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ABOUT:

Motto Our Emblem and Our Motto Our Emblem (The Sun, The Veena, The Lotus and The Eye)

The Sun:

According to ancient Indians and Iranians, the Sun illuminates the best image of Divine and it is not only the source of all physical light but it also signifies the principles of awakening and intellectual animation. The Sun is the prevading spirit of sight which enables the eye to see light and the forms of objects.

The Veena :

It is the symbolic representation of the spirit of learning. A blessing to all students who are actively engaged in the pursuit of knowledge and the search for truth is invoked by such symbolic representation. The Lotus and The Eye:

The lotus eyed individual is considered to be one endowed with physical and mental clarity of vision besides the purity of sight and thought. By this symbolic representation it is sought to exhort those working in the 'Centre' to have purity of vision and thought; and help allay the suffering of human beings from eye diseases and to bring about clarity of vision, splendour and beauty of eyes. Our Motto

Tamso Ma Jotir Gamaya (From Darkness to Light)

Our Motto is the manifestation of all ophthalmic and spiritual knowledge. It indicates that we stand for leading individuals "From Darkness to Light" - physically, mentally, ethically and spiritually without distinction of caste or creed.

To a teacher and research worker it implies to uncover more knowledge which is still under cover by a real effort in the search for truth.

To a student it urges to remove his inner darkness of thought and action by imbibing knowledge and also to step forward in the common efforts of search for truth in keeping with the Motto of the Republic of India "Truth alone prevails".

To the ophthalmic surgeons and physicians it exhorts to restore vision whenever it is lost and to prevent the loss of vision i.e., it exhorts them to lead those under their care "From Darkness to Light".

To rehabilitation workers it shows that they should not despair at the physical loss of sight because one can still be led from the Darkness in life so created by specially executed programmes to a more fruitful and bright life. All that is required is fortitude, courage and skill.

To the patient it is a hope that the dedicated workers in the centre will lead them "From Darkness to Light" .- Physically, ethically, and spiritually.

AIMS & OBJECTIVES:

To stimulate research in Ophthalmology at its highest level. To develop pattern of post graduate education in Ophthalmology. To undertake training of the Ophthalmologists, Optometrists etc. To create facilities for the training of health personnel in Preventive Ophthalmology. To provide facilities for research in Ophthalmology :- Clinical research Experimental research Development of new instruments and appliances (diagnostic and therapeutic). To provide facilities for the training of personnel for the rehabilitation of the blind. To provide facilities for refresher courses in ophthalmology for practicing ophthalmologists and general pracitioners. To provide facilities for the training, organisation and research in Eye Bank, including corneal grafting and tissue trasplantation.

Administrative Structure:

Chief, Dr.R.P.Centre Prof. Y. R. Sharma

Medical Superintendent Dr. Shakti Gupta

Sr. Administrative Officer Shri. Razi Jawaid

Accounts Officer Smt. Madhu Gulati

An Apex Centre Centre as An Apex Organisation

Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences has been recognized as the Apex Organisation by the Government of India under the National Programme for the Control of Blindness. This programme was launched in 1976 to combat blindness problem in India with the objectives of :

Intensification of educational efforts on eye health care through media of mass communication and extensive education methods. Extension of eye care services through mobile units to restore sight and relieve eye ailments by adopting an eye camp approach. Establishment of permanent facilities for eye health care as an integral part of general health services.

The Centre also assists the Ministry of Health in short term and long term planning and evaluation of the programme. It undertakes and plans epidemiological investigations and provides technical leadership to the entire nation.

International Collaboration

The Centre is actively collaborating with various National and International agencies like ICMR, WHO and others in various fields of clinical, applied and basic research. It has also been designated as a WHO Collaborating Centre. History and Evolution

Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, named after the first President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, was established on the 10th of March, 1967 as a National centre for ophthalmic science, to provide state of the art patient care, expand human resources for medical education and undertake research to find solutions to eye health problems of national importance.

Prof L P Agarwal was the visionary, who envisaged an eye center that would be at the fore front of eye health planning, academics and clinical care. It was designed keeping in mind the specific needs of India, and included the best features of leading ophthalmic centers around the world.

Prof L PAgarwal and the RPC were instrumental in making India the first country to start a National Programme for Prevention of visual impairment and Control of Blindness. The Centre formed the apex of the pyramid of Ophthalmic services in India, under this programme.

RPC has been recognized over the years, as a center of excellence by policy makers, professionals and the discerning public. All its expertise is available to the common man at highly subsidized rates or free.

