Dear Readers,
Today the reason for blindness cannot be attributed to clinical causes alone. We know clinically what to do and there are human resources competent enough to provide the treatment. However there seems to be both issues at the community level as well as with the provider. We would like to focus this issue on building patient education. This is required at 4 levels. The first being for the patient or family members to be aware of the symptoms and the necessity to seek treatment. Next being the awareness to accept the Doctors advice for treatment. Third is to comply with the treatment process including the correct usage of drugs or other treatment. Fourth is to understand the necessity for doing follow up as required.
In this issue we provide you an overview of patient education. The materials provided here are aimed at enhancing patient education at the four levels. Patient education materials for cataract, retinal diseases primarily diabetic retinopathy, refractive error, low vision, childhood eye problems including ambylopia and squint, glaucoma, corneal disease and orbit are focused. There are also materials related to creation of patient education materials as weblinks for patient education.
Our Featured Organization this time is National Eye Institute.
We wish you an experience of learning that is very practical. Your feedback will let us know how we can improve. Please write in your feedback at eyesite@aravind.org. We look forward to your feedback.
We wish our readers an informative reading!
Happy Reading!
Regards,
Vision 2020 e-resource team
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Illiteracy and ignorance of diseases and its treatment contribute to increasing the number of people who do not
access health care despite having a problem. Since most of the patients live in rural areas,
it is necessary to education the patients about the risk of the diseases. Patient education is
essential for making people more aware so that utilisation of health care services increases and
reduce the blindness in community.
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Worldwide, cataract is still the leading cause of avoidable blindness. It accounts for 47.8% of global blindness
and remains the most important challenge to blindness prevention programmes in much of the world, particularly in
developing countries.
One of the problems commonly encountered in the detection of individual cases of blindness from cataract is
the reluctance of the people to come forward for examination, due to lack of awareness of the fact that
cataract surgery may restore sight, and that this surgical procedure is safe and effective.
Health workers can play a very important role in creating awareness about cataract and cataract surgery.
School teachers and school children can be involved in this process.
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CATARACT
Abstract:
This brochure contains some basic information about what is Cataract, the types of Cataract, the symptoms,
also the treatment procedure followed, and the advantages of IOL implantation for Cataract surgery.
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CATARACT
Abstract:
This poster is about the importance of Cataract surgery on the treatment of Cataract. It reveals only surgery
can cure cataract completely.
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CAN CHILDREN ALSO DEVELOP CATARACT
Abstract:
This brochure deals with the Cataract development in children, the symptoms, effect of Cataract in children, the
treatment required, types of surgery performed and the frequently asked questions about Child Cataract.
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IOL IMPLANTATION IN CHILDREN
Abstract:
This brochure deals with the indications of cataract in children, the surgery techniques, types of IOL, and the
pre-operative investigations required and the post-operative care required and management.
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CATARACT: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Abstract:
This booklet is for people with cataract and their families and friends. It provides information about age-related cataract, the most common form of cataract. This booklet answers questions about the causes and symptoms of the disorder and discusses diagnosis and types of treatment.
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ADVANTAGES OF PHACOEMULSIFICATION
Abstract:
This poster educates the patients on the types of surgeries given to the patients and the advantages of the
sutureless phaco surgery.
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PHACOEMULSIFICATION
Abstract:
This poster deals with the phaco treatment given for the Cataract treatment for the complete cure. The importance
of the Phaco surgery and its advantages are discussed.
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PHACOEMULSIFICATION
Abstract:
This brochure deals with what is Cataract, its symptoms, its types, the treatment required, advantages of IOL
implantation, types of Cataract removal and the advantages of Phaco.
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RETINOPATHY OF PREMATURITY
Abstract:
This brochure provides information on what is Retinopathy of Prematurity, how it develops in babies, how it is
diagnosed and its treatment procedures.
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RETINAL DETACHMENT RESOURCE GUIDE
Abstract:
Describes the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment for retinal detachment. Highlights NEI-supported research. Provides
resources for obtaining additional information, including organizations and citations from the medical literature.
Also includes facts about floaters and vitreous detachment.
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RETINOPATHY OF PREMATURITY (ROP) RESOURCE GUIDE
Abstract:
Describes the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment for ROP. Highlights NEI-supported research. Provides resources
for obtaining additional information, including organizations and citations from the medical literature.
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While diabetes care is increased, and the diabetics tend to visit the diabetologists early enough, the same
cannot be said to be true for eye care and visit to ophthalmologists. This could be partly because the eye symptoms
usually appear after five years of systemic diabetes mellitus. At the other spectrum, even the diabetologists,
general physician are not fully aware of the early treatment (chiefly, laser photocoagulation) benefits of diabetic
retinopathy. Awareness is needed for strict control of diabetes at one end, and regular eye examination at the other end.
