Bhubaneswar, July 31 (Bureau) Experts have expressed grave concern over the rising trend of pediatric blindness in Odisha due to decreased infant mortality rates and various risk factors such as prematurity, hypoxia, and nutritional deficiencies. They emphasized the need to enhance state-of-the-art oculoplasty services at peripheral centers and to train more ophthalmologists to address eye health issues and reduce the blindness burden. The growing trend of Pediatric Blindness was discussed at the midterm conference of the Odisha State Ophthalmological Society held at AIIMS Bhubaneswar.
The one-day scientific programme saw the participation of 230 eye specialists, including postgraduate doctors from various medical colleges across Odisha. Key discussion points included the urgent need for awareness about glaucoma, which can cause irreversible blindness and is seen in every fourth patient visiting eye OPDs. Senior ophthalmologists highlighted the importance of spreading awareness about its causes and management. Distinguished doctors Prof. Jeewan S Titiyal, Padmashree from AIIMS, New Delhi, and Dr. Ajit Babu Majji, former president of the All India Ophthalmological Society from Hyderabad attended the conference.
Prof. Biswambhar Rajguru, a 97-year-old senior eye specialist and esteemed teacher, was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Prof. Rajguru, the second Ophthalmologist in Odisha, was recognized for his lifelong dedication to the development of Ophthalmological science and society in the state. AIIMS, Bhubaneswar Executive Director Dr. Ashutosh Biswas ,Dr. N Deep Bag and Dr. P R Mohapatra, Dean of AIIMS Bhubaneswar underscored the importance of eye health, stating, “The eye is the window to the body.” The conference featured various scientific programs, including surgical technique demonstrations, case discussions, and competitions such as “Teachers of Tomorrow” and “Champions of Odisha” for postgraduate doctors.