Media Release

Mangaluru, Mar 8: Glaucoma is a leading cause of permanent blindness. World Glaucoma Week is celebrated worldwide in the second week of March every year with the intention of creating more awareness regarding glaucoma. On the occasion of World Glaucoma week 2022, department of Ophthalmology, Kasturba Medical College and Hospital, Manipal, and department of Optometry –MCHP inaugurated Free Glaucoma Screening and awareness programme on March 7, 2022 at 2nd floor of Old OPD, Kasturba Hospital Manipal. The theme for Glaucoma week 2022 is 'The world is bright, save your sight'. It reflects the hope that with regular testing, people continue to see the world around us.

Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, vice-chancellor, MAHE Manipal inaugurated the free screening camp and said, “World Glaucoma Week in a unique initiative that puts spotlight in Glaucoma as the leading cause of preventable, irreversible blindness worldwide. He also said that there are lot of people who are unaware that they have glaucoma disease and they do not know how to get the treatment for the same. Hence this awareness program is a nobel program to create awareness among the general public and treat the patients with glaucoma”.

Dr Sharath Kumar Rao, dean KMC Manipal welcomed the gathering and Dr Avinash Shetty, medical superintendent, Kasturba Hospital Manipal proposed the vote of thanks. Dr G Arun Maiya, dean, Manipal College of Health Profession distributed Certificate of Appreciation to the volunteers working for the glaucoma week programme. Dr Sulatha Bhandary, head, department of Ophthalmology, gave overview on Glaucoma Screening Camp. Dr Shonraj Ballae Ganeshrao was present in the programme. Dr Vijaya Pai H, professor spoke about important role relatives play in glaucoma management and Dr Neetha KIR Associate professor spoke about the importance of early detection of glaucoma. The Glaucoma free camp will be from March 7 to 12, 2022 at second floor of Old OPD, Kasturba Hospital Manipal from 9.00am to 3.00 pm.