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ARE YOU DIABETIC
Abstract:
This is a Camp advertisement poster giving details about how diabetic affects eye with the photographs and also the
treatment required for the Diabetic Retinopathy diagnosis.
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KEY MESSAGES FOR DIABETIC PATIENTS - DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
Abstract:
This provides information on the instructions to be followed by the diabetic patients to keep themselves away
from diabetic retinopathy.
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RISK FACTORS FOR DR
Abstract:
This is a poster on the risk factors that lead to Diabetic Retinopathy. All the factors related to Diabetes and
increase of blood glucose level, alcohol usage, aneamia, and renal diseases are listed as the risk factors for
Diabetic Retinopathy.
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DIABETIC RETINOPATHY: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Abstract:
This booklet is for people with diabetic retinopathy and their families and friends. It provides information about
diabetic retinopathy and answers questions about the cause and symptoms of this progressive eye disease.
Diagnosis and types of treatment are described. (19 pages)
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DIABETES AND THE EYE
Abstract:
This brochure on Diabetic Retinopathy deals about the causes and treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy, the diagnosing
methods etc.
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ADVANTAGES OF LASER TREATMENT
Abstract:
This Poster reveals the advantages of undergoing laser treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy. This is very simple and
easily understandable by the patients and community.
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DURATION OF DIABETES AND VISION LOSS
Abstract:
This poster explains how Diabetic Retinopathy develops in patients having Diabetes in the first 5, 10,15, and 20 years.
Hence, the importance of undergoing Diabetic Retinopathy diagnosis and constant treatment is enlightened clearly.
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RETINAL DISORDERS CAUSED BY DIABETIC RETINOPATHY AND ITS PREVENTION METHODS
Abstract:
This brochure provides the basic information on diabetes, causes, symptoms and preventive methods, the retinal damages
that arise due to diabetes and their preventive measures.
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WHY DO YOU NEED TO CHECK YOUR EYES?
Abstract:
This poster provides information on Diabetes and the need to check your eyes to avoid needless blindness due to
Diabetic Retinopathy.
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TREATMENT FOR DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
Abstract:
This poster illustrates the treatment options for Diabetic Retinopathy with good pictures.
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PREVALENCE OF DIABETES AND DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
Abstract:
This poster reveals the fact of the prevalence of Diabetic Retinopathy and also the incidence rate in the forthcoming years.
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STAGES OF DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
Abstract:
This poster reveals the stages of Diabetic Retinopathy with all the pictures for more clarity.
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An easily detectable and correctable condition like REFRACTIVE ERRORS still remains a significant cause of avoidable
visual disability in our world. In developing countries, like India, it is estimated to be the second largest cause of
treatable blindness, next only to cataract.
A recent survey shows an increase in the incidence of refractive errors as a cause of social blindness from 12% to
15%, whereas the burden of cataract has actually decreased from 80% to 62% (Source: National Survey of Blindness
1986-89 and 2001-02).
The increasing realization of this impact due to refractive errors worldwide has been the reason for prioritizing this
group of disorders under Vision 2020 The Right to Sight. Patient Education resources should be made available so
that we can understand this problem better.
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REFRACTIVE ERRORS
Abstract:
This poster provides information on the types of refractive errors that occur and their symptoms with treatment options.
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FREEDOM FROM SPECTACLES
Abstract:
This is a poster for Lasik surgery promoting the advantages of Lasik surgery over Spectacles. This poster enables
the people to know about the Lasik surgery, which is the very latest in correcting refractive errors without
glasses and contact lenses.
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ARE YOU SHORT SIGHTED
Abstract:
This is a poster on the Lasik surgery performed today to get rid of the glasses. It explains the advantages of undergoing
a Lasik surgery over wearing spectacles.
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LASIK LASER
Abstract:
This brochure briefly explains the use of Lasik to get rid of glasses, the equipment used for it, and the
procedures adopted, and also the goals and purpose of Lasik surgery.
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SPECTACLES AND LASIK
Abstract:
This poster provides information on the fact that lasik is more convenient than using spectacles for refractive errors.
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LASIK
Abstract:
This brochure very nicely explains the comfortability in undergoing Lasik- the refractive surgery,
very minute side effects and other steps to be followed
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At present the low vision services are available only to patients at a tertiary eye care level and institutions.
This may not reach the low vision patient who does not have the access to these higher institutions due to geographical
conditions, monetary reasons, lack of awareness and due to many other reasons. These unreachable patients should be
reached though awareness creation by using patient education materials.
