In a major achievement, All India Institute of Medical Sciences’ (AIIMS) dedicated centre for eye treatment Dr Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences has been designated as World Health Organsitaion's (WHO) collaborating Centre for Prevention of Blindness.
Talking to The Pioneer, Dr Atul Kumar, Chief of RP Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences said: "Definitely, it's a major achievement for AIIMS. Being designated on the lines of WHO, the institution can give optimum treatment in preventing blindness in the country,"
According to Health experts in India, about 1 per cent of the total population is suffering from blindness. About 30 per cent of children suffer from childhood blindness and 70 per cent of adults suffer from eye related disorders due to age factor.
Childhood blindness, diabetic retinopathy, tumors in eyes are most common eye related disorders, said Dr Kumar. "Along with WHO, we can work upon major projects in villages and schools to spread awareness of blindness in India. The department will be assisted with international eye experts in terms of funds, medical research, for advanced eye complication," said Dr Kumar.