Visakhapatnam, May 30, 2023: In an effort to promote early diagnosis and treatment of retinoblastoma, a life and vision-threatening eye cancer in children, a run was organized on Sunday along the RK Beach road. The Whitathon, spearheaded by the LV Prasad Eye Institute’s GMR Varalakshmi Campus in Visakhapatnam, was flagged off by baby Kodela Sudeekha, a survivor of retinoblastoma.
Dr. Bhavik Panchal, Head of the LV Prasad Eye Institute’s GMR Varalakshmi Campus, and Dr. Neha Ghose, an eye cancer specialist, stressed the importance of awareness among parents, caregivers, and the community regarding the common symptoms of retinoblastoma in children. Early detection and treatment of retinoblastoma can save a child’s life, eye, and vision. One of the primary indicators of retinoblastoma is a white reflex (white glow) in a child’s eye, as explained by Dr. Panchal and Dr. Ghose.
The Whitathon serves as a platform to raise public awareness about the significance of identifying the “white reflex” in a child’s eye, which may indicate eye cancer requiring immediate medical attention. Treating eye cancer can be both expensive and time-consuming. The funds generated from this event contribute to providing free treatment to underprivileged children affected by retinoblastoma. Additionally, the funds aid in advancing research for innovative treatment alternatives for this condition, as highlighted by Dr. Panchal and Dr. Ghose.
According to the organizers, the Whitathon is an annual event initiated by the LV Prasad Eye Institute to raise awareness and funds for retinoblastoma in children. Since its inception in Hyderabad in 2018, the Whitathon has expanded its reach to include Bhubaneswar, Vijayawada, and now Visakhapatnam.
The Whitathon serves as a powerful platform to educate the public about the early signs of retinoblastoma, encouraging timely intervention and improving the chances of successful treatment. Through community engagement and support, the LV Prasad Eye Institute aims to combat retinoblastoma and ensure a brighter future for children affected by this condition.
By organizing such events, Visakhapatnam is taking strides in prioritizing child healthcare and creating a more informed society that actively participates in the early detection and treatment of retinoblastoma.