The Centre is a constituent unit of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, wherein it retains the fullest autonomy, while still keeping it within the mainstream of medical education and health care.

Dr.R.P.Centre continues to play a pivotal role in the National Programme for Control of Blindness. Faculty members of the Centre provide technical inputs at various forums that deliberate on policy planning and programme implementation. We have contributed our share in various blindness surveys and rapid assessments that have been conducted under the National Programme. As part of the Working Group, we have assisted in the framing of the Plan of Action under the Vision 2020 initiative. The Plan of Action shall guide the National Programme for Control of Blindness in the years to come. The Centre continues to foster partnerships with nongovernmental organizations engaged in the field of eye care. The centre has developed software for the National Registry of Eye Care infrastructure and human resources in India” this was done to support vision 2020 activities in India. This will be of immense use for policy planning in future.

Dr.R.P.Centre's Units and Sections

Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences is an integral part of AIIMS and was created in 1967 as a National Institute of Ophthalmology within the precincts of the AIIMS to ensure maximized interdisciplinary benefits and holistic patient care. As the Apex Institution under the National Programme for Control of Blindness ( NPCB ), it was the first Centre of its kind started at the AIIMS more than 38 years ago, followed by the other super-speciality Centres later at the Institute. The diverse patient and therefore the ancillary work load at Dr. R. P. Centre (a WHO Collaborating Centre for Prevention of Blindness) has been steadily and continuously increasing especially so in the last few years with the advent and application of latest technologies in sophisticated investigative and operative ophthalmology so important for overall patient care, both in the erstwhile laboratories as well as in our newer facilities at the Centre. To promote research in all directions of Ophthalmology this centre is having super-specialty departments to support extensive basic and applied research in ophthalmic sciences.

Vitreoratina, Uvea and ROP (Unit-I) The unit provides comprehensive vitreo-retinal services to the institute. The unit runs many speciality clinics such as Retina clinic, Uveitis clinic and ROP clinic.

The aim of the Retina clinic is to evaluate patients with medical and surgical retinal problems and plan their appropriate management. Certain key areas of specialization in medical retina are management of Diabetic Retinopathy, Age Related Macular Degeneration, Retinal Vascular Blocks and Retinal Degenerations and Dystrophies. Surgical retina cases comprise of various cases of simple and complex retinal detachments, macular hole, intraocular foreign body and endophthalmitis etc. The surgeons of the unit are adept at managing all these complex cases using the latest microsurgical techniques and lasers. All surgeons of the unit operate using 25Gauge instrumentation, which is minimally invasive vitreo-retinal surgery. We have also performed 27G vitreo-retinal surgery for some cases and will continue to increase its use.

The Uveitis clinic deals with cases of intraocular inflammation. These could be of infective or autoimmune aetiology. Long term treatment strategies for these chronic disorders are worked out with the help of state-of-the-art ophthalmic diagnostic equipments.

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is a disease which can lead to a life time of blindness. The incidence of ROP is greatly increasing in our country. Examination and treatment of these pre-mature babies requires a lot of skill and patience. The surgeons of our unit have special training to manage complex cases of ROP.

Quality post graduate education, training and research are our other focus areas.

Vitreoretina & ROP

The unit provides services for effective diagnosis, treatment and also research in Vitreoretinal diseases, and Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)

The unit has contributed considerably in the field of vitreoretinal diseases, especially diabetic retinopathy, vein occlusions, central serous retinopathy, age related macular degeneration, ROP, trauma etc. With a huge range of latest investigative and treatment tools like microperimetry, wide-field digital fundus angiography, video angiography, high resolution ocular coherence tomography, lasers, photodynamic therapy, PASCAL laser, MFERG etc, the unit continues to provide excellent ophthalmic care to patients.

The unit is engaged in cutting edge modern vitreoretinal surgery with the use of wide angle viewing systems, 23G/25G small gauge sutureless vitrectomy, modern surgical microscopes and other advanced vitreoretinal surgery equipment that have revolutionized surgery techniques and have outcomes comparable to best in the world. We operate on complex retinal detachments, tractional retinal detachments, giant retinal tears and macular disorders with high quality surgery and excellent outcomes.

The unit is a notable referral center for screening, laser treatment and surgery of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), an important cause of childhood blindness in premature babies. A project in collaboration with Sightsavers currently aims to develop multiple regional centers of ROP in India and spread ROP awareness.

