To address diabetic retinal issues, four more districts in TN to get mobile ophthalmic units
The State reports a prevalence rate of 1.18 percent compared to the national average of 1.99 percent among individuals above 50 years.
Representative image (IANS)
CHENNAI: In order to address increasing cases of diabetic retinal complications, the state government has approved the establishment of multipurpose district mobile ophthalmic units, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, in four more districts.
The initiative has so far made a major impact as 11 operational mobile units conducted 840 camps, screening 57,543 patients and performing 10,803 cataract intraocular lens (IOL) surgeries in 2023.
Since its launch, such mobile ophthalmic units have come up in 11 districts – Salem, Ramanathapuram, Tiruvallur, Cuddalore, Karur, Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, Tiruvannamalai, Madurai, Kanyakumari and the Nilgiris.
The State reports a prevalence rate of 1.18 per cent compared to the national average of 1.99 per cent for diabetic retinal complications among individuals aged above 50. The mobile units will provide doorstep screening for refractive errors, cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and other eye conditions.
At the end of each day, patients requiring further treatment will be transported to government eye hospitals for surgeries or laser treatment, ensuring timely access to care. Enhanced with advanced features, each air-conditioned mobile unit is equipped with auto-refractometer, ophthalmoscopes, refraction instruments, tonometer, portable fundus camera, etc.
Four new mobile units are being set up that will conduct an adequate number of camps, screen patients and refer them for surgeries to help Tamil Nadu districts become cataract blindness backlog-free. "The new units, which will cost Rs 30 lakh each, will serve Dharmapuri, Mayiladuthurai, Krishnagiri, and Tiruvarur, targeting 27,000 cataract surgeries annually and advancing towards a cataract blindness-free state. The initiative reaffirms the state's commitment to equitable and accessible healthcare for all, especially underserved communities,” stated health secretary Supriya Sahu.
A release from the state health department said the initiative will also ensure community involvement, with Paramedical Ophthalmic Assistants from each block supporting the camps. By bringing advanced eye care directly to remote villages, Tamil Nadu reaffirms its commitment to equitable and accessible healthcare for all, particularly for underserved populations, it stated.
