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Shroff Eye Hospital introduces paediatric ophthalmology clinic
EHM News Bureau - Mumbai
Shroff Eye Hospital, an ISO 9002 accredited group that stands for distinction
in eye care has recently launched a paediatric ophthalmology clinic in its super-speciality
hospital in the city.
The clinic is manned by paediatric opthalmologists, two optometrists trained
for screening children and a surgeon. The super-speciality hospital consists
of a team of highly skilled and experienced surgeons, assistants and support
staff.
The clinic’s Low Vision Aid Centre rehabilitates children with non curable
eye conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa, herido macular degeneration and
many congenital diseases affecting the eye. The clinic is equipped with child
friendly special eye examination charts an attractive play area and patient
information brochures.
With the latest equipment, the clinic focuses on the importance
of detecting preventable childhood eye disorders and their correction before
permanent changes develop. Uncorrected refractive errors [poor vision requiring
spectacles], latent squint or cosmetically insignificant but visually critical
micro squints, colour vision deficiencies and ocular structural abnormalities
are treated at this clinic.
The need for such a hospital was felt after it was found out in the Shroff Eye
Vision Screening programme of 2003-04 that vision problems affect one in 20
pre-schoolers and one in four school-age children.
As Dr Anand Shroff, ophthalmologist, Shroff Eye Hospital, says, “Two to
four per cent of India’s children develop strabismus (cross-eyed) and or
amblyopia (lazy eye). The incidence in developing countries such as India is
much higher. Early detection and treatment of these disorders during childhood
are essential for preventing permanent vision loss.”
However, examination of vision among pre-school and primary school-going children
is very rarely practiced in India, unless an obvious problem is noted. “Often
the problem is dealt with too late. It is possible for children as young as
four years of age to have their vision screened,” he added.
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