Page 146 - The Indian Optician Digital Edition May-June 2023

EYE COLOUR DR AGARWALS SUPER SPECIALTY
GENES ALSO
KEY FOR
RETINAL
HEALTH
Researchers from the Max
Planck Institute of Molecular
Cell Biology and Genetics in
Germany reveal that genes
that are responsible for eye
colour can also contribute to
retinal health.
The research, which was
published in PLOS Genetics,
studied the role of four
Drosophila genes accountable
for eye colour pigmentation:
cinnabar, cardinal, white,
and scarlet.
In addition, the genes
also encoded the kynurenine
metabolic pathway, known
to be vital for retinal health.
The researchers found that
the genes were capable of
regulating this metabolic
pathway independent
of their role in eye colour
pigmentation. This implied
that retinal health could be
improved by altering the
ratio of metabolites of the
Kynurenine pathway.
Study supervisor, Elisabeth
Knust, explained: “In the
future, the ratio of the various
metabolites and the specific
sites of their accumulation
and activity should be taken
into account in therapeutic
strategies for diseases with
impaired Kynurenine pathway
function, observed in various
neurodegenerative conditions.”
142 | THE INDIAN OPTICIAN | MAY-JUNE 2023
EYE HOSPITAL OPENS IN VAPI
Shri Kanubhai Desai, Minister for Finance, Energy and
Petrochemicals, Govt. of Gujarat and Guest of Honour, Padma Shri
Gafurbhai M. Bilakhia from Gujarat, recently inaugurated a new
4800 sq ft., Dr Agarwals Super Specialty Eye Hospital in Vapi. Also
present on the momentous occasion were Dr. Ashish P Gusani,
Head Clinical Services, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, Vapi, and Dr. Nirav
Shah, Head Clinical Services, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, Surat.
While giving the inaugural address, the respected Minister Shri
Kanubhai Desai, said, “Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital with Dr Ashish
Gusani will be a great boon to the people of Vapi and surrounding
areas. It will bring best in class and affordable eye care to the people.
Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital Group is known for its medical excellence,
and I hope this Centre will achieve the highest standards of quality.”
“Our government is striving to provide the best healthcare
infrastructure to the masses, and private sector participation in
healthcare delivery will help speed up the government mission of
bringing quality and affordable healthcare to all,” he added.
In his address, Padma Shri Gafurbhai M. Bilakhia, Gujarat, said,
“I wish to congratulate Dr Agarwals Team for setting up this world-
class eye centre in a small city like Vapi. It is the need of the hour
that quality healthcare is available even in small towns, so that
people don’t have to travel to bigger cities for treatment. It is also
necessary to bring the cost of medical care down and make it
affordable for the masses.”
Sharing his best wishes on the occasion, Prof. Dr. Amar Agarwal,
Chairman, Dr Agarwal’s Group of Eye Hospitals said, “We are excited
about our rapid expansion in Gujarat. Our Vapi center will bring
to the people, best medical practices and latest technology in eye
care. We want to provide world-class vision treatment to every
citizen in the country at an affordable cost.”
Earlier many people from this area had to go to Surat for eye
treatment. With the opening of the new Centre in Vapi, patients
from the region can now avail the latest technology and best
procedures closer to home.
NEWS IN BRIEF