Glaucoma Awareness Week 2023: Free screening and camp organized in Manipal
Manipal, March 13, 2023: In observance of World Glaucoma Week, the Department of Ophthalmology at Kasturba Medical College and Hospital, Manipal, and the Department of Optometry –MCHP organized a free glaucoma screening and awareness program today. Glaucoma, which is a leading cause of permanent blindness, is the focus of World Glaucoma Week, celebrated annually during the second week of March.
The theme for this year’s Glaucoma Week is “The world is bright, save your sight,” emphasizing the importance of regular testing to preserve one’s vision. Dr. Padmaraj Hegde inaugurated the free screening camp and emphasized that glaucoma is a “silent thief of vision,” slowly leading to total vision loss. He stated that World Glaucoma Week is a unique campaign to draw attention to preventable, irreversible blindness worldwide.
Dr. G Arun Maiya, the Dean of Manipal College of Health Profession, released an information brochure on Glaucoma during the event. Dr. Avinash Shetty, the Medical Superintendent at Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, presented Certificates of Appreciation to the volunteers working for the Glaucoma Week program. Dr. Anand Venugopal, the COO of Teaching Hospital, MAHE, Manipal, was also present.
Dr. Yogish S Kamath, the Head of the Department of Ophthalmology, welcomed the gathering and announced that the glaucoma screening camp will be held at Dr. TMA Pai Hospital, Udupi, on March 15th, and at Dr. T M A Pai Rotary Hospital Karkala on March 17th. He encouraged the general public to take advantage of these screening opportunities. Dr. Neetha KIR, an Associate Professor, gave an overview of the program and emphasized the importance of early detection of glaucoma.
Dr. Krithica S, the Head of the Department of Optometry, proposed a vote of thanks, and more than 500 people benefited from today’s camp. This awareness program is a noble initiative to create awareness among the general public and treat patients with glaucoma.