Active research is ongoing on stem cells for use in retinal degenerative diseases and macular hole surgery. The unit also actively engages in collaborating with ocular pharmacology and ocular biochemistry to study various retinal diseases in animal models.

Cornea & Refractive Surgery, Pediatric Cataract(Unit-III)

Glaucoma and Pediatric Cataract

The unit is responsible for the specialties of Glaucoma, Lens and Refractive surgery.

In the field of glaucoma, the section has been in the forefront of management and research in Primary angle closure disease, congenital and juvenile glaucomas. There is a state of the art Glaucoma facility for all imaging modalities in Glaucoma. Long term studies on the prognosis of different kinds of Glaucoma allow us to manage all patients, from early to even the most recalcitrant with a wealth of experience. There is ongoing work on the genetic influences in different Glaucomas in India.

In the field of pediatric cataract surgery the section has developed techniques for 23 gauge membranectomy and Fugo blade surgery in pediatric cataract surgery.The section has also established phakic IOL surgery at the centre to management of myopia and astigmatism and use of artificial iris implants for anterior segment reconstruction.

Refractive surgery, both bladeless as well as with blade has been established for myopic patients. Research on the laser parameters for best and stable vision, such as flap thickness, is being conducted.

Squint, Neuro Ophthalmology, Pediatric Ophthalmology & Oculoplasty  The section has evolved new techniques in the surgical management of strabismus in cases of Complex strabismus including inferior oblique, superior oblique surgery, Duane and other syndromes and paralytic squint. Specialised research in nystagmus including evaluation of the role of alternate medicine in improving vision in such patients has been carried out using videonystagmography. Evaluation of vision in children by special tests like Teller Acuity, Cardiff acuity and Distance stereopsis tests have been established. It has a leading role in the management of strabismus in this subcontinent.

The department is actively involved in training and teaching of optometry and orthoptic students. The mission is to optimize the quality of life for infants and children as well as adults with strabismus by fostering normal vision development and protection of vision through programs of prevention, treatment, research, and education.

The unit is one of the few centres in the world, actively involved in evaluating role of functional MRI for improving the understanding of amblyopia and try to prognosticate effects of occlusion therapy as also Imaging for congenital cranial dysinnervation disorders.

The Neuroophthalmology service has worked in collaboration with the Department of Neurology and Department of Pediatrics, leading to newer developments such as a new therapy for the management of optic neuritis, establishing appropriate interventional strategy for the management of traumatic optic neuropathy, early identification of ethambutol toxicity and managing the special visual needs of pediatric patients with delayed milestones functional MRI and OCT studies in optic neuritis have improved our understanding of optic neuritis and multiple sclerosis and opened new frontiers in assessment and follow up the diseases.

The Oculoplasty service of the Unit has done pioneering work in the role of different suture materials and techniques for ptosis correction, dermis fat and mucous membrane graft for reconstruction of contracted socket, genetic studies on congenital anomalies of the adnexa, various types of tubes, and the role of anti-metabolites in lacrimal drainage & socket surgeries and amniotic membrane grafting in reconstruction of contracted socket,to name a few. National Retinoblastoma Registry has been started in collaboration with ICMR. Retinoblastoma therapy has been evaluated over the years – the efficacy of focal treatment, radiation, chemotherapy and recently newer drugs and their levels in plasma and vitreous.

Projects have been on role of propanolol in capillary hemangioma, use of fibrin glue in skin grafting, voriconazole in fungal orbital infections, clinical and molecular studies in various eyelid and ocular tumors including retinoblastoma.

The Oculoplasty services at the Centre provide ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery for a wide variety of disorders including ptosis, congenital structural anomalies, problems related to lacrimal drainage system and surgery and reconstruction of the orbit after ocular malignancies. Other areas of work includes eyelid repair and tissue replacement in cases related to facial burns, accidents, gunshot wounds, lacerations, and bite wounds. Enucleation or evisceration and rehabilitation with placement of an orbital implant and cosmetic rehabilitation is also routinely performed at the centre. This artificial eye will restore a more normal appearance and relieve discomfort. Socket reconstructions, including expansion of socket are also done.

The unit has also been at the forefront of ocular cancer research, including clinical trials into new and better treatments for this disease. The aim is to serve the patients in a compassionate and professional manner providing comprehensive care is provided in a team approach with general oncologists, radiation oncologists, pediatric oncologists and the physician to serve the children and the adults.

