Manipal: Kasturba Medical College and Hospital Launches Glaucoma Fellowship Program, Screening Camps to Mark World Glaucoma Week
Manipal, March 11, 2025: Kasturba Medical College (KMC) and Hospital, Manipal, observed World Glaucoma Week on March 10 by launching a new Glaucoma Fellowship Program and initiating screening camps to promote awareness and early detection of the disease. The event was inaugurated by Dr. Latha Nayak, District Leprosy Officer of Udupi, who underscored the urgent need for trained glaucoma specialists in India.
World Glaucoma Week, held annually in the second week of March, highlights glaucoma as a major cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Often called the “silent thief of sight,” the disease progresses unnoticed in its early stages, making routine eye examinations vital for timely diagnosis and vision preservation. This year’s theme, “Uniting for a Glaucoma-Free World,” urges people worldwide to undergo eye screenings and recognize the importance of early intervention.
Dr. Nayak expressed concern that nearly 90% of glaucoma patients remain undiagnosed until the disease reaches an advanced stage, often leading to blindness. “Early detection is key to preventing vision loss. We must expand outreach efforts to ensure timely diagnosis,” she said. She also stressed the need for more glaucoma specialists in India, noting that fellowship programs provide advanced, hands-on training beyond standard postgraduate education. Financial barriers to treatment further complicate access to care, she added.
To address these challenges, KMC Manipal’s Department of Ophthalmology, in partnership with Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) and the District Blindness Control Society, is organizing glaucoma screening camps in local communities to improve access to eye care services.
A key highlight of the event was the unveiling of the Optopol PTS 2000 perimeter, a state-of-the-art diagnostic tool donated by MyHealthskape Medicals Pvt Ltd. Dr. Anand Venugopal, Chief Operating Officer of Teaching Hospitals at MAHE, led the unveiling, while Dr. Avinash Shetty, Medical Superintendent of Kasturba Hospital, honored Dr. Nayak and Mr. Rupesh from MyHealthskape for their contributions.
Dr. Yogish Kamath, Head of the Department of Ophthalmology, welcomed attendees and emphasized the importance of continuous learning in glaucoma care. Meanwhile, glaucoma specialist Dr. Neetha KIR introduced the new fellowship program, which aims to provide in-depth, practical training for medical professionals.
