CHENNAI: In a bid to combat the ever-increasing cases of blindness caused by cataracts, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) and Sankara Nethralaya have developed a ‘Mobile Eye Surgical Unit’ that will travel to remote areas and help conduct cataract surgeries.In an event at the IIT-M, the mobile cataract surgery units were handed over to Sankara Nethralaya to begin the clinical trials. An MoU was signed by the Director of IIT-M and the Chairman of Sankara Nethralaya to complete the pilot project and to develop more such comprehensive eye care units in the future.With a majority of the population living in the rural areas and not having access to adequate eye care, this service may come as a boon to those going untreated, due to lack of facilities. The surgical unit consists of two vehicles – a preparation vehicle consisting of patient preparation set-up, a surgeons changing room and toilet and a surgery vehicle, consisting of the operation theatre and sterilisation chamber.The two vehicles will travel independently, and be connected through a retractable vestibule during surgical camps, to make for easy movement of people and equipment.The surgery vehicle has steel-lined walls, roof and floor, to ensure a germ free surface, also a specially designed air handling unit provides pure air to the operation theatre with the help of a three stage filteration process. A reverse osmosis plant is fitted under the vehicle to ensure clean water is available for scrubbing and sterilisation.Through meticulous design, all the medical and engineering equipment are housed within a minimal space. Hydraulic jacks are provided for both vehicles, and will help keep them level while surgery is being performed. Electricity is supplied through a 20kVA diesel generator.The vehicles were manufactured by Irizar-TVS, and the chassis and air suspension provided at a discounted rate by Ashok Leyland and Wheels India.The entire project will consist of five vehicles – two involved in surgery, two to carry out eye examinations and dispense spectacles and one to carry goods and personnel. The vehicles for have examined over three lakh patients. Health education is also include,d in order to spread awareness of eye disease and prevention.
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