Sankara Eye Hospital launches state’s first ‘Computerized Vision Therapy and Vision Training Clinic’

Press release for immediate publication:

More than 75% of Bangalore’s IT workforce could face computer related vision disorders!

Sankara Eye Hospital launches state’s first ‘Computerized Vision Therapy and Vision Training Clinic’
to address ‘Computer Vision Syndrome’

Bangalore, India, August 11, 2010: More than 75% of Bangalore’s young software professionals and tech savvy school and college students face vision disorders that stem from the increasing use of laptops, mobile internet and other technology gadgets that strain the eye. Sankara Eye Hospital, a leading eye care institute in the city yesterday announced the launch of Karnataka’s first ‘Computerized Vision Therapy/ Training Clinic and Experience Center’ that will help prevent and treat ‘Computer Vision Syndrome’- including temporary weak vision, dry, irritated eyes, light sensitivity, eye strain and other eye muscular problems. The unique experience center will simulate workstation environment to enable optimum ergonomic functioning.

Prof Sheedy, renowned global expert on ‘Computer Vision Syndrome’ and founder of Vision Ergonomics Laboratory inaugurated the clinic today in the presence of Dr R V Ramani, Founder and Managing Trustee of Sankara Eye Care Institutions, Bharti Kapoor, Senior Associate, NASSCOM Foundation and Dr Umesh, Chief Medical Officer, Sankara Eye Hospital, Bangalore.
Speaking at a joint workshop organized by Sankara and NASSCOM Foundation for IT/ITes professionals & occupation health experts on the occasion, Prof Sheedy said, “60-90% of computer users experience eye and vision disorders associated with constant exposure to computers and similar electronic gadgets. Addressing this issue is important for both individuals in the interest of their health and companies to increase work efficiency. I am glad that Sankara Eye Hospital which has both the expertise and the dedication to provide the best eye care services has set up this state-of the art clinic, dedicated to address this increasingly prevalent disorder, more so in Bangalore which is the IT hub of the country. It is my honor to collaborate with Sankara Eye Institute in the initiative and inaugurate the new clinic today as a first step.”

Explaining the relevance of setting up a specialized clinic Dr Ramani said, ‘Young professionals are not only constantly exposed to computers at the workplace today but are almost addicted to using their laptops, mobile internet, mobile social networking and other electronic gadgets. As a result of such long and extended eye strain, even young school and college students are beginning to face vision issues, which need to be addressed early.

‘CTRL-ALT-DEL’, the clinic is a dedicated center to diagnose and treat Computer Vision Syndrome. Sankara will closely work with leading IT majors and research institutions such as those headed by Prof Sheedy to address some of the unique problems faced by those working with computer based interfaces . The clinic would also participate in onsite screening and seminars to educate IT profession on “Vision Ergonomics”.
“The centre is a continuation of our commitment to offer the latest in eye care to the people of Karnataka in a friendly, comfortable and professional manner”, added Dr Umesh.
About Computer Vision Syndrome:
Computers have become an important and integral part of our modern life. Most youth and software engineers spend upto 8-16 hours per day looking at the Computer Screen and other technology gadgets. This has resulted in a host of eye and vision related problems that are experienced due to extensive work on computers. These problems have been collectively termed as "Computer Vision Syndrome" (CVS).
Eye Symptoms of CVS include:
• Tiredness
• Sore eyes
• Eyestrain
• Dry eyes
• Red eyes
• Fatigue
• Repeated Headaches
• Burning in eyes
• Pain in and around the eyes
• Glare sensitivity
• Difficulties in Focussing
• Excessive tearing
• Contact lens discomfort
• Double Vision
• Periodic blurring of near and distant vision or both
About Sankara Eye Care Institutions: Is a part of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Medical Trust and since its inception in 1977, has been working towards a goal of ‘Vision for all by 2020’ and has successfully implemented numerous community outreach programmes in eyecare. Sankara is a full-fledged, affordable provider of quality eye treatment with 8 established state-of-the-art eye hospitals across India in Coimbatore, Krishnankoil, Guntur, Bangalore, Shimoga, Anand and Silvassa and 2 managed institutions at Pammal and Rishikesh. The organization, in its existence over 33 years has provided quality eyecare regardless of the socioeconomic considerations of the patients. To date, the Institution has performed over 5,50,000 eye surgeries across the country and have screened over 30,00,000 lakh children for eye ailments. Sankara has been recognized for its yeoman service to humanity, both in the country and internationally and has won many awards. Some of the awards are the ‘Namma Bengaluru Award 2010, in February, FICCI Healthcare Excellence Award in September 2009, India NGO Award 2008 and the Hospital Management Asia Award 2008.

For more information, you can visit www.sankaraeye.com
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