby undergoes an eye check preferably within a month of birth and necessary treatment is taken if found to have the disease. Aravind centres have been actively involved in creating awareness and providing treatment for RoP. RoP awareness day was observed recently with many awareness creation campaigns and RoP screening programmes.

News about these and many more feature in this issue.