Sikkim celebrates World Glaucoma Day

Namchi, March 12, 2013

Namchi Celebrated World Glaucoma Day in a function organised here in the conference hall of Namchi District hospital on March 12. Chief Medical Officer (South) Dr. Bimal Rai graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.

Organised by National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB) wing of Namchi District Hospital.

The function which was attended by ASHA, ANM and heath workers was given a comprehensive and detail orientation and awareness training on Glaucoma and other common eye problem on the occasion.

Dr. Twinkey Bhutia Eye Specialist of Namchi District Hospital in a power point presentation comprehensively informed and educated the gathering about Glaucoma.

Glaucoma is the 2nd leading cause for blindness, first one being cataract.It is a group of disorder characterized by destruction of the optic nerve and visual field defect, often associated with increased intraocular pressure, she informed.

She also explained about its cause, prevention and treatment. She further informed that about 12 Million people in India are affect by Glaucoma and about 67 Million worldwide.

Classification of Glaucoma are mainly of two types Congenital and Primary adult types the former is seen in the children up to 16 years Dr. Twinkey added.

She also informed that people come to know about the disease only in the later stages (as it has very few side effects) when its well spread, so its very important to have a regular eye checkups to prevent it or to know about it in early stages.

Earlier addressing the gathering CMO (South) Dr. Bimal Rai informed that it was for the first time World Glaucoma was being celebrated in Namchi.

He also stressed that these sorts of orientation and awareness programmes and workshops are of utmost importance for ASHA, ANM and health workers, and they should make the people in the rural areas aware and inform them about the diseases and its cause and cure, after attending such programmes.

Dr. Rai further informed that a week long screening camp for Glaucoma is being organised from today onward in Namchi District Hospital and asked the ASHA ANM and health workers to bring such patients in the hospital for treatment if they have any in their respective areas.