Dr.C Laxma Reddy asks authorities to make an effort for the success of 'Kanti Velugu'

Health Minister Dr C Laxma Reddy on Tuesday asked authorities to make an all-out effort for the success of ‘Kanti Velugu’, the universal eye screening programme to be launched by Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao at Gajwel on August 15.

Recognising the need to observe vital safety precautions, the Minister directed them to ensure the eye screening camps strictly follow safety protocols, which will go a long way in preventing spread of infections.

Reviewing the preparations for ‘Kanti Velugu’ by the health department, Laxma Reddy said 799 teams had been formed to conduct the eye camps across the State. Each team has received rigorous training from senior eye specialists drawn from top eye institutes in the State including LV Prasad Eye



Institute.

Apart from eye screening and providing free glasses, eye specialists will also identify persons with glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Following the diagnosis, patients will be referred to the nearest tertiary hospital.

Measures are under way to stock-up enough supply of drugs and other medical equipment needed for the camps. Officials have identified Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital in the city, Regional Eye Care Centre in Warangal and a few primary health centres where infrastructure related to eye-care will be improved so that long-term eye care services can be provided to patients identified during the screening camp.

Respective District Collectors have been made in-charge for conducting the eye-screening camps.