23rd September 2024: The third state-level consultation in the ongoing collaborative campaign between Sightsavers India and AbbVie India was successfully held at Hotel Palaash Residency, focusing on strategies to prevent visual impairment due to glaucoma. The event brought together a diverse group of participants, including ophthalmologists, senior optometrists, public health professionals, civil society representatives, social scientists, and journalists.
The objectives of the campaign are to raise awareness about glaucoma, its risk factors, and the importance of regular eye check-ups. It aims to promote early detection and timely treatment of glaucoma to prevent blindness. This national campaign seeks to unite experts, policymakers, and key stakeholders to discuss the current state of glaucoma awareness and treatment in India, while regional consultations are designed to elevate local awareness and facilitate meaningful discussions on the issue.
Glaucoma screening kiosks were set up during the consultations, allowing participants to get screened and understand their eye health better. The consultations were promoted extensively in the respective cities to ensure significant participation.
Shri. Rajendra Shukla, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister, Govt. of Madhya Pradesh, said, “The well-being of the people of Madhya Pradesh is our top priority, and good vision plays a crucial role in ensuring a healthy and productive life. The government is fully committed to supporting initiatives like this, which focus on early detection and prevention of glaucoma.”
Shri. Narendra Shivaji Patel, Hon’ble Minister of State, Public Health and Medical Education, Madhya Pradesh, stated, “Public health and education are critical pillars for the progress of our state, and ensuring access to essential healthcare services, like eye care, is a key priority. Glaucoma, if left undiagnosed, can have devastating consequences, but with the right awareness and timely interventions, we can prevent this.”
Suresh Pattathil, Managing Director of AbbVie India, via email stated, “At AbbVie, we are firmly committed to advancing healthcare innovation through meaningful collaboration. Our partnership with Sightsavers India underscores our dedication to addressing critical eye health challenges, such as glaucoma, which frequently goes undetected until it reaches an advanced stage. Through this collaboration, we seek to enhance accessibility to eye care, promote early diagnosis, and ensure that individuals across India, particularly those in underrepresented communities, receive the care they need.”
Dr. B.K. Jain, Director and Trustee, Shri. Sadhguru Seva Sangh Trust, and Guest of Honor, remarked, “In the realm of healthcare, prevention and early intervention are paramount. This collaboration between Sightsavers India and AbbVie India is a commendable initiative that not only brings much-needed attention to glaucoma but also provides tangible solutions through screenings and education.”
Dr. Suneeta Dubey, Medical Director and Director of Glaucoma Services, Dr. Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital, New Delhi, and Keynote Speaker, said, “Glaucoma is a complex and often overlooked condition, but with early detection and appropriate treatment, we can prevent blindness and significantly improve patient’s quality of life. This consultation is an important platform for driving awareness.”
To conclude the event, Sudipta Mohanty, Area Director, North India, Sightsavers India, shared the way forward: “The discussions and insights shared today will play a pivotal role in shaping our strategies for better awareness, early detection, and treatment of this silent disease. Moving forward, our focus will be on implementing actionable solutions and strengthening our collaborations with healthcare professionals, policymakers, and communities.”
