AKUH’s ‘Signs, Symptoms and Care’ Programme

“The majority of vitreo-retinal problems such as retinal detachments, vitreous haemorrhages and diabetic retinopathy can be cured today, thanks to modern treatment options and surgical techniques now available in Pakistan”. This was stated by Dr Azam Ali, Consultant Ophthalmologist and Head of Ophthalmology Section at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH). He was speaking at a seminar on ‘Common Eye Problems - Diagnosis and Management’ held at AKUH auditorium. Explaining the process of Phacoemulsification, Dr Ali disclosed that indications of cataract surgery have changed considerably with the advent of this procedure.

Listing symptoms of vitreo-retinal problem: opacities, black spots, seeing flashes of light, or a sudden decrease or loss of vision in one or both eyes, he warned diabetic patients to be highly attentive to such warning signs and to have regular eye tests. He reported that timely laser treatment can prevent a number of diabetic problems.

Dr Mahnaz Shah, Consultant Ophthalmologist at AKUH explained that multiple surgical procedures are available, such as refractive or laser vision correction to help a person achieve quality vision, and these deliver excellent results.

She said that glaucoma, once detected, is controllable by appropriate use of medications, laser and other types of surgical procedures. Noting that uncontrolled glaucoma may cause irreversible damage to the nerve of the eye, Dr Shah emphasised appropriate and timely treatment to ensure good vision and avoid the loss of eyesight.

Speaking on paediatric eye problems, Dr Tanveer Chaudhry, Consultant Ophthalmologist at AKUH, explained that squint might be a symptom of something more serious, and therefore should not be ignored. He added that squint may be cured with proper treatment if treated at an early age, otherwise it may permanently weaken the eye, and recommended eye examination for pre-school children.

Observing that corneal problems are widespread in Pakistan, Dr Chaudhry reported that cornea graft or corneal transplant is a generally successful procedure, depending on the initial condition of the cornea and a detailed evaluation by an Ophthalmologist. The seminar was also addressed by Dr Rashid Baig, Consultant Ophthalmologist at AKUH, who spoke on ‘Cataract and Trauma’.

As part of its outreach programme and societal commitment to create awareness of early diagnosis and timely treatment, AKUH has organised over 200 ‘Signs, Symptoms and Care’ programmes in Karachi, Hyderabad, Quetta and the UAE, benefiting more than 40,000 people. Similarly, Aga Khan University Hospital’s Patient Welfare Programme offers financial assistance to those patients who are unable to afford the medical cost of treatment. In 2005, 74 per cent of all patients treated at AKUH were from low- to middle-income groups. Since the inception of this welfare programme in 1986, over Rs 1.4 billion has been disbursed to more than 250,000 needy patients.