First World Glaucoma Day Aravind-Madurai The first World Glaucoma Day was observed by Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai during the first week of March. Various events like press meet, awareness exhibition, patient interaction programmes, LIVE interaction with the public through Radio and Television were conducted. A special Programme was held at Lakshmi Sundaram Hall, Madurai on March 8. Dr. S.R. Krishnadas, CMO, AEH welcomed the gathering. Dr. G. Natchiar, Vice-Chairman, AECS lighted Kuthuvillakku. A special inaugural address was delivered by Chairman, Dr. P.Namperumalsamy. The chief guest of the Programme was “Patti Mandra Pugal” Mr. Raja. Dr. M.R. Venkatesh, Deputy CMO, AECS-Puducherry delivered lecture on “Glaucoma and Eye”. Aravind-Coimbatore World Glaucoma Day was observed at Aravind-Coimbatore from March 1-8, 2008. As part of it, various programmes like awareness campaigns for patients and hospital workers and press meet were conducted. A live interview with Dr P. Sathyan, Glaucoma specialist was telecasted by UTV, Kalaignar TV, Mega TV and other TV channels. A live programme by Dr. P. Sathyan on Glaucoma awareness was broadcasted in All India Radio and Rainbow FM. 20,000 calendars describing the symptoms and risks of Glaucoma were distributed in all public places. A webpage designed exclusively for Glaucoma, THE AGE was launched by Dr Namperumalsamy, Chairman AECS. A free family glaucoma screening campaign was conducted in which a total of 116 patients attended and 16 patients were diagnosed as having Glaucoma. Aravind-Tirunelveli The first World Glaucoma Day was celebrated at Aravind-Tirunelveli on March 6, 2008. A glaucoma screening camp was organized in the hospital premises on March 9. The response was so encouraging that 232 outpatients were screened on that day. During the Glaucoma Day the Inauguration of Aravind Glaucoma e-news “The Age” was launched and Patient Interaction program was conducted at Hospital. Calendars which describe the symptoms and risks of glaucoma were distributed at Churches, temples, Banks, Airport, Bus stand and in Petrol Bunks. A live Programme in “All India Radio” was held to create awareness.
Aravind-Puducherry World Glaucoma Day was celebrated at Aravind-Puducherry on March 8. Glaucoma awareness banner was displayed at 15 places (Pondicherry, cuddalore, Villupuram) for one week. Press meeting was conducted on March 4 and there was a release about the World Glaucoma Day in Newspapers. On March 6, Glaucoma awareness exhibition was conducted in the Exhibition Hall around 250 patients visited the exhibition. Dr. Venkatesh gave a Live talk in All India Radio and on March 7, he gave a Live interaction with the viewers of Right Channel. During the week long celebrations, Badges and mini posters were given to the patients in order to create awareness about Glaucoma.
Glaucoma Update L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Visakapatnam, March 8-9 Dr.R.Ramakrishnan, CMO Aravind-Tirunelveli attended "Glaucoma Update" at L.V.Prasad Eye Institute, Visakapatnam on March 8-9. - Glaucoma detecting devices - Non-penetrating Glaucoma surgeries Delhi Ophthalmological Society Meeting Delhi, March 28-30 Dr.R.Ramakrishnan, CMO Aravind-Tirunelveli attended the Delhi Ophthalmological Society Meeting at Delhi from March 28-30. Key note address was given by him on the following topics - Primary Congenital Glaucoma - Update on Glaucoma Dr. Ramakrishnan spoke on the following topic - Risk factors for prevention of OHT and POAG And he participated as panel member in the discussion on “Investigations and Management of Glaucoma”. Dr.P.Sathyan, Chief, Glaucoma Services Aravind-Coimbatore attended the Delhi Ophthalmological Society Meeting at Delhi from March 28-30. Dr.Ganesh V.Raman collaborated with Dr. Martin Spencer of Seva Foundation and visited He Eye Hospital, Shenyang China between 14th and 23rd April 2008. The objective of the visit was to train surgeons in Manual Sutureless cataract surgery for the He Eye Hospital’s Low Pay Section.