The School of Medial Sciences, University of Hyderabad (UoH) organised a comprehensive Eye Screening Programme which was inaugurated by Professor B. J. Rao, Honourable Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hyderabad in presence of Professor P. Prakash Babu, Dean, School of Medical Sciences, Professor B. R Shamanna, faculty and Dr. Nagaraju Konda, faculty on October 27, 2021. The screening programme was conducted on October 27 & 28, 2021 to provide Optometry care and bring awareness on eye health among students, faculty and the employees of the University. The current academic and work environment demands all the Campus fraternity to spend many hours a day in front of digital devices. This leads to conditions such as dry eyes, and digital eye strain.
The team Optometry of the University of Hyderabad had initiated a step forward to move in this direction and organised an eye screening programme. A total of 36 Integrated Master of Optometry students, 4 research scholars, 2 alumni and one faculty from Optometry and Vision Sciences, School of Medical Sciences had coordinated this program.
Prof. B J Rao visited the Optometry pre-clinic training laboratories and the eye clinic prior to the event and had a discussion with Prof. Prakash Babu and Dr. Nagaraju Konda to upscale the course and make the Eye Care more accessible for the general public residing within and outside the University campus.
Comprehensive eye examination was performed including measuring the refractive errors, performing anterior and posterior segment examination of the eye and management. Spectacles were prescribed, cases required medical or surgical management were referred to Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital or ESIC Hospital, Hyderabad. Participants required a complete eye examination and other ocular diagnostics, a follow up appointment were given and advised them to visit the eye clinic in University Campus for further examination and management.
A total of 213 patients with various eye conditions were examined in the screening programme. A total 125 patients were prescribed glasses for distance vision correction and 60 prescribed glasses reading to see clearly. Hundred participants (47%) were identified to be having healthy eyes without any need of glasses for clear vision. Students from second, third and final year optometry students gained a rich learning experience from this program. This eye screening programme brought awareness among the campus community and indicated the need for regular eye check-ups.
Contributed by Dr. Nagaraju Konda, Optometry faculty, School of Medical Sciences