Jammu, March 13:
In a proactive move to combat irreversible blindness, the Department of Ophthalmology at AIIMS Vijaypur, Jammu, successfully concluded a week-long awareness and screening drive to mark World Glaucoma Week 2026 (March 8th–14th).
Under this year’s global theme, “Early Detection is the Key,” the institute transformed its Outpatient Department (OPD) into a hub of clinical vigilance and public education, aiming to unmask a disease often referred to as the “silent killer of vision.”
High-Tech Screening to Save Sight
Throughout the week, hundreds of patients underwent rigorous evaluations using state-of-the-art diagnostic technology. The Department of Ophthalmology utilized a suite of advanced equipment to detect early signs of optic nerve damage, including:
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Non-Contact & Applanation Tonometry: To precisely measure intraocular pressure.
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Automated Perimetry: To Map the visual field and identify peripheral vision loss.
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Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): High-resolution imaging to assess the health of the retinal nerve fiber layer.
Expert Insight: “Timely Detection is Our Only Weapon”
Prof. (Dr.) D. N. Sharma, Executive Director & CEO of AIIMS Jammu, who supervised the initiative, issued a stern warning about the nature of the disease.
“Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss. By the time a patient typically notices symptoms, their vision is already severely compromised,” said Prof. Sharma. “Timely detection and proper management are the only two weapons we have to prevent total blindness.”
Prof. (Dr.) Meeta Gupta, Dean (Academics) and MS, provided the vital logistic support necessary to execute the large-scale screening and lecture series within the busy hospital environment.
A Center of Excellence in Ophthalmology
Dr. Bhavani Raina, Additional Professor and Head of the Department of Ophthalmology, reassured the public that AIIMS Jammu is fully equipped to handle complex glaucoma cases. “We possess the latest technology and the specialized expertise required for both the evaluation and advanced treatment of glaucoma patients,” Dr. Raina stated.
The event’s success was driven by a dedicated team of faculty and residents:
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Faculty Leads: Dr. Nitin Kumar (Associate Professor), Dr. Nazia Anjum (Assistant Professor), and Dr. Ridham Nanda (Assistant Professor).
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Support Team: Senior Residents Dr. Asma Jabeen, Dr. Sadaf Chaudhary, and Dr. Shefali Verma.
Educational Outreach
Beyond clinical tests, the institute held a series of awareness lectures in the OPD area. These sessions targeted both patients and their attendants, debunking myths about vision loss and emphasizing that while glaucoma cannot be cured, it can be controlled if caught early.
The conclusion of Glaucoma Week 2026 reinforces AIIMS Jammu’s mission to provide not just tertiary care, but essential preventive health education to the region of Jammu and Kashmir.
