Fundraising for the RetCam3
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The Retcam3
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The MHMT is raising money towards a RetCam3 for the Miriam Hyman Children's Eye Care Centre
An important strategy to help early detection of retinal diseases involves imaging devices which enable accurate and serial documentation of the condition. One such imaging device especially adapted to imaging the retina is the RetCam. Advanced optical systems incorporating digital software help achieve an accurate representation of the retinal details.
The structure and functions of the eye are analogous to a camera. Structures derived from nerve tissue like the retina and the optic nerve do not regenerate after damage. Therefore an early diagnosis and effective treatment can preserve and maintain vision.
Dr Tapas is the Retina Specialist at the MHCECC. He explains why the RetCam is vital:
What does a RetCam do? A RetCam is a fundus camera that takes photographs of the retina (at the back of the eye ball). This is specially meant for taking fundus photos of small children who are too young to co-operate for the use of a conventional camera used for adults.
How will the RetCam be useful to you? It will be useful in many ways:
-For treatment of paediatric retinal diseases like Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP), Retinoblastoma, Retinal dystrophies etc.
-For objectively assessing response to treatment
-For enhancing the compliance of parents in the treatment of their children. A very small child cannot speak out about its visual problem. In the case of most retinal diseases, from outside the eye looks normal so there is no visible indication of the gravity or progression of the condition. Photographs taken by the RetCam can be shown to parents so that they can get an insight into their child's condition. They are therefore more likely to comply with suggested treatment, especially when good results are demonstrable.
-For spreading awareness. The photographs, stored electronically, can be presented in conferences and seminars to educate those who are concerned with neonatal and paediatric health care. Early referral of "at risk" babies to the Ophthalmologist results in a better outcome.
-For teleconsultation. Difficult and rare presentation patterns in retinal conditions and cancer can be shared, remotely if necessary, with fellow experts in the field. The treating ophthalmologist is able to prepare a treatment plan based on consensus of opinion.
-For research activities. Newer research modalities need accurate and serial imaging to demonstrate and analyse treatment results. These novel experiences can then be published to benefit other patients with similar conditions elsewhere.
Who will benefit? It will benefit babies, cancer paitents, the treating ophthalmologist, parents, health care professionals and, ultimately, society. Childhood blindness has a broader social, economic and emotional impact compared to that in adults. Keeping the current life expectancy in mind, interventions that help a child grow into a healthy, productive adult have an enormous positive impact upon society in general.
The MHMT is raising £100,000: £75,000 for a RetCam and £25,000 for a special Operating Room.
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Example of a RetCam photo
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Friday 26-June-2009
