23rd March is observed as World Optometry Day all over the world. The students of Optometry and Vision Sciences, School of Medical Sciences (SOMS), University of Hyderabad (UoH) celebrated this day with great gusto. The event was sponsored by EssiLor India, Akriti Oculoplasty Logistics, and KSR Eye Care Pvt. Ltd. The day began with a welcome note by the course coordinator, Dr. Rishi Bhardwaj. Prof. Geeta K Vemuganti, Dean, School of Medical Sciences while speaking on the occasion traced the history of the course and spoke on many changes and developments it has seen through the years.
As a part of Clinical Optometry Workshop series, “Ophthalmic lenses dispensing” was conducted by EssiLor India. The team was led by Mr. Harish Potluri, Manager Varilux, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, accompanied by his professional affairs team Mr. Satish and Mr. Prasad. They had discussed about different types of lenses, technologies used to manufacture, various coatings and tints. They also spoke about blue light radiation, its effects, how to prevent and advice in patient care. The students and faculty interacted with the team as well, after their presentation.
The afternoon session began with a walk-a-thon. Some of the students consented to being blindfolded for a walk from the SOMS laboratories till the Savitribai Phule (prev. DST) Auditorium to raise the awareness on preventable blindness. The participants found it to be one of the most educational event. The volunteers chanted rousing slogans along the way. Once the procession reached the auditorium, the students began the presentation section of the day.
A poster presentation was also displayed explaining the career options and prospects for a student of Optometry, “Do’s and Don’ts: Eye care”, photographs of instruments used by a practitioner of various ocular conditions. There were stalls put up for a Photo Booth, consisting of various types of spectacle frames and props, and a stall for displays of coloured contact lenses. The students also organized a painting competition on the day.
The last session of the day was the cultural session. The students of Optometry and Vision Sciences displayed their artistic talent on stage in the form of songs and dances. Students of all years participated in these events and entertained the audience. Activities were conducted to include and promote audience interaction. Event performance by the visually-challenged students of the campus was well appreciated. The event ended with the prize distribution to the winners of the competitions.
Contributed by Dr. Nagaraju Konda