World Sight Day observed by GMC Srinagar

Srinagar, Oct 10: In recognition of World Sight Day on 10th October, under the theme “Love Your Eyes, Kids”, the Departments of Community Medicine and Ophthalmology, Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar organized a comprehensive medical and eye camp in the field practice area to screen and diagnose refractive errors and other ophthalmological conditions.
The event was organised at Government Boys Higher Secondary Institute, Tailbal, Block Hazratbal and targeted both school children and the general population.
The camp was held under the patronage of Dr. Iffat Hassan, Principal &Dean, GMC Srinagar and mentored by Prof. Dr. S. Muhammad Salim Khan HOD Community Medicine and Prof. Junaid Salam Wani, HOD Ophthalmology GMC Srinagar with the organising secretaries Dr. Kouser Sideeq and Dr. Sameena Yousuf, Assistant Professors in the Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College Srinagar coordinating the event activities. The camp activity support was provided by Dr Fara Shafi, Block Medical Officer, Hazratbal, ensuring provision of logistics and personnel including free medicines for distribution.
A dedicated team of ophthalmological specialists, including Dr.Sumedha Ghai and Dr. Shivali Sharma, Residents Department of Ophthalmology GMC Srinagar, Miss Shaheen Mushtaq, Refractionist from the Department of Ophthalmology, GMC Srinagar, and Miss Ateeqa Bashir, Optometrist, SDH Hazratbal provided the required expertise for the camp for optimal benefit and eye care services to attendees.
*Event Highlights:*
-Screening and Diagnosis: A total of 161 beneficiaries were screened with various ophthalmological conditions being diagnosed, including 36 refractive errors, 5 cataract, 4 diabetic retinopathy, ptosis, strabismus, and conjunctivitis, inter alia.
-Educational Focus: The camp aimed not just to diagnosis, treatment and referral services but also to raise awareness about eye care among children and families, reinforcing the importance of early detection and treatment of visual impairments . The educational session also included sensitisation about stigmatisation and bullying of children with vision related disorders.
Such periodic camps are essential to cater to the increasing ophthalmic issues especially among children.