Bhubaneswar: Retinoblastoma week is being observed by L V Prasad Eye Institute from 12th to 19th May, in Odisha. Retinoblastoma is the most common type of eye cancer in children and occurs almost exclusively in young kids. As part of the global awareness drive regarding the disorder, staff of LVPEI Bhubaneswar organised various educational and awareness based programmes throughout the week. An interactive session between patients and Ocular Oncologist Dr Devjyoti Tripathy held at MTC Campus, LVPEI Bhubaneswar was the key event during the week’s observance.
As part of LVPEI’s approach for dissemination of information among the rural public, its Odisha based secondary centres at Rajgangpur, Rayagada, Berhampur and Keonjhar held several patient-consultation and awareness workshops. The community outreach staff educated the public on RB awareness on their community visits and specifically connected with the Anganwadi workers in this process.
Retinoblastoma (RB) is a rare form of cancer that rapidly develops from the immature cells of a retina, which is the light-detecting tissue of the eye. It is the most common malignant cancer of the eye among the children, almost exclusively found in young children. It is among the top five cancers in children in India and survival rates continue to be significantly lower compared to the more developed countries. Importantly, retinoblastoma is highly curable when it is still intra-ocular. The ocular oncology service at the MTC campus lends a helping hand for 25 to 30 new cases of retinoblastoma each year.
Retinoblastoma is 100% curable if detected and treated at the right time. If any of the tell-tale signs are noticed, one can seek expert opinion. LV Prasad Eye Institute has well trained specialists and facilities available to treat this eye cancer comprehensively. To address the time constraint, it remains open till 8 pm in the evening on all working days and till noon on Sundays. An early diagnosis and treatment of eye cancer can result in a complete cure of the disease, says Dr Tripathy.
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