COMMUNITY OPHTHALMOLOGY
Much of the medical facilities in India including Eye Care is limited to the Urban areas as also the availability of good Eye Doctors . This has caused a substantial imbalance in meeting the needs of the rural population. Our community health service reaches out to the population outside the city of Bangalore and in the rural districts of Kolar, Chikballapur, Tumkur and surrounding areas. Being situated in Hosakote, we are well positioned to reach several of these rural areas.
We are now a well established tertiary institution and able to provide sophisticated services to meet the needs of Vision Care in these areas. Our Community Ophthalmology Services carries out the following activities:
CAMP
Screening camps are held frequently in rural areas of Karnataka. Our staff visit remote villages and identifies patients needing treatment.
SUPPORTERS
Two decades ago, Globe Eye Foundation (GEF) was established thanks to the generosity of our vast network of well-wishers who have supported all our endeavours as we have grown from one man’s idea to a real movement that has changed lives and saved sight for thousands. .
VISION CARE SPECIALITY
OPD UNIT:
We run a modern Outpatient Department (OPD) with the latest diagnostic and clinical examination facilities. The OPD is manned by experienced Ophthalmologists and trained Optometrists carrying out a wide range of procedures, from routine Refraction to sophisticated Fundus Examination, Fluorescein Angiography and Laser Treatment. The OPD functions six days a week and provides the following services:
SURGICAL UNIT:
The GEF hospitals at Hosakote, Kolar and Chintamani have two operation theatres each. The operation theatres are equipped with Operating Microscopes, Phaco machines, Vitrectomy machines and all other essential instruments. On an average, we perform nearly 1000 cataract surgeries in a month, across all our centers. This key surgical activity results in total reversal of blindness.
The batches of patients screened in the camps are transported to the hospital and provided with food and lodging before and after surgery. The GEF Hospitals have performed over one lakh surgeries, since inception. This has mainly included Cataract extraction and IOL implantation using the manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS) and Phaco Emulsification techniques
1. CATARACT
Cataract is the most common cause for avoidable blindness. This is treated with surgery, which involves removal of Cataract with a small incision and replacing it with intra ocular lens. This facility is available at all GEF Eye Hospitals and is offered to the patients free of cost or at an affordable cost.
There are two methods;
A. Manual -Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS)
GEF has to its credit improving and perfecting the technique of Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS), along with imparting training in this technique to young doctors from India and overseas.
B. Phaco Emulsification
Phaco Emulsification is the technique where an ultrasonic probe is passed in the eye through a small incision and the Cataract is broken into small pieces using ultrasound energy and Not sucked- use aspirated.
In both the techniques foldable Intra Ocular Lens, multifocal Intra Ocular Lens or rigid Intra Ocular Lens are implanted.
2. GLAUCOMA
Glaucoma is a complex disease where the optic nerve of the eye gets damaged slowly to leave the person blind, over a period of time. This blindness is not reversible, so it is very important to diagnose and treat this condition at an early stage to slow down the progress of the disease, through medication and surgery.
Glaucoma is not curable, but by treating it promptly and continuously the person will be able to maintain reasonably good vision throughout his life. The investigations include detailed slit lamp examination, intraocular pressure check, gonioscopy, optic nerve examination fundoscopy, photography, OCT and automated perimetry. Surgical treatment facility is also available along with medical treatment at all the GEF Eye Hospitals.
3. RETINA
The retina (nerve layer) suffers from different or varied types of diseases which can be diagnosed by examination of the retina through 90 D slit lamp examination, direct ophthalmoscopy and indirect ophthalmoscopy. These examinations are further supported by photography and Fundus Fluorescein Angiography (FFA) using fundus camera, B scan and OCT. The most common systemic disease that affects the eye is diabetes.
The medical condition to the retina due to diabetes is called diabetic retinopathy. It is very important to diagnose and treat diabetic retinopathy in time to prevent the person from going blind. The treatment is done through laser, intra-vitreal injections such as AVASTIN, LUCENTIS and Vitreo-retinal surgery. Both, investigation and treatment, facilities for diabetic retinopathy are currently available at the GEF Eye Hospital, Hosakote.
4. CORNEAL BLINDNESS
The Cornea is the transparent part of the outer court of the eye. It may suffer from ailments, infections and injuries. Some of them, even after treatment, leave behind a scar, which causes severe visual morbidity. This corneal blindness needs to be treated with corneal grafting. GEF has started an eye collection and cornea grafting centre to address this problem. We are looking forward to making this an active and useful department for the community.
