The Government of Tamil Nadu has announced the pre-launch of the ‘Vizhithirai Kaappom’ (VKT) Scheme, aimed at strengthening early detection, diagnosis and treatment of retinal disorders across the State. The programme, under the Department of Health and Family Welfare, was held at the Regional Institute of Ophthalmology (RIO), Government Eye Hospital, Egmore, Chennai, and was organised by MMM Eye Hospitals, with Appasamy Associates as sponsor.
The programme was inaugurated in the presence of Dr. K.G. Arunraj, Hon’ble Minister for Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu, along with senior government officials, ophthalmologists and healthcare professionals.
The scheme will establish a structured retinal-care pathway from Primary Health Centres and Taluk Hospitals to District Headquarters and Medical College Hospitals. Retinal screening facilities at Vision Centres across districts will be upgraded, while reporting centres will facilitate specialist review, referral and treatment.
Advanced diagnostic technologies, including Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and Fundus Fluorescein Angiography (FFA), will support diagnosis. Medical Retina Specialists will provide treatments such as laser therapy and injections.
Advanced retinal surgical facilities will be strengthened at nine zonal centres in Chennai, Vellore, Villupuram, Tiruchirappalli, Salem, Coimbatore, Thanjavur, Madurai and Tirunelveli. The Government Eye Hospital, Egmore, will function as the Reference Centre and Apex Training/Mentorship Centre.
The initiative will focus on retinal complications associated with diabetes and hypertension, enabling earlier intervention and helping prevent avoidable vision loss.