Diabetic retinopathy accounts for three per cent of blindness in India

Chennai:

Tamil Nadu Governor K Rosaiah on Wednesday stressed the need to create awareness on diabetic retinopathy as it accounts for three per cent of blindness in India.

Speaking after the inauguration of diabetic retinopathy screening camp at Darbar Hall in Raj Bhavan here, he said although progress from lack of symptoms to blindness due to diabetic retinopathy may take several decades, early detection and proper treatment will help reduce the cause of blindness due to diabetic retinopathy.

Expressing concern over the rise in diabetic cases in india, the governor said there are approximately 35 million people in India with diabetes, the largest in any country and it is expected to rise to 80 million by 2030.

He lauded the initiatiatives taken by Lions Club of Central Madras 324 A1 to conduct eye screening camps for cataract and diabetic retinopathy in association with SankaraNethralaya and with Diabetes Association in India Southern Chapter for creation of diabetic awareness , diabetic foot care and diabetes detection camps.

He also honoured founder and chairman of Shankar Nethralaya Dr S S Badrinath for his ervice to the people.

Rosaiah also gave away shields to organizations and members for their contribution in blood donation movement. They include A S Ganesan, vice chairman of Vinayaka group of institutions, Meenakshi College for women, St Michael’s Polytechnic College and former president of Lion’s Club C T Natesan