Media Release
Udupi, Mar 10: Kasturba Medical College (KMC) and Hospital, Manipal, observed World Glaucoma Week on March 10 with the launch of a new Glaucoma Fellowship Program and the commencement of glaucoma screening camps aimed at raising awareness and enabling early detection of the disease.
Dr Latha Nayak, district leprosy officer of Udupi, inaugurated the event and emphasized the critical need for more trained glaucoma specialists in India.
World Glaucoma Week, observed annually during the second week of March, aims to raise awareness about glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Known as the "silent thief of sight," glaucoma typically presents no symptoms in its early stages, making regular eye exams essential for early diagnosis and vision preservation. This year’s theme, “Uniting for a Glaucoma-Free World,” encourages people worldwide to undergo eye check-ups and understand the importance of early intervention.
Dr Nayak highlighted the alarming fact that up to 90% of glaucoma patients remain unaware of their condition until it reaches an advanced stage, often leading to blindness. “It is crucial to reach communities and detect the disease early enough to preserve vision,” she stated. She also underlined the urgent need for more glaucoma specialists in India to ensure patients receive proper care, adding that glaucoma fellowships provide comprehensive, hands-on training beyond standard postgraduate education. Additionally, she noted that financial constraints often hinder patients from accessing treatment.
In response, the department of ophthalmology at KMC Manipal, in collaboration with Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) and the District Blindness Control Society, is launching glaucoma screening camps in local communities to enhance access to eye health services and facilitate early detection of the disease.
The event also featured the unveiling of the Optopol PTS 2000 perimeter, an advanced diagnostic tool donated by MyHealthskape Medicals Pvt Ltd. Dr Anand Venugopal, chief operating officer of teaching hospitals at MAHE, Manipal, unveiled the device. Dr Avinash Shetty, medical superintendent of Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, presented tokens of appreciation to Dr Nayak and Mr Rupesh from MyHealthskape for their contributions.
Dr Yogish Kamath, head of the department of ophthalmology at KMC, welcomed the attendees and stressed the importance of continued education in glaucoma care. Dr Neetha Kir, a glaucoma specialist, provided an overview of the new Glaucoma Fellowship Program, which aims to offer in-depth, hands-on training for medical professionals.
The event concluded with a glaucoma screening camp that saw significant public participation, reflecting the community’s proactive approach to eye health and the importance of early detection in preventing vision loss.