Visakhapatnam: The Andhra Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights organized a review meeting on pediatric eye health at the Government Regional Eye Hospital on Wednesday. Gondu Sitaram, a member of the commission, led the investigation into the hospital’s efforts to address congenital eye diseases in children.
Sitaram examined hospital records, focusing on congenital cataracts, diagnostic facilities, surgery, and follow-up care. Hospital Superintendent Dr. Meenakshi informed that in 2023, 4,068 children were treated, 214 disability certificates were issued and 173 children were treated for retinopathy of prematurity. This year, 3,613 children have been treated, in which 70 disability certificates have been issued, while 133 people have been treated for retinopathy.
A major achievement was the hospital’s outreach program, which screened 54,124 students in 541 schools. Sitaram recommended setting up a special outpatient center and five dedicated beds for pediatric patients. Dr. Meenakshi assured that the suggestion will be implemented within a month.