Aravind Eye Hospital opens clinic for hereditary eye disorders in children
TIRUNELVELI: The Aravind Eye Hospital, a pioneer in ophthalmology, has established a Hereditary Ophthalmic Paediatric Disorders Evaluation (HOPE) Clinic and an Electrophysiology Department with state-of-the-art equipment. The facility was inaugurated on Friday by Corporation Commissioner Monika Rana, who is a medical doctor.
The HOPE Clinic aims to address the growing burden of genetic eye diseases among children. According to Dr. A. Fathima, Paediatric Ophthalmologist at Aravind Eye Hospital, many eye diseases affecting children are hereditary, and hundreds of genes have been identified as causes for genetic eye disorders. In cases where standard eye examinations yield inconclusive results, genetic testing can confirm the diagnosis, she explained.
The clinic will also provide counselling for families regarding hereditary risks, assisting them in making informed decisions about family planning. This holistic approach is expected to significantly improve the management of inherited eye conditions in the region.
The newly installed Electrophysiology equipment, including Electroretinography (ERG), Electrooculography (EOG), and Visual Evoked Potential (VEP) testing devices, enables comprehensive assessment of retinal function. Dr. Fathima drew an analogy with an ECG tracing heart function, noting that this equipment graphically displays the functioning of the retina, aiding in early and accurate diagnosis of retinal disorders.
Electroretinography measures the electrical responses of various cell types in the retina, including photoreceptors, while Electrooculography assesses the function of the retinal pigment epithelium. Visual Evoked Potential tests the integrity of the visual pathways from the eyes to the visual cortex of the brain. Together, these tests provide a detailed picture of visual system health, which is crucial for diagnosing conditions that may not be apparent through routine examinations.
The event was presided over by Dr. Muhammad Abubacker, President of the Indian Medical Association, Tirunelveli Chapter. R. Ramakrishnan, Advisor of Aravind Eye Hospital, and Dr. R. Meenakshi, Chief Medical Officer, were also present on the occasion.
Hereditary eye disorders are a significant cause of childhood blindness globally. In India, it is estimated that a substantial proportion of childhood blindness is due to genetic causes. Early diagnosis through genetic testing and electrophysiological assessments can lead to timely intervention, genetic counselling, and better management of these conditions. The establishment of the HOPE Clinic marks a significant step towards accessible and advanced paediatric eye care in the Tirunelveli region.
Corporation Commissioner Monika Rana, speaking at the inauguration, appreciated the hospital's efforts in bringing advanced diagnostic facilities to the city. She emphasised the importance of such specialised services in the public health system, particularly for children who are at risk of preventable blindness.
The Aravind Eye Hospital has a long-standing reputation for providing high-quality, affordable eye care. The addition of the HOPE Clinic and Electrophysiology Department further strengthens its commitment to comprehensive and preventive ophthalmology. The hospital plans to conduct awareness programmes and screening camps to identify children with hereditary eye disorders at an early age.
