MillenniumPost
Delhi

Thanks to AIIMS, 2,000 free eye surgeries for the poor

New Delhi: In a bid to provide comprehensive primary eye care services, All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) has integrated 25 vision centres in urban slums and underprivileged localities of Delhi-NCR.
Under this project, the poor have underwent nearly 2,000 free-of-cost eye surgeries at AIIMS.
As a part of the institute's routine eyecare outreach, over 60,000 poor people have already been screened, with a view to offer them good quality eye treatment. These vision care centres are being attached with various government health facilities.
"Around sixty to seventy thousand patients have been screened for various eye disorders, such a cataracts and glaucoma," said Dr Praveen Vashist, Professor and Head Community Ophthalmology, RP Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences at AIIMS, on the occasion of the centre's 51st foundation day on Friday.
"These centres have been set up in Faridabad, Gurugram, Ballabgarh, Ghaziabad, Jhajjar and in dispensaries of Delhi government. Those who require surgeries are referred to Delhi-AIIMS. There, surgeries have been conducted for free and we have 30 dedicated beds for such (underprivileged) patients who are referred," said Dr Vashist.
"It is not only their eyes, patients are also being screened for diabetic retinopathy and they are educated about preventive measures too. Around 2,000 surgeries of underprivileged people have been done in Delhi-AIIMS. ASHA (accredited social health activist) workers help in bringing patients to the vision centres," added Dr Vashist.
Dr Atul Kumar, Chief and Professor, RP Centre, stated that glaucoma is the leading reason for blindness in India.
Glaucoma silently blinds a person and diabetic and genetic transformation are the primary cause for this disease.
"But if glaucoma is treated well within the stipulated time, it can be treated well and vision can be restored fully," said Professor Radhika Tandon.
Shockingly, one out of 20 people above the age of 40 suffer from glaucoma or have the possibility of being affected by this disorder, she added.
Healthy lifestyle, including looking at green sights, and morning physical activities is the need of the hour for good eyecare, many eye surgeons point out.
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