Mysore/Mysuru: “Department of Ophthalmology of Mysore Medical College and Research Institute (MMC&RI) will be handed over more than 12 new equipment and felicitating those who secured gold medals in Ophthalmology from RGUHS, at Meeting Hall of K.R. Hospital on Sept. 13 at 3 pm,” informed Dean and Director of MMC&RI, Dr. C.P. Nanjaraj.

Addressing a press meet at Pathrakartara Bhavan here yesterday, he said: “We have been doing around 5,000 cataract surgeries every year. More than 500 patients, not only from Mysuru district but also from neighbouring districts, visit the Department. We are conducting up to 40 cataract surgeries in a day, majority of which is done by Phacoemulsification plus foldable intraocular lens implantation which cost around Rs. 30,000 outside,” said Nanjaraj.

He further added, “Apart from these surgeries we also perform Corneal transplant, Trabeculectomy, Dacryocystorhinostomy/dacryocystectomy, Pteryguim excision and autografting and Oculoplasty & squint surgeries. All these surgeries are done free of cost to the patients. These procedures will cost around Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 30,000 outside. To perform all these surgeries we have a team of 10 well-qualified enthusiastic, experienced and compassionate ophthalmologists,” he added.

Head of Ophthalmology Department Dr. K. Satish said,  “Oertli Posterior Vitrectomy and phoco machine from Switzerland which costs about Rs. 50 lakh is used for retinal surgeries, Zeiss  Nd YAG laser capsulotomy from Germany is used for posterior capsulotomy and iridotomy Zeiss Humphrey field analyser which is also from Germany is used for glaucoma evaluation, Zeiss Operating microscope with XY coupling and HD camera from Germany is used for all surgeries and Digital tonometer from Finland is used for glaucoma evaluation,” said Sathish.

“An eye bank attached to our Department which collects eyeballs from donors and the same is used to perform corneal transplant surgeries. The eye bank has received a grant of Rs. 40 lakh from NPCB this year. Global level equipment are being installed at K.R. Hospital and all are imported from Germany and Switzerland. We have also sent experts for special training at Hyderabad,” he added.