Hyderabad: Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital has received a new optical coherence tomography (OCT) machine, restoring a key diagnostic service after nearly two years during which the earlier unit remained non-functional. The Rs 1-crore equipment enables detailed imaging of the retina and other parts of the eye.
The machine was sanctioned by Divya Devarajan, chief executive officer of the Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP) and procured by the Telangana Medical Services and Infrastructure Development Corporation (TGMSIDC).
Hospital authorities said the facility would reduce the need for referrals. “Over 25 patients, who were earlier referred outside for scans every day, can now get them done within the hospital premises. The reports are displayed immediately and can also be printed or downloaded,” according to Dr P. Modini Pandharpurkar, superintendent of Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital.
“The machine details the anatomical structure of the retina and helps determine whether it is normal or not. It is essential for people with diabetic retinopathy. As we know, the Telugu states have a high number of diabetic patients, and every third person is diabetic. This machine allows early intervention, which can save the eye and prevent blindness,” Dr Pandharpurkar said
The procedure involves registration using an OP ID, followed by positioning the patient on the device. Based on medical advice, scans are conducted for one or both eyes, and results are generated immediately. Images are shared with patients and later reviewed by doctors before treatment.
The machine can perform over 50 types of scans and operates daily from 9 am to 2 pm.
A 19-year-old patient, who reported eye pain, underwent a cornea scan and received results within five minutes. Another patient said, “Cement fell into my eye while working six months ago. I kept visiting private hospitals where they cleaned my eye, but the pain and colour change in my left eye did not subside. So, I came to Sarojini Eye Hospital and was advised to undergo this scan.”
The addition of the OCT facility is expected to improve in-house diagnostics and patient management at the hospital.
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