PGIMER’s Advanced Eye Centre observes World Prematurity Day
PGIMER’s Advanced Eye Centre observes World Prematurity Day
On the occasion of World Prematurity Day on November 17, 2021 the Advanced Eye Centre, Department of ophthalmology at PGIMER Chandigarh organized a range of activities to generate awareness about Retinopathy of Prematurity, a potentially blinding disease that affects the retina of children born premature.
It included display of several posters highlighting the importance of the first dilated eye examination starting within 30 days of birth in children born less than 34 weeks of gestation and less than 2000 grams birth weight. This examination can be initiated even while the baby is still admitted in a newborn nursery or intensive care unit. A public awareness video available for public view was created which described the stages of disease and the treatment options available.
A radio talk was conducted in collaboration with the department of neonatology to describe the possible preventive strategies. An online webinar for the benefit of ophthalmologists as well as pediatricians was also organized which had several eminent experts from all over the country participating.
Prof S S Pandav, Head of the Department stressed that early detection, timely treatment and regular follow up are key components for effective management of this emerging but potentially preventable cause of childhood blindness.
