Timely diagnosis, awareness key to preventing blindness in infants

LAHORE:The College of Ophthalmology and Allied Vision Sciences, in collaboration with the Department of Pediatric Medicine, King Edward Medical University (KEMU), Mayo Hospital Lahore, and UNICEF, organised a comprehensive training seminar on the critical role of nurses in preventing blindness due to retinopathy of prematurity in premature infants.

The training focused on early diagnosis and awareness among parents about the disease to prevent blindness in newborns, so as to make the future of children brighter.

KEMU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Mahmood Ayaz was the chief guest while the speakers included Principal College of Ophthalmology/Chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology and Pro Vice Chancellor KEMU Prof Dr M Moin, Chairman of the Department of Pediatrics Prof Dr Haroon Hamid, Prof Emeritus Pediatric Medicine Dr Akmal Laeeq, UNICEF Health Officer Dr Saira, and UNICEF Health Specialist Dr Quratul Ain. The workshop was also attended by nurses from various hospitals.

Addressing the seminar, Prof Dr M Moin said that retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a major cause of blindness in premature infants, especially those born before 35 weeks of gestation, weighing less than two kilograms, or requiring oxygen. The birth rate and survival rate of premature infants have increased in Pakistan, which has made the diagnosis of ROP even more urgent. If these infants are not diagnosed in time, the disease can become an epidemic and cause permanent blindness. As a precautionary measure, it is important for premature infants to be examined by an ophthalmologist within one month to save their eyes.

KEMU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Mahmood Ayaz appreciated the best practices for the diagnosis and treatment of ROP, a disease of blindness in children, and the measures taken to train nurses. This is a revolutionary step that can change the lives of children. He used the term kangaroo mother for pre-mature babies and emphasised the importance of taking care of children in the early days and educating parents about these treatable diseases.

Prof Dr Haroon Hamid explained how important a role pediatricians can play in preventing blindness due to ROP. He said that now it is mandatory to learn the training skills of diagnosing and treating ROP in pre-mature babies for specialization in pediatric medicine. He expressed his determination to train nurses across Punjab in timely diagnosis of diseases in newborn babies in the near future.

Prof Dr Akmal Laeeq told the participants that about two decades ago, he and the then Chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology, Prof Dr Asad, considered the situation of ROP and decided to start timely screening and treatment of pre-mature babies.