The Department of Optometry at TMA Pai Hospital, Manipal, Department of Ophthalmology, Kasturba Medical College and Hospital, Manipal, and Manipal College of Health Professions (MCHP) on Saturday launched the Glaucoma Support Group in Udupi on the occasion of ‘World Glaucoma Week’. The second week of March is celebrated worldwide.
Vinod Bhat, executive vice-president of Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, who inaugurated the group, said that the group would be a common platform to exchange information and support each other.
He suggested developing glaucoma awareness leaflets in Kannada and English to educate the people.
Dean of KMC Manipal Sharath Kumar said: “Glaucoma is called silent killer. It kills vision silently as it usually shows no symptoms. But gradually the vision is reduced. Lost vision is not recovered. Can be done, but current vision can be retained with regular screening and treatment.
Kasturba Hospital assistant professor and consultant glaucoma specialist Nita Keer visited the support group. Vasanti, a patient with glaucoma, shared her experience with the gathering.
A free cataract was examined and some patients were given free cataract medications, a release aid.
The week is observed to create greater awareness on glaucoma. The theme for this year was, ‘The world is bright, save your sight’.
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