14th edition of International Retinal Congress – RETICON 2024 attracts around 1500 Ophthalmologists

Chennai, April 07, 2024:  Reticon 2024, the 14th edition of one of Indias biggest annual retinal conferences, organized by the Retina Department of Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital here today, shed light on cutting-edge techniques, technologies, and methodologies for addressing vitreoretinal disorders, an important cause of blindness in India. A sought-after event, the conference attracted the participation of around 1500 ophthalmologists and vitreoretinal specialists from India and abroad. 

(L to R) Dr. Lalit Verma, Director, Vitreo-Retina Services at Centre for Sight, Delhi; Prof. Dr. S. Natarajan, Medical Director & Head: Vitreo-Retinal Surgery; Dr. Ashar Agarwal, Vitreo Retinal Surgeon & Chief Business Officer, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital; Dr. Parveen Sen, Senior Consultant, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital; Dr. J. Sangumani, Director of Medical Education and Research, Health and Family Welfare Department, Government of Tamil Nadu; His Excellency Mr. Malaiappan Nagalingam, Honorary Consul, The Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Mauritius; Dr. Soundari S, Regional Head - Clinical Services- Chennai

Dr. J. Sangumani, Director of Medical Education and Research, Health and Family Welfare Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, inaugurated the conference in the presence of His Excellency Mr. Malaiappan Nagalingam, Honorary Consul, The Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Mauritius, and Dr Ashar Agarwal - Vitreo Retinal Surgeon & Chief Business Officer, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital. 

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The keynote address was provided by Dr. Lalit Verma, Director, Vitreo-Retina Services at Centre for Sight, Delhi, and the past president, of All India Ophthalmological Society.  List of speakers, including “Pioneer in Vitreo-Retinal Surgery in India” Prof. Dr. S. Natarajan, Medical Director & Head: Vitreo-Retinal Surgery, Dr. Soundari S, Regional Head - Clinical Services- Chennai, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, and Dr. Parveen Sen, Senior Consultant, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, addressed the attendees. 

Thanks to the tremendous efforts of Prof Dr. Amar Agarwal and Dr. Ashvin Agarwal, Reticon has been one of the most prestigious events for retinal surgery in India since 2011. Reticon places emphasis on the presentation of the latest advancements in retinal surgery, as opposed to conventional conferences that predominantly center on discussions about the anterior segment and cataract. This platform facilitated the exchange of knowledge among specialists, with an emphasis on India's industry contributions, and surgical demonstrations of the most recent developments in the field of Retina.

In his comments, Dr. Ashar Agarwal, Vitreo Retinal Surgeon & Chief Business Officer, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital said, Vitreoretinal disorders present formidable challenges to vision health, impacting millions worldwide. Reticon brings together experts and professionals in this field and fosters an environment for the exchange of knowledge, sharing of best practices, and exploration of innovative approaches in diagnosing and treating these diseases. With focused sessions on medical retina and vitreo-retinal surgeries, Reticon offers a comprehensive overview of state-of-the-art techniques and therapies. This conference serves as a vital platform not only for seasoned ophthalmologists but also for postgraduates seeking insights into the latest advancements in vitreoretinal diagnostics and treatments. Furthermore, the conference symbolizes a beacon of hope for retinal patients, assuring them of the unwavering dedication of professionals towards enhancing outcomes and restoring vision.

Vitreoretinal diseases are conditions that affect the retina, the light-sensitive layer in the back of the eye, and vitreous, a clear gel that fills the space between the lens in the front of the eye and the retina. Some of the main vitreoretinal disorders are: diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes; retinal degeneration, which involves the degeneration of the retina due to the death of its cells; macular degeneration, a condition in which the cells of the macula, which is the most sensitive part of the retina, deteriorate; macular hole, a hole in the macula; retinal detachment, a condition where the retina is torn and is pulled away from the back of the eye. 

Floaters, eye flashes and sudden onset of blurry vision are the most common symptoms that can scream of a retinal problem. Repairing the retina could be quite a challenge and requires great skill and competency. From sophisticated intravitreal injections to laser to vitrectomy, the type of treatment can be decided by the specialists after thorough investigation, on a case-by-case basis. 

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