All India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS) is contemplating to conduct a comprehensive survey across the country to find out the prevalence of eye diseases among people.
The data collected from the survey will enable Central government to know which ophthalmologic diseases require more attention. “We are tying up with Indian Statistical Institute to know as how surveys have to be done to get statistically significant data,” said Society president Quresh B. Maskati at a programme Retina-2014 organised by Aravind Retina Vitreous Institute here on Sunday.
Plans have been chalked out to formulate questionnaire to collect more details from the people. The survey would be taken up in coordination with the Central Government within two years, he said while responding to a suggestion made by the NTR Health University Vice-Chancellor T. Ravi Raju, who was the chief guest at the programme.
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Mr. Raju said those studying in private colleges need to be trained in conducting epidemical survey for the benefit of patients. This initiative will not only enable patients to plan the budget required for the treatment but also help control the diseases. He underscored the need for improving educational standards in the larger interest of the society.
The daylong programme laid a special emphasis on the management of diabetic retinopathy and the epidemiology initiatives to fight the disease.
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The institute later conducted a quiz for the post-graduate students and prizes were distributed to the winners. L.V. Prasad Eye Institute Vice-Chairman Tara Prasad Das, Vitreo Retinal Services Centre for Sight Chief Lalit Verma and other dignitaries were present.