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AJEH forays into research, training and social service
Shardul Nautiyal - Mumbai
Spurred by research in developing artificial retina in the western countries,
Mumbai-based Aditya Jyot Eye Hospital (AJEH) is in the process of designing
an indigenous artificial model of retina. To launch the artificial retinal prosthesis
project, AJEH is preparing to apply to the Department of Science and Technology
(DST), which will allow them to do research on retina and related eye disorders
and design the indigenous model.
"Developing an indigenous model of retina will help because importing it
from foreign countries would be expensive. The indigenous model would be affordable
and cost-effective to the Indian patient," said Dr S Natarajan, chairman
and medical director, AJEH Pvt Ltd.
Artificial retinal prosthesis is a latest therapeutic technique for patients
with retinal degeneration or retinal damage. Experts say that this is an upcoming
area of research in both developing and developed countries because finding
an alternative for the damaged retina or retinal prosthesis, would be a boon
for the blind people globally.
"Newly emerging technologies such as artificial retinal prosthesis would
have a crucial impact on future eye operations," pinpoints Dr Natarajan,
adding, "The retinal prosthesis shall be commercially available in the
developed countries in a few years." "If Indian products have to be
competitive world-wide and if we aim to earn substantially through value added
products like retinal prosthesis and in the field of eye care services, we have
to master these technologies," opined Dr Natarajan.
AJEH would be working jointly working with bio-medical engineers
and neuro-physicists from Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and Tata Institute
of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment
Council (TIFAC), Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), veterinary
surgeons to operate on animal eye, members of National Association of Blind
to make retinal prosthesis project a reality," informed Dr Natarajan.
In order to prevent blindness due to diabetic retinopathy,
AJEH Pvt Ltd is also going to conduct a diabetic retinopathy project in collaboration
with Rotary, Sion, in the slums of Dharavi, Asia's largest slum. Reportedly,
Chief Minister of Maharashtra has appreciated and has extended support for the
project.
The project involves screening diabetic patients free of charge, along with
retinal evaluation of all the patients. The patients would also be offered treatment
to prevent blindness caused due to diabetic retinopathy. "All the investigations
will be done at AJEH, Wadala. Awareness about diabetic retinopathy will be provided
through educational materials to all the patients," says Dr Natarajan.
Diabetic retinopathy represents one fourth of total diabetic
patients in India. Nearly half of them require immediate requirement such as
Laser or Vitreous surgery. They also require intensive follow up and low vision
aid rehabilitation.
"The level of awareness is low in the slums of Dharavi and therefore a
pilot project for the awareness would start with 5000 people being counselled
by social workers," Dr Natarajan informed. The programme also involves
offering referral of patients for treatment of diabetes, in addition to treatment
for diabetic retinopathy, conducting of seminars and workshops on diabetic retinopathy
for ophthalmologists.
The project would also hold exclusive diabetic clinic free of cost for the poor
and needy in Dharavi. As per the WHO, two per cent of Indians are diabetic and
has projected 57.5 million diabetic patients by 2025. However, recent studies
done in India indicate a higher number between five to ten per cent. Another
project in the offing is the setting up of an eye care training centre at Bandra-Kurla
complex. The training centre will comprise a well-equipped state-of-the-art
lab with latest equipment and technologies to help post graduate students from
India and abroad learn new techniques in eye surgery.
Dr Natarajan met the President of India on 20th November 2004 and discussed
various social projects like eye screening programme for children, started by
AJEH on 14th November 2004.
"Through this programme, scheduled to be completed by
14th November 2005, we intend to screen around 5,00,000 children," he added.
– shardul@expresshealthcaremgmt.com
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