World Glaucoma Week was observed at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences from March 12-18, 2017, to raise awareness regarding glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness throughout the world.
The best way to prevent glaucoma is through early detection that can be done through yearly eye checkups. Since there are no symptoms or warning signs for this condition it is difficult to detect it.
As part of the weeklong campaign, a Glaucoma Walkathon was organized at Durbar Hall on 12th March. This event was jointly organized by Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Cochin Ophthalmic Club, KSOS, under the egis of Glaucoma Society of India and KSOS, with enthusiastic support from IMA (Cochin Branch), Inner Wheel Club of Cochin, Rotary Club of Cochin and Women Explorers (WE), along with the Ophthalmic Community of Cochin. The Chief Guest was District Collector, Mr. Mohammed Y. Safirulla, and the event was flagged off by Justice A.K. Jayasankaran Nambiar.
Another initiative taken by the Department of Ophthalmology, Glaucoma Services, under the leadership of Dr. Meenakshi Dhar, was the Glaucoma Awareness Campaign, held throughout the week from 8:30 am to 10: 30 am at the hospital. Additionally, free glaucoma screening services were offered to patients between 2 to 3 pmthroughout the week. Students enthusiastically participated in the poster making competition and the theme this year was “Beat Invisible Glaucoma”.