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Most eye problems in children can be corrected if they are detected and treated early. Appropriate eye care is
essential for maintaining good vision. Some problems, if left untreated--even for a short period--can result in
permanent vision loss. Hence care must be taken to see that we are creating sufficient awareness program.
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REFRACTIVE ERRORS IN CHILDREN
Abstract:
This brochure provides information on refractive errors in children, short sight, long sight and their treatment.
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REFRACTIVE ERRORS IN CHILDREN
Abstract:
This poster reveals the how to find refractive errors in children and the importance of consulting the doctor.
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TREATMENT OF CATARACT IN CHILDREN
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CONGENITAL CATARACT
Abstract:
It deals with how children are affected by cataract and also the advice to take care of the early diagnosis of
the child cataract.
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WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOUR CHILD SURGERY?
Abstract:
This brochure provides greater information on the procedures to be followed before surgery, immediately after surgery
etc. for children to make surgery more comfortable.
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FACTS ABOUT VITAMIN-A
Abstract:
This poster provides tips on the importance of vitamin A intake in children and mothers for healthy vision.
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LARCRIMAL DUCT BLOCKAGE IN CHILDREN
Abstract:
This brochure instructs on the causes of this disease in children, signs and symptoms, treatment options available etc.
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CONGENITAL GLAUCOMA
Abstract:
This poster provides information on the effect of Glaucoma in children and the need to have the medical diagnosis in
the earlier stage.
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Amblyopia is not always easy to detect without an eye examination. Frequently, children will not notice when they
do not see well in one eye and parents will not see anything unusual about the eyes unless strabismus
(misalignment of the eyes) is present. Thus, it is imperative that each child receive eye-screening exams
frequently throughout childhood. This is usually done by the primary physician during the first five years or so,
and then also by the schools after that time. If a child is not receiving these routine checks, then he should be
examined by an Ophthalmologist preferably by the age of four. If a family history of amblyopia or strabismus exists,
then a child should be screened preferably by age two.
Thus, amblyopia is a lack of normal development of the neural connections in certain brain cells that are responsible
for vision. While this lack of development can be permanent if left untreated, it can also be reversed if proper
treatment is instituted on time.
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Squint and amblyopia are common conditions: about one in fifty children have a squint, and up to 5% of the population
have an amblyopic or lazy eye. In view of their lifelong impact on visual function and physical appearance, with
consequences for education, jobs and psychological wellbeing, good management offers substantial long-term benefits.
Recent work favours early diagnosis and treatment, and there has been increasing effort to treat children as soon as
possible. There is also renewed interest in the treatment of adults. This patient education materials reviews these
areas.
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SQUINT
Abstract:
This brochure on Squint provides basic, easy-to-read information about its causes, symptoms and treatment.
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SQUINT
Abstract:
This poster provides information on the sympotoms of squint in children and also the necessity of consulting an
ophthalmologist.
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IS SQUINT A SIGN OF GOOD LUCK OR A SIGHT STEALING CONDITION?
Abstract
This brochure explains how squint affects children and the need for early treatment.
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Glaucoma is considered as the "sneak thief of sight" and it is agreed that early detection and treatment can prevent
progression of disease. Glaucoma is a disease without any symptoms and so most of the affected patients are diagnosed
in the hospital by chance in advanced changes. So the only means available today to tackle this problem of glaucoma
blindness is by creating awareness about glaucoma in the public.
The awareness of glaucoma is very low there is a need for community based health education programmes to increase the
level of awareness and knowledge about glaucoma.
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HOW IS GLAUCOMA DETECTED?
Abstract:
This poster provides information on how glaucoma is detected using the various ophthalmic instruments and the purpose
behind it.
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WHAT CAUSES GLAUCOMA?
Abstract:
This poster reveals the causes of the types of glaucoma.
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GLAUCOMA - THE SILENT THEIF OF SIGHT
Abstract:
This poster educates the facts behind glaucoma with the sympotms and treatment options.
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DO NOT LET GLAUCOMA ROB YOU OF YOUR VISION
Abstract:
This brochure on Glaucoma provides information on the causes of glaucoma, its symptoms, and treatment modalities
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GLAUCOMA: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Abstract:
This booklet is for people with glaucoma and their families and friends. It provides information about open-angle
glaucoma, the most common form of glaucoma. This booklet answers questions about the cause and symptoms of the
disease and discusses diagnosis and types of treatment.
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Creating an effective patient education program on cornea in your practice may seem time consuming at first, but once
in place, it can save you time and trouble. And you don't have to start from scratch there are many materials available
to get you started.
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CORNEAL ULCER - HOW TO PREVENT
Abstract:
This poster provides information on the preventive measures of corneal ulcer when eye gets injured.
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FACTORS INDUCING CORNEAL ULCER
Abstract:
This poster lists all the physical factors inducing corneal ulcer and the importance of consulting the doctor in
these cases.