5. CHILDHOOD BLINDNESS
Refractive error, squint and amblyopia (lazy eye) need to be detected at an early age to prevent permanent damage to the vision of children. GEF Eye Hospitals have the facility to examine, diagnose and treat these problems at an early age in children.
6. COMMUNITY OPHTHALMOLOGY
The main objective of GEF has been to take quality eye care services to remote places and to the poorest. In this direction GEF has drawn out an elaborate plan of activity in Kolar, Chikballapur and Bangalore, Rural and Urban, in the state of Karnataka, to cover most of the areas that have otherwise remained uncovered. GEF conducts more than 20 outreach programmes a month, in collaboration with National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB), ROTARY, HELP AGE INDIA, RAMA KRISHNA MISSION and BOTHRA FOUNDATION.
OUTREACH PROGRAMME FOR AVOIDABLE BLINDNESS
SCREENING FOR CHILDREN AND WORK FORCE
HEALTH EDUCATION AND AWARENESS
7. TRAINING
GEF is running a course for Diploma in Ophthalmic Technology (DOT), which is registered with Karnataka State Paramedical Board. GEF provides training to young ophthalmologists through its six months Fellowship Course in Small Incision Cataract Surgery and General Ophthalmology. GEF also conducts a short term training to the select candidates in SICS and Phaco Emulsification.
DOT
SICS
PHACO
CAMP
Screening camps are held frequently in rural areas of Karnataka. Our staff visit remote villages and identifies patients needing treatment.
SUPPORTERS
Two decades ago, Globe Eye Foundation (GEF) was established thanks to the generosity of our vast network of well-wishers who have supported all our endeavours as we have grown from one man’s idea to a real movement that has changed lives and saved sight for thousands. .
EYE CARE CENTRES
Our plan is to implement a 3 tier eye care programme which will take eye care to poorest in rural and urban Karnataka.
Every taluk will have a Vision Centre for eye examination and Refraction.
Every district will have a base hospital with surgical facilities.
One main referral hospital for the entire state.
When fully functional this 3 tier eye care system should be able to reach every citizen of the state.
Vision and Mission
Vision
Mission
OUTREACH PROGRAMMES
The main objective of GEF has been to take quality eye care services to remote places and to the poorest. In this direction GEF has drawn out an elaborate plan of activity in Kolar, Chikballapur, Bangalore Rural and Urban, in the state of Karnataka, to cover most of the areas that have otherwise remained uncovered. GEF conducts more than 20 outreach programmes a month, in collaboration with National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB), ROTARY, HELP AGE INDIA, RAMA KRISHNA MISSION and BOTHRA FOUNDATION.
The outreach programmes involve organizing screening camps for all avoidable diseases causing blindness such as Cataract, Glaucoma, Refractive Error and Diabetic Retinopathy in the designated areas for treating them. Patients requiring surgery or treatment in the hospital are brought to the hospital by the hospital vehicle and treated. Their transport, food, treatment and follow up are all provided free of cost.
GEF also organise eye screening programmes for school children and the employees of factories and corporate offices. GEF is engaged in Eye Health Education, awareness programmes like lectures and training workshops and active participation in programmes like World Sight Day.
OUTREACH ACTIVITY
- Cataract Camps
- Diabetic Retinopathy Camps
- Work Place Screening Camps
- Children Screening Camps (in Schools)
CAMP
Screening camps are held frequently in rural areas of Karnataka. Our staff visit remote villages and identifies patients needing treatment.
SUPPORTERS
Two decades ago, Globe Eye Foundation (GEF) was established thanks to the generosity of our vast network of well-wishers who have supported all our endeavours as we have grown from one man’s idea to a real movement that has changed lives and saved sight for thousands. .
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
Ophthalmology is a fast advancing specialty, and there is a need to upgrade skills continuously. To address this need, GEF has introduced training programmes for aspirant Ophthalmologists in Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS) and General Ophthalmology. Over 120 Ophthalmologists are already trained under this programme.
There is an urgent need for well trained Ophthalmic Assistants to provide basic eye care and services. In view of this, GEF runs a School for Optometry in its premises, which provides a 2 year course leading to a Diploma in Optometry, recognised by the Government of Karnataka. About 30 Ophthalmic Assistants are trained every year.
