Bhubaneswar: In a move towards enhancing accessibility to healthcare services, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Bhubaneswar has inaugurated a pioneering Low Vision Clinic catering to patients with severe visual impairments.
Established through a collaboration between AIIMS Bhubaneswar, Dr RP Centre at AIIMS Delhi, and Cristoffel Blinden Mission (CBM) Germany, the clinic marks a milestone as the first-of-its-kind initiative in any government institution in Odisha. It aims to provide comprehensive visual rehabilitation services to individuals grappling with significant visual challenges.
The newly inaugurated clinic is poised to offer invaluable support to patients afflicted with conditions such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetes-related visual impairments, retinal diseases, and other blinding ailments. It particularly targets individuals who may not benefit from surgical interventions or conventional spectacle corrections. Through the provision of low vision aids, these patients can gain the independence necessary to navigate daily life with greater autonomy.
Dr. Ashutosh Biswas, Executive Director of AIIMS Bhubaneswar, formally inaugurated the clinic in a ceremony attended by esteemed dignitaries including Dr. Praveen Vasisth from Dr RP Centre, AIIMS Delhi. The event, held on Tuesday, also saw the presence of Medical Superintendent Dr. Dillip Kumar Parida and Dean Dr. Prashant Raghab Mohapatra, among others.
Underlining the importance of regular follow-ups in vision care, Dr. Biswas unveiled training manuals crafted to equip Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) and volunteers with essential eye care knowledge. The initiative seeks to empower frontline workers in extending vital eye care services to communities.
Dr. Sucheta Parija, Head of the Ophthalmology Department at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, revealed that the Low Vision Clinic has already made a significant impact, benefiting over 75 patients since its inception. She hinted at forthcoming collaborations with blind schools and initiatives aimed at training frontline workers to deliver primary eye care at the grassroots level.
The launch of the Low Vision Clinic underscores AIIMS Bhubaneswar’s commitment to inclusive healthcare and signifies a positive step towards ensuring equitable access to essential services for visually impaired individuals in the region.
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