Cornea, Squint and Neuro-ophthalmology

Anesthesia This department is keenly involved in the newer techniques of providing safe and complication free anesthesia to children. The faculty has been involved in research activity to decrease the pain intra and post operatively and ease the recovery in all types of surgeries especially in squint surgery. The operation theatre at the R P Centre can run up to 4 tables simultaneously for general anesthesia patients. The department also provides emergency anesthesia facilities for trauma cases after routine OT. Anesthesia facilities are provided once a week in the OPD where minor OPD procedures and pediatric examination can be carried out.

Radiology Dr. R.P.Centre has its own radiology section which is equipped to carry out ocular radiological investigations using X-ray and ophthalmic ultrasound. Procedures performed include macrodacryocystography, orbital phlebography, evaluation of orbital fractures and foreign body localization on X-ray. There are 5 ultrasound machines available at different parts of the hospital including the OPD, casualty, wards and operation theatre and USG facility is available round the clock. For special investigations including CT scan with and without contrast, spiral CT, MRI, MR angiography, Colour Doppler and many other investigations the Department of Radiology, AIIMS provides support. All these investigations are available at a very subsidized rate to the patient and free services can also be provided to the needy.

Community Ophthalmology  Community Ophthalmology of Dr. RPC AIIMS is unique of its kind in the government health sector of the country for rendering comprehensive ophthalmological services at the community level. Currently, there are Two faculty members, Two PhD Scholar, one scientist grade III, three research officer and more than 50 others technical and field staff members involved in community based patients care services and research activities. The department also plays a pivotal role in advising National Programme for Control Blindness (NPCB), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India about ophthalmological surveys in Blindness, trachoma, refractive errors, corneal diseases, and launching key initiatives through its monitoring and surveillance functions. National Surveillance Unit NPCB Government of India is managed where cataract surgical outcomes and ocular morbidity from 22 sentinel surveillance units are monitored. Many National and International agencies like ICMR, DST, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK, Bausch and Lomb-USA, ORBIS, Sightsavers, spring vision, Vision 2020, Lions Clubs International Foundation has constantly collaborated in community based research work.

Ocular Biochemistry

Ocular biochemistry section is engaged in research on biochemical, immunological and genetic aspects of eye diseases. Section has handled the Indo-US Case Control Study on risk factors in age related senile Cataract. Research work is being carried out in Uveitis, Optic neuritis, Corneal ulcer etc. Several TOKEN programmes including WHO workshop programmes have been organized. Tissue and cell culture/Stem cell culture facility has been established in the section. Research work on stem cell culture is in progress. The lab is focusing to understand the molecular basis of ocular diseases, mainly Ocular tumors and Glaucoma. The focus is also on developing of microquantitative procedures for analysis of ocular fluids like aqueous and vitreous humors and tears. The beneficial effects of certain Ayurvedic drugs are also being evaluated for research purposes. The section continues to render clinical laboratory services, besides teaching and training to undergraduates and postgraduates. Section had produced Ph.Ds and MDs.

Ocular Microbiology

Facilities available:

For culture and antimicrobial sensitivity testing of bacteria Fungal culture Complete tissue culture facilities used for viral and Chlamydial culture Acanthomoeba culture facility: This service is also provided for other departments of AIIMS for CSF culture. Chlamydia reference laboratory built under Indo-UK Colaboration. This facility is also used by other departments of AIIMS and other Institutions of the country. Molecular biology laboratory

Services provided by the Ocular Microbiology:

Bacterial culture and antimicrobial sensitivity testing. Fungal culture. Culture and PCR for Acanthomoeba. Preparation of in house culture medium for all the above. Chlamydia antigen detection, serology, culture and PCR assay Herpes simplex virus antigen detection. Viral isolation in tissue culture PCR assays for bacteria, fungi, viruses, Chlamydia and Acanthomoeba. Investigation of viral conjunctivitis epidemics ( determining the causative virus by culture, PCR and antigen detection) which occur almost every year in Delhi

We process on an average 17,000 specimens per year Research activities :

A total of 22 extramural research projects funded by DBT, ICMR,CSIR etc and Five AIIMS funded projects were undertaken by the department till date. Notable among them are the Indo-UK Collaborative project ( a tripartite project between Overseas Development Authority,UK, ICMR and Dr R P Centre) for the establishment of Chlamydia Reference Laboratory at Dr R P Centre : and the CSIR NMITLI ( New Millenium Technology Leadership Initiative ) Project for the development of novel molecular diagnostics for eye diseases and low vision enhancement devices , a DBT project for development of siRNA against conjunctivitis causing viruses.