The aim of the programme is to provide a step by step approach to the advanced procedure, which will equip the trainees with understanding of the basic principles of eye surgery and proficiency in techniques essential for desire consistent surgical outcomes.
The duration of the course is 30 days.
Each candidate has to perform operations on 30 patients.
The course will primarily focus on nucleus management and make candidates conversant in capsulorhexis and cortical I&A.
Candidates will perform all cases through a clear corneal incision and will also be trained in foldable IOL loading and implantation.
Every Candidate is required to bring along a USB pen drive to record the surgeries conducted by him /her for analysis and discussion with the instructors.
Indian candidates: INR 90,000/-
International Candidates: INR 1,00,000/-
The course fees has to be paid by cheque/cash/Demand Draft on the first day of the course. Accommodation facility is available on request.
Downloaded application form duly filled must be scanned and sent through e-mail to gefbangalore1995@hotmail.com . 'Phaco Training Programme' must be entered in the subject field of the e-mail.
GEF is running a course for Diploma in Ophthalmic Technology (DOT), registered with the Karnataka State Paramedical Board.
CAMP
Screening camps are held frequently in rural areas of Karnataka. Our staff visit remote villages and identifies patients needing treatment.
SUPPORTERS
Two decades ago, Globe Eye Foundation (GEF) was established thanks to the generosity of our vast network of well-wishers who have supported all our endeavours as we have grown from one man’s idea to a real movement that has changed lives and saved sight for thousands. .
EYE COLLECTION
The Globe Eye Foundation has an eye collection centre at the GEF Eye Hospital Hosakote. The centre procures eyes from donors and the collected eyes are sent to Dr.Rajkumar Eye Bank, Bangalore
DONATE EYE
Donating your eyes is indeed a noble gesture and a great service to the community. We encourage you and your friends to pledge your eyes for the benefit of fellow human beings. The procedure is simple: Fill in the online form given below and forward it to us. Or, you may download and fill in the form in English or Kannada and mail it to our postal address. The office will contact you after registration.
Fill in the online form and submit. Or you may download and print the English / Kannada form given below.
Fill in your details and mail it to our postal address. Our administrative office will contact you after registration.
CAMP
Screening camps are held frequently in rural areas of Karnataka. Our staff visit remote villages and identifies patients needing treatment.
SUPPORTERS
Two decades ago, Globe Eye Foundation (GEF) was established thanks to the generosity of our vast network of well-wishers who have supported all our endeavours as we have grown from one man’s idea to a real movement that has changed lives and saved sight for thousands. .
EYE CARE CENTRES
Our plan is to implement a 3 tier eye care programme which will take eye care to poorest in rural and urban Karnataka.
Every taluk will have a Vision centre for eye examination and Refraction.
Every district will have a base hospital with surgical facilities.
One main referral hospital for the entire state.
When fully functional this 3 tier eye care system should be able to reach every citizen of the state.
In keeping with the 3 tier system of eye care delivery, Globe Eye Foundation has, in partnership with Operation Eye Sight Universal, India, established Vision Centres at Bangarpet and Mulbagal, in Kolar district, The Eye Care Centre were also supported by Cognizant Foundation.
Each Vision Centre, under one supervisor, offers its eye care services to the surrounding 50 thousand population. Each Vision Centre comprises two clusters, each of which has a 25 thousand population. Each Programme Supervisor with his team of community health workers conducts a door to door check for determining the vision status of each individual in each cluster. A detailed record of the eye health status of each individual is maintained by the community health workers. Individuals identified with symptoms of Cataract, refractive error and other eye ailments are referred to Vision Centre.
Each Vision Centre has a qualified an optometrist and an optical sales person. The Optometrist conducts a comprehensive eye examination on patients referred from the clusters. Patients needing surgical treatment for Cataract are taken to the base hospital where the surgery is conducted. Ophthalmologists from the base hospitals visit each Vision Centre once a week to organise eye examination for Glaucoma and Diabetic Retinopathy. Patients identified with Glaucoma and Diabetic Retinopathy are referred to GEF Eye Hospital, Hosakote, for further management and treatment.
CAMP
Screening camps are held frequently in rural areas of Karnataka. Our staff visit remote villages and identifies patients needing treatment.
SUPPORTERS
Two decades ago, Globe Eye Foundation (GEF) was established thanks to the generosity of our vast network of well-wishers who have supported all our endeavours as we have grown from one man’s idea to a real movement that has changed lives and saved sight for thousands. .
