The fourth edition of the Chandigarh Eye Film Festival (CEFF) successfully concluded on Tuesday, marking a significant gathering of ophthalmology experts from across North India. The event saw participation from approximately 100 leading eye specialists representing Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir.
Distinguished Inauguration and Key Insights
The conference commenced with a ceremonial inauguration led by Prof Amod Gupta, former dean and head of the Advanced Eye Centre at PGI. The event honored Prof Jagat Ram, former director and HOD of the Advanced Eye Centre, PGI, as the guest of honour. A particularly memorable session titled 'Heart to Heart with The Legend Padma Shri Prof Amod Gupta' became the centerpiece of the festival, where Prof Gupta shared invaluable wisdom about balancing professional excellence with personal development.
During his interactive session, Prof Gupta encouraged young ophthalmologists to embrace fundamental values including discipline, punctuality, honesty, and maintaining a positive attitude. He strongly advocated for dedicated hard work over seeking shortcuts, while also emphasizing the importance of specializing in sub-specialties and considering collaborative group practices for enhanced patient care.
Groundbreaking Research and Innovations
Dr Ashok Sharma, the chief organising secretary, presented his significant work in corneal grafting procedures specifically designed for infants and children. His presentation highlighted the revolutionary application of Femtosecond laser technology, which enables faster visual recovery and ensures more stable outcomes for young patients undergoing corneal treatments.
Another notable presentation came from Dr Rajan Sharma, an active member of the Punjab Ophthalmological Society, who shared his research findings on the use of glycerine-preserved grafts. His work demonstrated how these alternative grafts can serve as effective solutions during shortages of donor corneas, similar to the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019. Dr Rajan Sharma is currently leading multiple research initiatives focusing on cell cultures, including limbal stem cell and mesenchymal stem cell cultures.
Expanding Reach Through Technology
In an effort to maximize accessibility, the conference was live-streamed to benefit eye surgeons practicing in remote areas of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir. This digital initiative ensured that geographical barriers didn't prevent knowledge sharing among the medical community. The entire event was coordinated by the Chandigarh Ophthalmological Society, demonstrating their commitment to advancing eye care through continuous education and collaboration.
The festival successfully created a platform for knowledge exchange, professional networking, and showcasing the latest advancements in ophthalmology, ultimately aiming to improve eye care standards across Northern India.