The regional reference laboratory for Chlamydial infection was established under a grant in aid project with British collaboration. Methods for culture, fluorescence detection, molecular detection and serological detection methods were developed and standardised. These were used to carry out extensive epidemiological investigations with patients of follicular conjunctivitis, cervicitis, sexually transmitted diseases and artherosclerosis. Developed monoclonal antibodies against Chlamydia trachomatis and developed an antigen detection ELISA using it. the Major outer membrane protein of C. trachomatis was cloned and expressed in E.Coli. Polymerase chain reaction based assay for Chlamydia Pneumoni was developed .and neonatal pneumonia was investigated. The lab. prepared a genomic library of Chlamydia trachomatis and have fished out immunoreactive clones from the library. These tests are now being provided for several of the concerned Departments at the Institute. Genotyping of C. trachomatis by ribotyping using amplification of the 16S-23S rRNA gene followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism and DNA sequencing was carried out. These indicate difference between the strains infecting genital organs from those infecting eye.

Besides these, molecular and serotyping of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates from eye infections along with from systemic infections and commensals has been done and published.

Under a DBT project work siRNA was developed against conjunctivitis causing viruses.

Under the CSIR NMITLI ( New Millenium Technology Leadership Initiative ) programme in a multicentric collaborative project we developed a DNA macrochip for simultaneous detection of 15 common pathogens causing eye & CNS infections. The chip has been already patented in India and several other countries of Europe, Asia and USA for eye & CNS infections.

Molecular and phenotypic methods have also been developed and standardized for characterizing drug sensitive and drug resistant mycelial fungal isolates in mycotic keratitis.

Slime producing bacteria like Staphylococcus epidermidis in keratitis and intra-ocular device related infections have been studied for their phenotypic and genotypic characteristics in order to find out implications of these in the pathogenesis of bacterial keratitis and device associated infections.

Under an ICMR funded project, work is underway for genotyping of Acanthomoeba isolates causing eye and CNS infections. PhD Programme:

More than 8 PhD students have completed their PhD from Ocular Microbiology and are working in responsible positions in India and outside India. Currently 3 PhD students are pursuing their PhD in Ocular Microbiology. Publications

More than 270 National and International publications have come out from the research works carried out in Ocular Microbiology.

Ocular Pathology  This section provides diagnostic services to the Centre which include Clinical pathology, Histopathology and Cytopathology. It performs on an average 36,000 investigations per year. In addition teaching and training programmes in ocular pathology are also conducted for other medical colleges and hospitals in India.

Research work on orbital, intraocular tumors & eyelid tumors, glaucoma and corneal pathologies is being done. The department organized Ocular pathology workshop under the Indian Association of Ocular Pathologist on 25th March, 2006.

Ocular Pharmacology

For the past 15 years, Ocular Pharmacology Department of Dr. R. P. Centre has been involved in developing newer drugs for eye, evaluating their intraocular penetration in animals and human and also to study their efficacy in animal models. The Ocular Pharmacy in this Department is unique of its kind in India as it caters the drug requirements of Dr. R. P. Centre and render free drug service to poor and needy patients. Our Pharmacy manufacturing division has contributed well in bringing out many newer drug formulations for the first time in the world for various ophthalmic pathologies viz. Norfloxacin eye drops 0.3% for bacterial keratitis, Silver Sulphadiazine for ocular keratomycosis, Centbucridine for corneal anaesthesia, etc.

The bio-analytical facility in the department was established especially for drug evaluation in 1983 and many studies have been conducted through it so far as evidenced from the national and international publications. In 2004, the Department developed an exclusive advanced Bio-analytical laboratory to more extensively support ocular drug research. In 'Holi 2006', the department made a landmark investigation about the presence of toxic dyes in the dry color powders (gulals) which gained lot of public interest. Recently, Ocular Pharmacology Department has been recognized as a DST-FIST sponsored department for the provision of High Precision Analytical Instrument for Bio-analytical work (liquid chromatography coupled tandem mass spectroscopy with triple quadrupole LC/MS/MS).

This active dispensing pharmacy extensively supports the research interests of the Ophthalmologist of Dr. R. P. Centre on all their new research initiatives. Apart from Dr. R. P. Centre it supports research in other Departments of AIIMS in preparing extemporaneous formulations. Presently this department is having 5 PhD scholars working for their thesis work in different eye research areas and having number of publications in the peer reviewed journals of international repute.

