Children eye care fortnight at Baath Eye Centre

Ludhiana, November 15, 2019: Children are the most precious resource of the families and the nation as they represent our hope for the future. A visually impaired child is a tragedy for the family. A child whose visual disability could have been prevented or cured is even a greater disaster.

A cultural event for the launch of the fortnight for awareness of eye problems in children and its cures was held at Guru Nanak Bhavan on 13th November.

It was attended by leaders including MP Ravneet Singh Bittu & MLA Bharat Bhushan Ashu & various other dignitaries of the city.
A comprehensive eye check up by a specially trained eye doctor called paediatric ophthalmologist includes testing and evaluation of various visual skills important for a more complete visual system development.

Speaking on the occasion the leading Paediatric Opthamologist of the city, Dr.Jagroop Singh Baath enlightened the people present about the eye problems in children which if not detected at early stage can lead to partial or complete blindness. He further said that the cure for all these issues is easy and affordable. He added,” It is disheartening to know that in India, 40-45% of the prevalent blindness or visual disability is entirely unnecessary or could have been avoided.”

The event also marked the launch of the NGO “Eye See..... I learn” which will work towards raising awareness towards eye problems in various rural and urban areas and extend financial help to weaker sections of the society who cannot afford the treatment. The testimonials of the children and their families who are cured of various eye ailments and their vision restored were showcased at the event and the children were rewarded. Earlier a Drawing and painting drive was held at the schools across the city to raise the awareness about the drive. The participating students were rewarded with certificates.

Audience was enthralled by performances by the young patients who are now enjoying their childhood after having undergone surgical treatment and having been cured in their infancy or very early in life.

Dr Jagroop Singh Baath concluded his remarks by saying, Childhood diseases need to be treated in childhood itself. The old view that child will overgrow his problem with age and that treatment can be done later, no longer holds true in light of recent research and advancement in the understanding of childhood visual disorders. If left untreated the avoidable blindness becomes untreatable later on in life. Hence, childhood visual disorders need to be treated and taken care of in childhood itself - the sooner the better.