The Hindu Business Line : Kalam urges eye specialists to form tele-medicine network

THE President, Mr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, has called for creating a tele-ophthalmology network by using the tele-medicine network of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Through this network, eye specialists could come together in virtual clinics, organise lectures, share information and attend to patients.

Addressing a gathering here on Saturday after launching two eye care programmes, Mr Kalam said a multi-eye clinic environment with seamless interaction could help reach a multitude of patients suffering from eye problems.

He launched Andhra Pradesh Child Eye Health Initiative and Lions Diabetic Retinopathy Programme at the L V Prasad Eye Institute here.

A Nano-Technology Research Foundation should also be established in collaboration with international institutions for eye care and bio-medical applications.

Drawing attention to the increasing incidence of diabetic retinopathy in the country, he said it was time to launch a diabetic retinopathy programme to build capacity among medical professionals to handle this disease with adequate professionalism.

He wanted the International Agency for Prevention of Blindness and Lions Club International to create an ophthalmologic institute to cater to the needs of the North-East.

Mr Kalam donated Rs 10 lakh to correct vision problems for 100 children.

He took an oath from the audience that each of them would work towards restoring the vision of at least 10 persons. He presented the Melwyn Jones fellowship to Mr Tae Sup Lee, Chairperson of Lions Club International Committee of Campaign Sight First II programme, for his fund raising efforts.

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