Glaucoma is a silent thief of Sight; Early detection is the mantra: Doctors at Glaucoma Conference
Dr. GR Reddy, President of Andhra Pradesh Ophthalmic Society observed that glaucoma is an irreversibly blinding disease, and it should be diagnosed at a very early stage. Glaucoma silently kills peripheral vision. In this eye condition, there may be no obvious symptoms like pain in the eye watering or redness.
The Chief Guest, Dr Reddy made this observation at a one-day conference on “Glaucoma India Education Programme” organised by Visakha Ophthalmic Association and Glaucoma Society of India and hosted by Sankar Foundation Eye Hospital & Institute, Naidutota, Visakhapatnam on 3rd September 2023.
Addressing a huge gathering of ophthalmologists, Dr Reddy further said that patients with diabetes, high myopia and family history of glaucoma and frequent changes of glasses must visit an ophthalmologist for regular checkups. Continuous evaluation would help in early diagnosis and reduce vision loss, he added.
Dr Viswamitra, Superintendent, Government Regional Eye Hospital, Visakhapatnam, the Guest of Honour for the conference called upon the participants to gain knowledge from the conference and observed that clinical examination and follow-up are crucial for glaucoma treatment and added that glaucoma leads to high-pressure in the eye which if not treated in time can result in vision loss.
Sri Atmakuri Vijaya Kumar, Executive Trustee, Sankar Foundation exhorted the participants to learn and expand their knowledge for betterment of their careers. He urged them to utilize the facilities at Sankar Foundation for research activities.
Sri K Radhakrishnan, GM (Admn & Operations) Sankar Foundation thanked the organizers for choosing Sankar Foundation for the conference.
Dr NR Rangaraj, Premier Eye Care Surgical Centre, Chennai said that glaucoma affects quality of life and stressed the need for early intervention to retard the progression. He said that proper glaucoma diagnosis depends on the detection of pathology, evaluation of disease status and follow-up after clinical examination.
The doctors highlighted the need to apply the latest technological advancements in ophthalmology to prevent avoidable blindness and create awareness in society about glaucoma and its effects.
The dignitaries praised Sankar Foundation for organizing the conference and for creating an atmosphere of mutual trust among doctors. Several case studies were presented on glaucoma and its effects and preventive measures by the participants on the occasion.
Dr T Raveendra, Dr Jyotirmayi, Dr KVV Satyanarayana, Dr N Malleswari from AP Medical Council, Dr Krishna Prasad, Principal, Sankar Foundation College of Medical Education, Dr Nasrin, Dr Sirisha, Dr Laxmi, Dr Suparna from Sankar Foundation took part in the deliberations. Around 160 doctors from Sankar Foundation, Govt Regional Eye Hospital, LV Prasad Eye Hospital, Dr Agarwals, GITAM Medical College, Visakha Eye Hospital etc participated.
Dr Sirisha, Sankar Foundation compered the proceedings.
Smt. K. Mani Mala is a postgraduate holding an MBA. She started her career as a founder faculty of one of the first management colleges in Visakhapatnam, viz. Indian Institute of Advanced Management. She worked with East India Petroleum Limited as its first employee and as Executive Assistant to the Managing Director. She was also associated in establishing the Joint Venture with M/s SHV Energy of Netherlands as General Manager (MIS). During her tenure she was also associated with other group companies such as 16 MW & 450 MW gas-based power projects in AP and 16 MW & 100 MW hydel power plants in Himachal Pradesh.
( Late) Dr. Kumar studied Law and Economics at the Andhra University, Visakhapatnam and Chennai. He was a Chartered Accountant of repute with offices in Visakhapatnam, Hyderabad and Chennai.