2009-11-12 08:28:55 - Diabetes mellitus within the last four decades has emerged as a major cause of blindness and visual disability not only in developed countries but also in developing nations. Indian is home to almost a million ‘Juvenile Diabetics’.

Bangalore, November 12, 2009:



To commemorate ‘Children’s’ Day’ and ‘World Diabetes Day’, which both fall on November 14, Sankara Eye Hospital, Bangalore, in association with Bangalore Diabetes Hospital (BDH) will organise an eye screening camp for underprivileged diabetic children. The screening will be conducted from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm at the BDH premises, which has registered 500 juvenile diabetic for the screening. The eye screening camp is aimed at diagnosing and treating juvenile diabetics to prevent eye disorders’ among them. Dr Halkatti, Joint Director Ophthalmology, Karnataka will inaugurate the eye screening camp.



Speaking at the inauguration of the camp, Dr. Ramani, Founder & Managing Trustee, Sankara Eye Care Institutions said, “Lack of awareness on Diabetic Retinopathy (retinal disease)

is a major concern and has resulted in increase in number of cases of blindness in diabetics. Research proves that there could be a 90% reduction in the occurrence of this ailment, if diagnosed early and through vigilant treatment and monitoring of the eyes. This initiative as a part of the ‘Nanna Kannu’ – a comprehensive eye care programme for children launched in association with Sightsavers International - aims to create awareness that early detection can prevent the problem & save a child from severe vision impairment or blindness. It aims to provide quality treatment to underprivileged diabetic children who are unaware about the disorder. We are thankful to BDH for supporting us in our mission of eradicating curable blindness in India.”



Commenting on the initiative Dr. K M Prasanna Kumar, CEO, BDH and Senior Prof and Head of Endocrinology and Diabetes at M S Ramaiah Medical College - Bangalore, said, “We are glad to associate with Sankara Eye Hospital for this noble mission. Our aim behind organizing this eye camp is to create awareness about eye disorders among diabetic children. These children are prone to have eye problems that can lead to severe vision impairment or blindness but it can be prevented, through regular eye check ups & quality treatment.”





About Sankara Eye Care Institutions: With 8 state-of-the-art eye hospitals in Coimbatore, Guntur, Krishnankovil, Bangalore, Shimoga, Anand, Pammal and Silvassa, Sankara Eye Care Institutions deliver quality eye care through the ‘Gift of Vision’ rural outreach eye care programme. So far it has conducted 7,594 free weekly eye screening camps, and performed 525,000 free eye surgeries. For more information you can visit www.sankaraeye.com.



The ‘Nanna Kannu’ initiative was launched in association with Sightsavers International and the Government of Karnataka to reach out to underprivileged children to screen and treat them for eye diseases. The programme hopes to benefit over

150, 000 children over the next three years. www.sankaraeye.com/nannakannu.htm



About BDH: The BDH is a dream project of Diabetes Club, Bangalore, which is working for the welfare of diabetic patients since 1974. The hospital is a unique initiative from diabetes specialists and patients to collectively start a state of art diabetes hospital. It provides children and adolescent suffering from diabetes free check up from renowned consultants from Bangalore available in the field of diabetes care. Apart from it the hospital offers subsidized care for diabetic patients from economically weaker section.

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