In order to discuss measures relating to the blindness and other eye ailments among children, and to update the knowledge of doctors in the recent advances for management of pediatric eye problems, a day-long ‘Scientific Meet’ SPOSI Mid-Term Conference-2016 was organized at SKICC here on Saturday.The Conference was organized by the Strabismus & Pediatric Ophthalmological Society of India (SPOSI) in association with the Post-Graduate Department of Ophthalmology, SKIMS Medical College Bemina, Srinagar, and attended by a large number of delegates, including young doctors from across the country.Minister for Health & Medical Education, Bali Bhagat was chief guest, whileas Minister of State for Health & Medical Education, Ms. Asiea Naqash was guest of honor on the occasion.During this important event, the experts and young doctors shared their ideas, deliberated in length and breadth on the subject and stressed the need for collective efforts to find ways for preventing the blindness and other eye related ailments among the children. They called for making optimum use of the innovative techniques in the field of Ophthalmology and taking care of eye problems of the people, particularly the children. The experts enlightened the young doctors about the recent advancements for management of the pediatric eye problems in the country.The young doctors presented their research papers on the innovations.
The best paper awards were also presented to the young doctors by the chief guest.Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Bali Bhagat lauded the efforts of the SPOSI and Department of Ophthalmology SKIMS for organizing such an informative and useful event in Kashmir, which he said, will go a long way in updating the skills of young doctors in the field of Ophthalmology, particularly relating to the problems of children. He hoped that the experience gained by the doctors from the Conference will be utilized in the best patient care in the State. He stressed the need for organizing such conferences frequently to enrich the knowledge of the State medicos, especially the young doctors enabling them to meet the prevailing challenges in the field.While conveying his gratitude to the delegates from various parts of the country for participating in this important meet, the Minister said that such events provide opportunities to the professionals to share their ideas and experience in the field, that ultimately help in serving the mankind in a more professional way. He called upon the fraternity to focus on the extensive research work to bring new innovations in tackling the challenges in the children ophthalmic problems. He also highlighted the initiatives taken by the State Government to rejuvenate the healthcare infrastructure according to the prevailing scenario.Asiea Naqash also lauded the role of the SPOSI and Department of Ophthalmology SKIMS for holding this important event in the Valley and stressed the need for creating awareness amongst the masses about the eye ailments and their preventive measures. She suggested for regular visits by the doctors in the schools to extend medicare to the students suffering from ophthalmic problems.
Secretary Health & Medical Education & Director SKIMS, Dr. M.K. Bhandari lauded the organizers for this noble initiative and said that the increasing number of blindness cases among the children is a cause of concern for the Government and experts must put in their best efforts to find out the causes and controlling the diseases. He said Government is making its best efforts to deal with the subject, but the medical fraternity/individuals should come up with the solutions of this serious issue and contribute in the noble cause. He expressed hope that the effort will help the doctors of the state to learn about the new techniques in the field which will go a long way in updating their knowledge and skills.Prof. Kamlesh, President SPOSI and Prof. Yogesh Shukla, Secretary, SPOSI deliberated on the role and initiatives of the society. They apprised that the Society is devoted to address the issues related to the children blindness and other eye related diseases and engaged in research advancements to find out the causes and solutions to such problems. They expressed gratitude to the State Government, particularly, Prof. Reyaz Untoo and his dedicated team for this noble initiative to organize the Scientific Meet.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Prof. Reyaz Untoo, Chairman Organizing Committee, expressed his gratitude to the SPOSI for selecting Jammu and Kashmir for organizing such an important event. He said this is the first ever Conference in the state which has specifically focused on the issues relating to the eye related ailments of the children, and hoped that the event will prove quite useful for the doctors of the state, especially the young lot, who have got an opportunity to directly interact with the experts of the country. He also conveyed his special thanks to all participants for gracing the occasion.On the occasion, the dignitaries also released the Souvenir of the SPOSI highlighting the objectives and achievements of the Society.Prominent among those present on the occasion included, Vice President, Indian Medical Association, Dr. G.M. Malik, Principal GMC, Srinagar, Dr. Kaisar Ahmad, former Principal SKIMS College Bemina, Sringar, Dr. Mushtaq Ahmed and large number of doctors of SKIMS and Health & Medical Education.