On Dec.17, a walkathon was held at Elliot’s Beach, Besant Nagar, to create awareness on Diabetic Retinopathy (the blinding disease affecting the eyes due to diabetes). Radhatri Nethralaya Eye Hospital along with the Rotary Dist 3232 Health & Public Image team organised the event.
Hundreds of energetic students from arts and optometry colleges, Rotarians, doctors, and ‘Veera Pengal’ (female auto drivers of Chennai) participated. Actress Rekha Nair was the guest of honour and Rtn Natarajan Nagoji was the chief guest. Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Ma Subramanian, and ACP Mr Julius encouraged the walkers with their appearance.
The programme was an eye opener for diabetic patients and the public on how to recognise visual symptoms of diabetic retinopathy (eg: vision changes, floaters, distortion) and the need to regularly get the eyes examined.
The walkers shouted slogans, distributed pamphlets, and carried placards and banners, to create awareness on Diabetic Retinopathy. The participating students received certificates of participation recognising them as Yuva Nethra Jyotis: Youth Vision Ambassadors of Radhatri Nethralaya.
