Sightsavers India and AbbVie Therapeutics India hold glaucoma consultation in Jaipur

Sightsavers India, in collaboration with AbbVie Therapeutics India, organised a state-level consultation in Jaipur, Rajasthan as part of a national initiative on glaucoma-related visual impairment.

The consultation was held at Hilton Jaipur, Geejgarh House and brought together ophthalmologists, policymakers, public health professionals and civil society organisations to examine glaucoma in the region and discuss awareness and detection.

The initiative follows consultations held in multiple states and a national consultation in New Delhi in the previous year. The Jaipur consultation focused on regional engagement, knowledge exchange and identifying gaps in eye care in Rajasthan.

Discussions covered risk factors, early diagnosis and routine eye examinations. Screening kiosks with portable diagnostic tools were set up at the venue, enabling participants to undergo eye screening. Individuals identified with risk factors were referred for further consultation and treatment.

The session began with a welcome address by Jatin Tiwari, Director – Programme Operations, Sightsavers India. Opening remarks were delivered by Dr Rahul Rathod, Director, Medical Affairs, AbbVie Therapeutics India, followed by inaugural remarks from Dr Nagendra Singh Shekhawat, Head of the Ophthalmology Department, SMS Hospital.

RN Mohanty, CEO, Sightsavers India, said, “With each consultation, we move closer to ensuring that communities recognise the signs of glaucoma and seek timely eye examinations. Addressing glaucoma requires more than awareness, it calls for stronger systems that enable timely detection and appropriate care. This initiative, undertaken in collaboration with AbbVie Therapeutics India, allows us to work closely with local experts and government stakeholders while strengthening a prevention-oriented approach. Such collaborative efforts bring together diverse perspectives and contribute to ensuring that more people are diagnosed early.”

Dr Rahul Rathod, Director, Medical Affairs, AbbVie Therapeutics India, said, “Glaucoma management extends well beyond diagnosis, with long-term outcomes closely linked to consistent monitoring and adherence to treatment. Through our collaboration with Sightsavers India, we are supporting initiatives that bring clinical perspectives into broader public health discussions. Platforms like these help highlight the importance of sustained care and informed decision-making in managing glaucoma effectively.”

The programme included a keynote address by Dr Laxman Singh Jhala, Medical Director, Alakh Nayan Mandir Eye Hospital, followed by a panel discussion with clinicians and public health practitioners.

Discussions highlighted integration of glaucoma screening into primary healthcare systems, capability building of eye-care providers and patient counselling for treatment adherence.

A total of 99 participants attended the consultation, with approximately 45 individuals undergoing glaucoma screening at the venue. Individuals identified at potential risk were referred for further evaluation.

Sightsavers India and AbbVie Therapeutics India stated that the collaboration will continue to focus on glaucoma screening, diagnosis and care across India.