A LOCAL eye surgeon and president of the Rotary Club of Redditch is backing an appeal to combat a preventable eye disease that causes blindness.
Bichitra Das is highlighting a Rotary International project which will prevent blindness and and oral cancer in poor and needy people.
It’s a cause close to his heart as he’s a consultant ophthalmic surgeon who has worked in hospitals across the region, including Redditch, helping to save people’s eyesight.
“There is a high incidence of blindness from retinal and vitreous haemorrhage due to two conditions,” he said.
“Interestingly, one of these conditions, Eale’s Disease was first described by a British colonial eye surgeon, Dr Henry Eale, possibly from Birmingham in 1860.
“The cause is not known and is most likely due to tuberculosis.
“Patients are still going blind due to retinal and vitreous haemorrhage.
“This needs Argon Laser treatment which can help prevent blindness, available through mobile units.”
The Rotary campaign is concentrating on sufferers in Eastern India.
People can make donations to the Rotary Club of Redditch’s Charity Account at Lloyds Bank, sort code 309897, acc. no. 69771968.
All money raised will go to the campaign.
