Patna: A statewide free eye screening programme aimed at preventing blindness among premature babies has been announced by Akhand Jyoti Eye Hospital, marking a significant public health intervention in neonatal care across Bihar.
Under the initiative, premature infants born in hospitals across the state will receive free eye examinations to detect retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a potentially blinding condition that affects underdeveloped retinas. Trained optometrists and technicians will conduct screenings inside neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), using portable fundus cameras to capture retinal images. These images will be transmitted to the hospital’s Retina Centre through teleophthalmology, where specialists will provide consultations and treatment advice.
The announcement was made by Dr Rajvardhan Azad, chair of the Clinical Advisory Board at Akhand Jyoti Eye Hospital, while addressing a national scientific session on ROP at the hospital’s Centre of Excellence in Mastichak on Saturday. Dr Azad discussed evolving diagnostic and treatment techniques for ROP, stressing the importance of early screening.
Experts including Dr Anand Vinekar and Dr Anil Gangwe presented on newer clinical approaches during the session.
According to Dr Santosh Kumar, head of the Retina Department and coordinator of the programme, screening within the first 30 days of birth can prevent permanent vision loss. “Premature births are increasing due to lifestyle changes and malnutrition. If ROP is not detected and treated in time, children can lose their sight permanently,” he said, adding that coordination is underway with hospitals across Bihar to implement the programme in NICUs.
Gynecologists and pediatricians are also participating in the two-day national seminar, which concludes on Sunday, underscoring the need for multidisciplinary collaboration in neonatal care.
Dr Ajit Poddar, medical director of the hospital, said the initiative reflects Akhand Jyoti’s long-term commitment to blindness prevention. “This statewide free ROP screening campaign is a step towards ensuring that no child loses vision due to lack of timely care,” he said.
The workshop has drawn retina specialists from across India and neighbouring countries, including Dr Lalit Agrawal, Dr Mangat Ram Dogra, Dr Sucheta Kulkarni, Dr Abhijit Chattopadhyay, Dr Tapas Ranjan, Dr Parijat Chandra, Dr Shaurya Azad and Dr Snehal Bavaskar.
Health experts say the programme could play a crucial role in reducing childhood blindness in Bihar, where access to specialised neonatal eye care remains limited, particularly outside major urban centres.
