Our Bureau

Hyderabad , Oct. 4

LIONS International plans to launch a $398,000 initiative to tackle diabetic retinopathy (eye problem due to diabetes). An estimated 448,000 people with diabetes are to be covered under the project.

The project is among a cluster of four initiatives that are expected to be kicked off by the President, Mr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, on the occasion of a three-day event to mark Lions World Sight Day beginning October 13 in Hyderabad.

The event is being organised in partnership with Vision 2020, the Government of India, and the Andhra Pradesh Right to Sight Society, according to Mr B.R. Rao, Convenor, and Mr Chigurupati Varaprasad, Chairperson, Organising Committee.

Another major programme to be launched on the occasion is the Campaign SightFirst II, which will raise a minimum of $150 million to fund the next generation to cure as many as 37 million people suffering with preventable blindness.

The SightFirst programme was first launched by Lions in 1989, the group told newspersons today.

The Lions World Sight Day is an annual event that focuses attention on the problem of global blindness. It is observed every year in different parts of the world. This year, Hyderabad has been chosen for the event.

In the diabetic retinopathy project, the L.V. Prasad Eye Institute will be closely involved. The network of 14 Lions-affiliated hospitals in Andhra Pradesh would co-operate. The effort would include education, screening and treatment.

The event would also feature technical sessions with participants from Sankara Netralaya (Chennai), Aravind (Madurai), and other institutions.

The Union Minister of State for Health, Ms Panabaka Lakshmi, will flag off a children's rally on October 13, while the Information Minister, Mr S. Jaipal Reddy, will participate in a special session on October 14. Mr Kalam will participate in the valedictory on October 15.

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