Spotlight on Hereditary Eye Diseases – A GMR Varalakshmi Campus Awareness Drive

LVPEI’s GMR Varalakshmi Campus in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, recently organized an informative Hereditary Eye Diseases (HED) campaign. Given the local prevalence of consanguineous marriages, which heightens the likelihood of hereditary defects, it is crucial to organize awareness programs talking about the inherent risks of genetic eye conditions. The campaign stressed crucial detection and management techniques. Distinguished guest Dr Akash Kalgara, MD Pathology, Laboratory Director, from Vijaya Medical Center, and Dr Virender Sachdeva, Head of the GMR Varalakshmi Campus, lent their expertise to the cause. Colleagues from other campuses contributed to the knowledge pool through virtual engagement. LVPEI’s Genetic Counsellor, Mr Venkatesh Pochaboina, emphasized the importance of genetic counselling. Dr Vivek Warkad, Head of Child Sight Services at the Mithu Tulsi Chanrai campus, Bhubaneswar, discussed management options for these patients and Dr Subhabrata Chakrabarti, Senior Research Scientist at LVPEI, highlighted the recent advances in diagnostic testing. Over 70 participants benefited from the program.