Chembur Eye Care Centre Marks First Anniversary with Diabetic Retinopathy CME
The Kamala Sundaram Eye Centre in Chembur marked its first anniversary with a Continuing Medical Education programme focused on diabetic retinopathy and highlighted its 80,000 Eye Donation Pledge Campaign. Speaking as the chief guest, Dr Chhaya Shinde, Dean of Dr R.N. Cooper Municipal General Hospital, emphasized that regular screening, greater awareness, and timely treatment can significantly curb preventable vision loss.
The programme, titled "Recent Trends in Managing Diabetic Retinopathy – A Comprehensive Update," drew around 80 to 90 ophthalmologists and medical professionals. It was jointly organised by the Kamala Sundaram Foundation and the Sundaram Natarajan Blind Free India Foundation, in association with the Maharashtra Ophthalmological Society, Young Ophthalmologists Society of India, and H.B.T. Medical College and Dr R.N. Cooper Municipal General Hospital.
Scientific sessions during the event addressed key aspects of diabetic eye care, including disease prevention, laser therapy, intravitreal treatment, diabetic macular oedema, surgical management, OCT biomarkers, artificial intelligence, and health technology assessment. Medical experts also discussed anti-VEGF therapy, dry-eye management, and clinical challenges encountered while treating diabetic patients.
Several senior medical professionals and faculty members attended the event, including Dr Charuta Mandke, Dr Devdas Shetty, and Academic Dean Dr Manisha Khare. Prof. Dr S. Natarajan, Founder and Managing Trustee, congratulated the team on completing its first year and recognized Senior Consultant and Vitreoretinal Surgeon Dr Avik Dey Sarkar for contributing to the centre's clinical growth.
During its first year of operations, the centre recorded more than 3,500 patient visits, over 350 eye surgeries, more than 6,700 screenings, and held over 115 eye screening camps. The foundation has also expanded its support to provide free surgeries for deserving patients alongside procedures conducted at charitable rates.
The 80,000 Eye Donation Pledge Campaign aims to gather 80,000 pledges in commemoration of India's 80th Independence Day. Organisers announced that the campaign will run through Eye Donation Fortnight, encouraging citizens, institutions, and healthcare professionals to pledge their eyes and raise awareness.
