Media Release
Udupi, Sep 11: The department of ophthalmology at Kasturba Medical College and Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, in collaboration with the Udupi District Ophthalmic Society (UDOS) and Karnataka Ophthalmic Society (KOS), successfully organized a Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme titled 'Retinal Diagnostics and Manipal HOTS 2.0: Hands-on training sessions – Retina' at K M C Intaract hall. The event brought together over 100 delegates, including postgraduate students, faculty members, and leading experts in vitreoretinal sciences.
The CME was inaugurated by Dr Srikanth Y N, consultant vitreoretinal surgeon from Bangalore. Distinguished guests included Dr Vikram Jain, chairman of the scientific committee of KOS and secretary of UDOS; Dr Lavanya Rao, consultant ophthalmologist at AV Baliga Memorial Hospital; Dr Yogish S Kamath, head of the department of ophthalmology at KMC Manipal; Dr Shailaja Bhat Shenoy, associate professor and vitreoretinal surgeon at KMC Manipal; and Dr Sushan Shetty, assistant professor at KMC Manipal.
The programme aimed to enhance academic knowledge and practical skills in diagnosing and managing retinal diseases, with a special focus on cutting-edge imaging technologies. As part of the Industry-Academia collaboration, representatives from Remidio and SUN Invotech participated, with Dr Shonraj delivered a talk on the application of Artificial Intelligence in ophthalmic diagnostic equipment for routine retinal screening.
Dr Yogish S Kamath emphasized the importance of early detection and accurate evaluation of retinal disorders such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and retinal vascular occlusions. He also announced the launch of a post-doctoral fellowship training programme in medical retina and Uvea at KMC Manipal, marking a significant milestone in the department’s four-decade-long legacy of providing medical and surgical vitreoretinal services. A key highlight of the event was the hands-on demonstration sessions featuring OCT angiography, wide-field fundus imaging, retinal lasers, and advanced ultrasonography for posterior segment evaluation.
Interactive case discussions allowed postgraduate students to engage in diagnostic interpretation under the guidance of senior vitreoretinal faculty. Adding a competitive edge to the academic gathering, a debate competition for the OEU alumni rolling trophy saw enthusiastic participation from postgraduate students across various colleges, further enriching the learning experience. The CME was widely appreciated for its comprehensive approach to retinal diagnostics and its commitment to fostering clinical excellence among future ophthalmologists.