Retinoblastoma Patient’s Meet and Greet Program at H V Desai Eye Hospital
Pune 17 May 2019: World Retinoblastoma Awareness Week for the year 2019 is being observed between 12th to 18th May to raise awareness regarding this common and curable eye cancer occurring in paediatric age group.
As a part of awareness activities conducted, a meet and greet event was organised by H V Desai Eye Hospital recently for patients treated for retinoblastoma and their parents. This event was graced by Mr Nitin Desai, Chairman- Poona Blind Men’s Association (PBMA), Mrs Meena Desai, Mr RajnikantJetha, Member of Managing Committee, Mr Rajesh Shah, President, PBMA, Col Dr Madan Deshpande (Chief Medical Director, H V Desai Eye Hospital) and Mr Parvez Bilimoria (President, H V Desai Eye Hospital). Dr Rahul Deshpande (Medical director and Head of Dept, Ophthalmic plastic surgery and ocular oncology) welcomed the dignitaries with a precise introduction.
Dr Sonal Chaugule, Consultant ophthalmic plastic surgery and ocular oncology, spoke about need for awareness regarding the eye cancer, retinoblastoma with emphasis on early detection and protocol-based management. She encouraged the parents to talk about their journey from the diagnosis of the child to end of treatment and how content they are now knowing that their child is tumor-free.Dr Tushar Patil (Medical Oncologist, Sahyadri Hospital), elaborated on role of systemic chemotherapy and importance of multidisciplinary approach to the management of child diagnosed with retinoblastoma. Dr Sucheta Kulkarni (Deputy Director) presented a brief presentation on importance of early intervention for visual rehabilitation of children suffering visual loss due to retinoblastoma. Dr Col Madan Deshpande spoke about advantages of vigilance by the parents and encouraged their decision to seek early medical attention Parents of children under treatment expressed their gratitude and shed light on their experiences regarding the treatment and awareness.Their experience is certainly valuable for parents and children currently going through the active treatment.
Mr Nitin Desai addressed the gathering and gifts were distributed for retinoblastoma kids. Mr Aravind Sheshadri, founder of Iksha Foundation (Bangalore based NGO) graced the event. Col Dr V P Andurkar (Medical Administrator), Col Dr Kulkarni (Pediatrician), Dr Rohit Kumar and team (Dept of Anaesthesia) Dr Kuldeep Dole (Medical Director) and consultant faculty of
