In a rare feat, an ophthalmologist from India, the First in Asia outside US and Europe, has become President of the International Uveitis Society Group and has been able to mark PGIMER at the global level. Uveitis is a field of medical science in which rare specialists are found and trained. The Daily Guardian had a one-on-one conversation with Dr. Vishali Gupta on this and talked about her responsibilities as president of this prestigious society.
What is this society all about? What is Uveitis?
The International Uveitis Study Group was formed in 1978 by a small number of clinicians who shared a common interest in Uveitis. Over the next almost 40 years, the group has increased in size to over 180 Uveitis specialists from all over the world.
What is uveitis?
Uveitis is the name given to inflammation inside the eye that, in some patients, can lead to blindness. It can affect one or both eyes, and the inflammation involves the uveal tract (iris, ciliary body, and choroid), although inflammation of adjacent tissues, such as vitreous humour, retina, and optic nerve also occurs. It could be due to autoimmune disease and seeing no age.
How long has the PGIMER been treating Uveitis, and how many experts does the department have?
PGIMER, under the stewardship of Dr. Amod Gupta, has been working in the field of Uveitis since the 1990s. Then a team of five experts inducted Tuberculosis in Uveitis for the first time in the world. PGIMER has a special clinic for Uveitis patients, and these patients’ treatments are long, sometimes lifelong. Since PGIMER has Rheumatology, Microbiology, Research Scientists, and Pediatricians all under one roof, it is easy for the patients to get the best treatment. In the other sectors, it is not that easy.