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EYE DONATION - LET US DONATE EYES
Abstract:
This poster reveals the fact of eye donation necessity and how to help the society by encouraging eye donation both
in the family and community.
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EYE DONATION AND YOU
Abstract:
This brochure on eye donation explains the facts about eye donation, corneal blindness, its causes, the functions of an
eye bank in this corneal blindness prevention, and some important points about who can donate eyes and what happens
after eye donation.
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CORNEA AND CORNEAL DISEASE
Abstract:
Describes the cornea's structure and function. Provides information on common corneal diseases and highlights of National
Eye Institute-supported research.
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EYELID SKIN CANCER
Abstract
This brochure provides information about the eye lid skin cancer, who is affected by this, its symptoms, types and
treatment required.
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PTOSIS - UPPER EYELID DROOPING
Abstract:
This brochure on Ptosis explains what is Ptosis, its types, symptoms and the treatment and surgery adopted for the
disease.
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VITRECTOMY
Abstract
This brochure on Vitrectomy explains what is Vitrectomy, how surgery is done, and also the postoperative care to
be adopted for good results.
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UVEITIS NEEDS SPECIAL ATTENTION
Abstract:
This brochure provides basic easy-to-read information on Uveitis, its causes, symptoms, types, diagnosis, and treatment.
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THYROID EYE DISEASE
Abstract:
This brochure provides basic easy-to-read information on thyroid eye disease, its causes, symptoms, investigations and
treatment.
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RADIAL KERATOTOMY
Abstract:
This brochure on Radial Keratotomy provides answers to frequently asked questions about the treatment and its after
effects.
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HOW TO USE EYE DROPS
Abstract:
This poster explains the steps to be followed while applying eye drops with the demonstration pictures.
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LEPTOSPIROSIS
Abstract:
This poster provides information on Leptospirosis, its causes and symptoms and also the treatment required.
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THYROID RELATED ORBITOPATHY
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TOXOPLASMOSIS
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NEED FOR EYE CHECK UP
Abstract:
This poster very nicely explains the adverse effects of Diabetic Retinopathy and the importance of undergoing eye check up for the Diabetic patients on a periodical basis.
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TIPS FOR TALKING TO YOUR DOCTOR
Abstract:
Offers easy strategies for improving communication between patients and doctors. Gives examples of specific questions to ask. Included as an insert in all NEI patient brochures.
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As health professionals, we have increasingly become aware of the need to present patient education materials in ways patients and families can understand. We must ensure this when we make the effort to assess the readability of a document or to assess a patients literacy or language skills.
We must take steps to ensured that patient education materials should be easy to understand and avoid using medical jargon because it may be familiar to professionals but not to patients. Written materials may also be difficult to understand because the writer may make wrong assumptions about a patients level of familiarity or experience in a healthcare setting. So the only way to tell whether the written material you are giving out can be understood by the people who need to understand it is to test it with its intended readers.
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National Eye Institute
The National Eye Institute (NEI) was established by Congress in 1968 to protect and prolong the vision of the American people. As one of the Federal government's National Institutes of Health (NIH), the NEI conducts and supports research that helps prevent and treat eye diseases and other disorders of vision. This research leads to sight-saving treatments, reduces visual impairment and blindness, and improves the quality of life for people of all ages. NEI-supported research has advanced our knowledge of how the visual system functions in health and disease.
Vision research is supported by the NEI through approximately 1600 research grants and training awards made to scientists at more than 250 medical centers, hospitals, universities, and other institutions across the country and around the world. The NEI also conducts laboratory and patient-oriented research at its own facilities located on the NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland.
Although the NEI has done much to promote healthy vision, the future promises to bring even more pioneering advances:
- NEI-supported scientists are working toward transplanting healthy cells into diseased retinas. This research may lead to new treatments for people with blinding retinal diseases, including AMD and retinitis pigmentosa.
- Researchers are exploring gene-based treatments to slow some forms of retinal degeneration.
- NEI-supported scientists are developing "neuroprotection" methods that will prevent or slow glaucoma cell damage and promote the survival of retinal cells damaged by glaucoma.
Visit NEI at National Eye Institute
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Address:
Vision 2020 e-resource team,
Lions Aravind Institute of Community Ophthalmology,
1, Annanagar, Madurai - 625 020,
Tamil Nadu, India,
E-mail:eyesite@aravind.org
Phone: 91-452-2537580
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Why patient education is needed?
Cataract 
Retina 
Refractive Error 
Low Vision 
Childhood Eye Care Problems 
Glaucoma
Cornea
Orbit
Others
Creating Patient Education Materials 
Web Links for Patient Education
Featured Organization
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