Refractive Surgery Convention
Chennai, 8 July (MTNews): The prestigious Indian Intraocular Implant & Refractive Surgery Convention (IIRSI) commenced on 8 July at Hotel ITC Chola in Chennai. The event was inaugurated by the Governor of Nagaland, La Ganesan, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
Addressing the gathering of doctors from across India, Governor Ganesan emphasized the importance of the 41st IIRSI convention as a platform for exchanging knowledge and experiences in the development of new diagnostic and treatment modalities in Ophthalmology. He highlighted that this conference provides an opportunity to learn from experts in Ophthalmology from around the globe.
Governor Ganesan praised the state of Tamil Nadu, particularly South India, for its significant contributions to healthcare, especially in the field of Ophthalmology. He acknowledged the presence of premier eye institutes in the region that produce skilled Ophthalmologists equipped with advanced technology, who then serve various parts of the country.
12 million blind, 450 million require vision correction in India
Citing statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), the Chief Guest highlighted the prevalence of eye disorders in India. He mentioned that India has approximately 12 million blind individuals and an additional 450 million people requiring vision correction.
Governor Ganesan commended the IIRSI for making sessions on cornea/vision more engaging and interactive over the years. He expressed enthusiasm for the live surgery show, which showcases the use of state-of-the-art equipment and surgical techniques by experienced surgeons. The Wet Lab component of the convention, providing hands-on experiences with novel surgical techniques, was also appreciated.
The Governor acknowledged the contributions of Prof Amar Agrawal, the Secretary General of IIRSI, who was the first Indian and Asian to be elected as President of the International Society of Refractive Surgery at the American Academy of Ophthalmology in 2013-14. He also applauded Agrawal and his team for their dedicated service to society by providing numerous free surgeries to those in need.