Sankar Foundation holds glaucoma awareness rally
Early detection and timely treatment are key to preventing vision loss caused by glaucoma, said Dr. T. Raveendra, Director of CQI & Research and Head of the Glaucoma Department at Sankar Foundation.
He was speaking during an awareness rally organised on Monday as part of Glaucoma Week (March 8–14) to educate the public about the eye disease, often referred to by doctors as the “silent thief of sight.”
The rally began at Sankar Foundation’s main hospital at Naidutota and passed through key stretches before reaching Vepagunta Junction, after which participants returned to the hospital premises. The rally was flagged off by the Foundation’s Managing Trustee, A. Krishna Kumar.
A large number of doctors, medical staff, students, and trainees took part in the programme, carrying placards and spreading awareness about the importance of regular eye examinations for the early detection of glaucoma.
Doctors, including Dr. Manjuvalli, Dr. Kavita Devi, Dr. Keerthana, and Dr. Revathi, along with dietitian Ditsha Dutta, DNB residents, fellows, employees, and students actively participated in the rally.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Raveendra explained that glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which is vital for vision. Since the disease often progresses without noticeable symptoms in the early stages, many people remain unaware of the condition until significant vision loss has occurred.
He emphasised that regular eye check-ups, particularly for individuals above 40 years of age and those with a family history of glaucoma, are essential for early diagnosis. Advances in modern diagnostic technologies have significantly improved the accuracy of glaucoma detection, allowing ophthalmologists to initiate treatment at an early stage and prevent severe vision impairment, he added.
Sankar Foundation organised the rally as part of its week-long campaign to spread awareness among the public about glaucoma, its risk factors, and the importance of timely medical intervention.
The management of Sankar Foundation thanked the Police Department for extending support and ensuring the smooth conduct of the rally.