03/02/2026
National CME on Recent Advances in Strabismus Organised at JNMCH, AMU
Aligarh, February 2: A National Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme on “Recent Advances in Strabismus” was organised at the JNMCH Auditorium under the aegis of the Institute of Ophthalmology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College & Hospital (JNMCH), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). The programme brought together eminent experts to deliberate on contemporary diagnostic and surgical approaches in the management of strabismus, with special focus on childhood ocular disorders.
The Chief Guest and Key Speaker, Professor Pradeep Sharma, Consultant Ophthalmologist at Centre for Sight, Delhi, and former Professor and Head of Strabismus, Pediatric Ophthalmology, and Neuro-Ophthalmology at the RP Centre, AIIMS, New Delhi, delivered an in-depth lecture on the latest and diverse surgical advances in strabismus. He stressed that squint in children is a serious medical condition with long-term visual and psychological implications if left untreated. Referring to international studies, Prof. Sharma pointed out that children as young as five can identify and stigmatise peers with visible eye misalignment, adversely affecting their confidence, personality, and social development.
Highlighting the importance of early intervention, he explained that timely correction of strabismus is crucial for restoring binocular vision and stereopsis (three-dimensional vision), which are essential for normal visual development. He cautioned that loss of binocular vision during childhood may become irreversible if not addressed in time. Prof. Sharma also welcomed the recent High Court ruling that recognised strabismus surgery as a functional and corrective procedure rather than a cosmetic one.
Prof. P K Pandey, Senior Consultant, Strabismus, Neuro and Pediatric Ophthalmology, Eye 7 Group of Eye Hospitals, New Delhi, drew attention to the growing prevalence of childhood myopia and warned of a potential myopia epidemic in the country. Dr Geetha Srinivasan, Senior Consultant in Strabismus, Paediatric Ophthalmology and Neuro-Ophthalmology at ICARE Eye Hospital and Research Centre, Noida, shared valuable clinical insights and techniques related to re-surgery in strabismus cases.
During the inaugural session, AMU Vice-Chancellor Professor Naima Khatoon highlighted the profound psychosocial impact of squint on children and said that such academic initiatives play a vital role in spreading awareness among healthcare professionals and the general public. She emphasised that addressing strabismus goes beyond eye alignment and is integral to preserving lifelong functional vision.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Mohd. Mohsin Khan highlighted the urgent need to enhance social awareness about squint and related ocular conditions, noting that the Institute of Ophthalmology at JNMCH is making a significant contribution in addressing this important public health issue.
Dr. Nahid Akhtar, faculty member and Organising Secretary of the CME, spoke on the emerging role of Artificial Intelligence in strabismus management and formally introduced the speakers.
In his welcome address Professor A. K. Amitava, Director of the Institute of Ophthalmology and Organising Chairman of the CME, emphasised the importance of a holistic approach to the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management of strabismus.
Faculty Dean , JNMCH, Professor Mohd. Khalid, and Principal of JNMCH, Professor Anjum Parvez, reaffirmed their full institutional support to the institute. Professor Abdul Waris, Chairman of the Scientific Committee, and Dr Shazia Arrin, Treasurer, also addressed the audience. The vote of thanks was delivered by Professor Simi Zaka-ur-Rab, Co-Organising Chairman, while the proceedings were efficiently conducted by Dr Kohsheen Kachru.
The CME witnessed participation of experts from across the country and attracted delegates from Aligarh and neighbouring regions. The presence of office-bearers of the Uttar Pradesh State Ophthalmic Society (UPSOS) added special significance, particularly as the Institute of Ophthalmology is slated to host the UPSOS Annual Conference this year. Participation of three former Directors of the Institute further added to the sense of institutional legacy and continuity.
The academic event served as a valuable platform for young ophthalmologists and optometrists to update their knowledge on recent developments in the field, with the scientific deliberations centred on childhood ophthalmic disorders, especially strabismus.
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Aligarh Muslim University
Via Aligarh Muslim University News