Hospital Services

Eye Casualty

The special features of the Hospital services are :

Round the Clock Emergency Service which includes :

An exclusive round the clock emergency service (Eye Casualty) Glaucoma Screening Cell. Eye Collection and Eye Bank.

Casualty

The Centre runs its own Casualty service, where the emergency cases and those patients who come after O.P.D. hours are attended. A junior resident, senior resident and a consultant are available round the clock. There are 15 beds earmarked for Casualty cases. The Casualty wing has an attached operation theatre.

Realising the importance of ocular infections as an ocular disaster, an 'Ocular Infection Cell' has been created in the Casualty area which provides immediate investigative support and urgent meticulous treatment in corneal ulcer cases and other cases of ocular infection.

Clinical Labs

Cornea Lab Glaucoma Lab Retina Lab Ultrsound Lab Investigative Lab FA Lab LASIK Lab Laser Lab Electrophysiology Squint & Orthoptic Lab Residency,Fellowships, CME, undergraduate teaching

In developing countries like India, where there is a shortage of both basic doctors and specialists, medical education stands at cross roads. It seems inescapable that our medical education policy has to be oriented towards production of a basic doctor, a specialist and superspecialist. Recognising the dearth of ophthalmologists, training of paramedical personnel to help them is very essential. The teaching programme of the Centre is aimed as follows:

Post Graduate Teaching

Post Graduates are given intensive training for a period of 3 years as resident doctors. Admission to postgraduation course is done every 6 months and in all 24 students admitted per year. The teaching programme includes lectures, case conferences, symposia, journal clubs and demonstrations. Post-graduate teaching is updated from time to time. The teaching schedule includes the recent developments and newer trends in various fields of ophthalmology. Both the basic sciences and clinical courses are spread over three years. The post graduates are attached with consultants so that they can be given personal attention. They are given training in general ophthalmology and in various subspecialities including microsurgery. They are taught to do all types of surgery and are also given experience in community ophthalmology especially during eye camps. Emphasis is given on proper understanding of their role in the National Programme for Control of Blindness. The residents at the completion of their training have a very strong theoretical as well as practical background to provide all types of ophthalmic services. They are also capable of undertaking independent research work and teaching of undergraduate students. The passed out students are holding responsible teaching and non-teaching positions not only in India but also abroad. Some sponsored candidates from other countries had post-graduate training at this Centre.

Undergraduate Teaching

The undergraduate students are taught ophthalmic examination along with investigations, diagnosis and management of common eye disorders. They are made familiar with prevalence of blindness, preventive and rehabilitative measures available and their role in the National Programme for Control of Blindness. The teaching programme includes lectures, seminars, clinical work, field work and tutorials with the following objectives:

To be able to examine and write case histories of common ocular disorders in the OPD. To be able to write histories, do clinical examinations, perform routine investigations, pre and post operative follow-up during the ward posting and submit detailed case histories. To be able to detect common visual defects and common eye diseases in their early stages. To be able to define and illustrate general principles of ophthalmic care. To be able to identify ocular emergencies and give first aid as well as choose proper referrals to specialists. To be able to perform common day to day investigations like I.0. P. recording, fundoscopy etc. and to be able to undertake minor surgical procedures like subconjunctival injections, chalazion etc.

Bachelor in Optometry

A: Basic Medical Sciences :

(i) To achieve general understanding of human biology. (ii) To achieve in-depth knowledge of science related to Optometry and ophthalmology (Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Microbiology and Optics). B. Clinical : The objectives of the clinical work are to enable a candidate to work under the supervision of an ophthalmologist and optometrist so as to understand anatomical, physiological basis of clinical ophthalmology and its implications and applications in optometry and to enable him to: (i) Practice independently in hospital, clinics and in community to execute an integrated approach of promotive, preventive, diagnostic and rehabilitative aspects of opthalmic care. (ii) Develop skills to carry out various ophthalmic investigations as directed. (iii) Assess disorders of ocular motility and uniocular and binocular functions and give orthoptic and pleoptic exercises as directed. iv) Perform refraction and making of glasses. v) Assess contact lens patients and fit contact lenses in various conditions independently. vi) Maintain records of patients, investigation and treatment, follow up records.

C. Machinery and equipment: To enable the students to understand the principles of equipment used in ophthalmology, perform routine optometry investigations.

National Eye Bank The National Eye Bank is situated at the centre and has an enviable voluntary donor list. A junior and a senior resident are available round the clock to collect eyes from the donors. This year 641 donor eyes were received and 463 keratoplasties were done. The eyes are also supplied to other keratoplasty units on demand.