Dimapur: Association of Community Ophthalmologist of India (ACOIN) organized its 2nd Continue Medical Education (CME) on Community Ophthalmology at Saramati Hotel, Dimapur on February 22. It was organized under the aegis of Indian Council of Medical Research, State Blindness Control Society, Nagaland, AIOS and Nagaland Opthalmological Association under the theme ‘They need sight and we need vision.’
Dr. Neiphi Kire, Principal Director, Health & Family Welfare graced the inaugural as chief guest. Dr. Kire stated that it is a privilege to be an Ophthalmologist as it is really rewarding to restore the sight of a blind person. He further stated that strengthening of private public partnership in Nagaland was very important in the curative and preventive aspect of blindness. He also thanked ACOIN for giving the opportunity to Chumukedima villagers by conducting survey on community eye health and hope that through the survey, the data collected will be helpful not only to the country but also to Nagaland in assessing the prevalence of Ocular morbity.
Dr. Kasturi Bhattacharjee speaking on the theme stated that aim of the theme was to restore sight by excellence and equity, which the Ophthalmologists have been able to achieve through cataract surgery and vision to reduce the burden of the blind people. She also stressed on the need of awareness on the curative, preventive and rehabilitation of blindness.
During the function, ACOIN also felicitated prominent Ophthalmologist of Nagaland, amongst them was the first Ophthalmologist of Nagaland Lt.Dr. Tajen, the first Ophthalmologist of Nagaland and also remembering Lt. Sutsungkokba Ao, Ophthalmologist and amongst the non-medical association were Lions Club and Rotary Club, Dimapur.
Dr Leena Sen chaired the function and earlier the programme, short Dr. Swapan Samanta, Dr. Harsha, Dr. G. Kemp and Dr. T. Lemtur delivered speeches. Special song was presented by children of Naga Blind Association, Nagaland and Welcome address was delivered by Dr. Narola Ao while the vote of thanks pronounced by Dr. Asonla Aying Chang.
Earlier, orientation training was imparted to Opthalmic Assistants of Nagaland and Volunteers from the village of Chumukedima on Community Eye health Survey to be conducted on February 23. Scientific Sessions were also held for Opthalmologists with resource person included Dr. S. Samanta, Dr. Suraj Senjam, Dr. Taba Khanna, Dr. Kasturi Bhatttacharjee, Dr. Chandana Chakraborty, Dr. Lobsang tsetim, Dr. K. Das, Dr. N. Bardoloi, Dr. S. Das, Dr. Harsha Bhattacharjee, Dr. S. Deka, Dr. S. Home and Dr. J. Bhunia. The Scientific Session was carefully crafted with an aim of activating interaction between the stalwarts of clinical ophthalmology sharing their updated knowledge and the local ophthalmologists and administrative authorities working in the areas delivering their unique experience.
