Rotary District 1130 International Chairman

journeys to Jodhpur

Tony Sharma, District 1130 International Chairman had the opportunity, as he was travelling in the region, to arrange a meeting with Dr Sanjiv Desai, the director and chief surgeon at the hospital when he also met with the founder, Dr Navan Desai. Tony reported that he opted for a 13 train journey overnight from Dehli on the Jaiselmer express and later flew back to Dehli.

Tony writes that he was given an impressive powerpoint presentaion by Dr Desai revealing the horrific statistics of eye disease, the ever growing increases due to the failures of government, lack of finances, UV rays and poor education. Rajasthan has the largest percentage of people in the whole world suffering with eye disease.

He wrote that ” The work carried out is phenomenal, the vision is ambitious and with the help of Rotarians all over the world, I am certain the building will be finished and healthcare will be delivered to those less fortunate”

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FACTS: In the 2007-2008 ‘Eyecamp season’ 19,703 people came for eye examinations. Out of these 2,337 were found to be in need of an operation. Of these 2,337 people, 893 were operated for cataract at field eyecamps and 1,444 were taken by bus back to the base hospital for operations. Of the remaining 17,366 many were given vision tests, prescribed glasses or given other treatment.

Under a special ‘School Eye Health Appraisal Programme’ children from 5,660 children from 15 schools had their eyes examined. About a fourth, 995 children had eye problems and were referred to the base hospital for treatment or mostly for refraction. 197 were given FREE glasses.

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First Diabetic Retinopathy Camp
The Eye Camps are in full swing. Last week a more unique Eye Camp was organised. This free camp, called Diabetic Retinopathy Camp, was specifically meant for Diabetic individuals and aimed at screening them for the presence of Diabetic Retinopathy. Diabetes has a devastating effect on the eyes and one of the ways it manifests is changes in the blood vessels of the eyes called ‘Diabetic Retinopathy’.

In this specialised camp, 38 patients were registered and underwent complete examination of the eye including vision, intra-ocular pressure, anterior segment & retinal examination free of cost. Eight patients were found to have Diabetic Retinopathy. Five of these patients who had retinopathy underwent Angiography. Three of them have been given dates for laser treatment. One patient with tractional Retinal detachment has been referred to a higher centre for specialised surgery.”