Lack of surgeons: Gandhi Shatabdi Hospital transfers retina cases to AIIMS Rishikesh
PNS | DEHRADUN
Due to a shortage of retina surgeons, the Gandhi Shatabdi Eye Hospital administration is transferring cases requiring retina surgery to All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh. At the time of the hospital’s establishment a few years ago, the authorities claimed that retina surgery would soon be available there. However, it remains elusive till date.
Queried on the current status of retina surgery at the hospital, a senior eye surgeon working at the hospital, Dr Shashi Vasan said that no retina surgeries have been initiated at the facility. “While the hospital has advanced technology that helps ophthalmologists diagnose retinal ailments, it currently lacks the capacity to perform surgical procedures. Although the hospital doctors are qualified to diagnose retinal conditions, the facility does not have any retina surgeons available to conduct the surgeries,” she said.
In response to queries on retinal ailments, Dr Vasan said that conditions requiring surgery are most commonly seen in patients suffering from diabetes and hypertension. She added that high blood pressure can also affect the eyes, potentially leading to the need for surgery. “Retinal issues begin to manifest after the age of five. However, they are most prevalent among elderly individuals. Young adults may experience retinal problems, especially following traumatic events such as injuries or accidents,” she said.
