RETINOBLASTOMA: SAVE LIVES AWARENESS CAMPAIGN
The Department of Ophthalmology and College of Ophthalmology and Allied Vision Sciences KEMU, organized a scientific symposium on Retinoblastoma today, a collaboration enhancing oriented effort among the departments of Pediatric Medicine, Radiotherapy, Ophthalmology, Pathology, and Psychiatry in secondary care hospitals. The program focuses on discussing the urgency in the treatment of this disease, advancements in research, availability of medications, and the provision of standardized facilities for complete treatment of Retinoblastoma through multidisciplinary efforts.
Professor Dr. Mahmood Ayyaz, Vice Chancellor of King Edward Medical University, inaugurated the scientific research symposium on Retinoblastoma in the field of ophthalmology. He emphasized the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment, stating that this approach can significantly reduce the incidence of congenital visual impairment and blindness in society, provided that public awareness about the diagnosis and treatment of this disease is increased.
A message on childhood eye cancer awareness was issued by Professor Dr. Muhammad Moin, Chairman, Institute of Ophthalmology/Principal College of Ophthalmology and Allied Vision Sciences, Mayo Hospital, and Dr. Shabana Chaudhry. Through this message he enlightened that congenital eye cancer commonly affects children under the age of 5. The signs of this disease include “Leukocoria, Siquint, increased eye size, and a difference in the color of one or both iris” The protection of the eye and vision is only possible through early diagnosis and treatment. Prompt treatment can lead to complete recovery from eye cancer.
However, if left untreated, cancer can spread to the brain and other organs, posing a threat to life. The experts emphasized the importance of providing social and psychological guidance to children and their families after complete treatment. Professor Emeritus (COAVS) Dr. Asad Aslam Khan, Chief Executive Mayo Hospital Professor Dr. Haroon Hamid, Dean Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Professor Dr. Syed Asghar Naqi, Professor of Surgery Dr. Abrar Ashraf, Medical Superintendent Mayo Hospital Dr. Munir Malik.
In addition, Professor Dr. Sohail Sarwar, Professor Dr. Zahid Kamal Siddiqui, Professor Dr. Iftikhar Ajaz, Professor Dr. Afzal A. Qureshi, Professor Dr. Khaqan Khan, Dr. Shabana Chaudhry, Dr. Ayesha Azam, Dr. Asim Amjad, Dr. Salman Hamza, Dr. Zunaira, Dr. Mahwish Fayyaz, Dr. Andaleeb Zahra, Dr. Lubna Sadiq, Dr. Asma Mushtaq, Dr. Tabinda Sadaf, Dr. Haleema Saeed, Professor Dr. Nazish Imran, and Dr. Samreen Jamal, representatives of King Edward Medical University, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital, and Pakistan Society of Oncology were also present in the said event.