Review meeting addresses congenital eye diseases in children

Visakhapatnam: The Andhra Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights held a review meeting on paediatric eye health at the government regional eye hospital on Wednesday. Commission member Gondu Sitaram led the investigation into the hospital's efforts to address congenital eye diseases in children.

Sitaram examined hospital records, focusing on congenital cataracts, diagnostic facilities, surgeries, and follow-up care. Dr. Meenakshi, Hospital Superintendent, reported that in 2023, 4,068 children were treated, 214 disability certificates were issued, and 173 children received treatment for retinopathy of prematurity. This year, 3,613 children have already been treated, with 70 disability certificates issued and 133 treated for retinopathy.

A key achievement was the hospital's outreach programme, which screened 54,124 students across 541 schools. Sitaram recommended establishing a specialised outpatient centre and five dedicated beds for paediatric patients. Dr. Meenakshi assured that the suggestions would be implemented within a month.