World Glaucoma Week 2022

Aravind Eye Hospital, Tirunelveli organised various awareness programmes. An awareness exhibition was arranged in the hospital campus from March 7-12. The exhibition was inaugurated by Dr. R. Meenakshi, Chief Medical Officer. Exhibition showcased types of glaucoma, investigations, treatment procedures and the importance of family screening.

In collaboration with Indian Medical Association, Tirunelveli, Aravind- Tirunelveli formed a human chain March 9.  Dr. Rufus Ponniah – President, IMA-Tirunelveli, Dr. Raja S Vignesh – Secretary, IMA-Tirunelveli, and Dr. Francis Roy, Ex-secretary, IMA – Tirunelveli participated. Glaucoma consultants, Postgraduates, fellows, MLOPs and Admin from Aravind-Tirunelveli joined. Press meet also was arranged at the end of the event. Tow glaucoma screening camps were organised, one at Kanyakumari on March 2 and the other one at Tenkasi Collectorate on March 16.

Dr.R.Ramakrishnan, Advisor, Aravind-Tirunelveli and Senior Glaucoma consultant and Dr. Mohideen Abdul Kader, Chief, Glaucoma Services gave awareness talks on All India radio. Banners were displayed in prominent places to create awareness. Pamphlets and notices were distributed to the public.

A webinar was conducted on March 11 which was hosted by Mrs. Uma Kanagarj, (AIR – Tirunelveli). Dr. Ramakrishnan – Advisor & Senior Glaucoma consultant set the context for the webinar. Special talk on eye health was delivered by Prof. Ramachandran. Dr. Rajendran, a glaucoma patient and a scientist at ICAR and Mr. Murugan, a glaucoma suspect shared their experiences. Dr. Mohideen,Chief,  Glaucoma services, Aravind- Tirunelveli; Dr. Krishnadas , HR Director and senior glaucoma consultant, Aravind-Madurai; Dr. R. Venkatesh , Chief Medical Officer and Senior glaucoma consultant, Aravind- Pondicherry actively participated in the webinar.

Glaucoma screening and awareness programme was organised for paediatric glaucoma patients on March 11. Glaucoma evaluation was done for 28 children by Dr. Madhavi. This was followed by an awareness session which was inaugurated by Dr. R. Meenakshi. She gave a talk on importance of follow up and sibling screening. Dr. Madhavi delivered a talk on glaucoma in children. A special talk on importance of low vision aids and visual rehabilitation was given by Dr. Fathima, Chief – Low Vision Services. This was followed by an eye care awareness talk by Dr. Ramakrishnan.