RETIOBLASTOMA

Retinoblastoma (Rb) is a rare form of cancer that rapidly develops from the immature cells of a retina, the sensitive light-detecting tissue of the eye. It is the most common primary malignant intraocular cancer in children, and can also occur in adults in rare cases. It is universally known as the most common intrusive intraocular cancer among children. The chance of survival and preservation of the eye depends fully on the severity. However, on a more positive note, Retinoblastoma is an extremely rare disease and the survival rate is quite high, depending on several factors, including whether the cancer has spread from the eye to other parts of the body.

Over the years Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya has been serving underdeveloped and under privileged populations of the North Eastern India since 1994 with a mission for rendering Universal Eye Health Coverage under the principle of sustainable development goals set by the United Nations. The Institution has a primary mission to provide all eye care services at affordable rates to the populace through globally benchmarked, quality driven eye care facilities and also, to offer similar eye care facilities free of cost to patients who are unable to afford such treatment.

Our Institution is the only tertiary care centre in the North East with Ocular Oncology services supporting the North Eastern states as well as parts of neighboring countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal. The Hospital works in close collaboration with the regional Government Cancer Institute and is thus equipped with trained physicians and pathologists to manage children with Retinoblastoma (Rb). Moreover, being the major hub to Retinoblastoma care in the region, we have managed to collect more than 10 years worth of data which reflects the overall scenario of the tumor in the region to a great extent and this has helped us to carry out accurate studies on the subject throughout the years. In this light, Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya has been recognized and appointed by the Government of India as the “RETINOBLASTOMA REGISTRY with a ‘HUB & SPOKE’ MANAGEMENT APPROACH” for North East India.

Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya has a dedicated Vitreo Retina Unit comprising of some of the best Consultants and support staff in the North East. We have a dedicated; fully equipped Out-patient Department (OPD) primarily for Retina related cases as well as a fully equipped state-of-the-art surgical unit to take care of Retinoblastoma patients with surgical eye-diseases. Retinal Camera (RetCam II), Electro-physiology equipments, Optical tomography, Laser with indirect delivery system, Operating Microscope, Anesthesia equipments including LMA and Ventilator facility, Constellation Vitrectomy system etc. are available and in regular use.