Congratulations!!! Congratulations!!! Congratulations!!! · Welcome to the inaugural issue of Ophthabuzz - OSWB’s new baby, the official newsletter. This is a happy and exciting

It was a glittering performance by the membersof OSWB at the annual meeting of the AmericanAcademy of Ophthalmology held at GeorgiaWorld Congress Center at Atlanta between 7thand 11th November 2008. Members of OSWBare participating routinely at American Academyof Ophthalmology (AAO) conference for the lastfew years. It was an extraordinary performance this year. We take pride for theawards won and compliments achieved by the delegates from West Bengal. Ninedelegates from West Bengal were Dr. P. K. Bakshi, Dr. Samar Basak, Dr. ShyamalPandey, Dr. Amitava Biswas, Dr. Chandrima Paul, Dr. Sanjay Thakur, Dr. SauravSanyal, Dr. T. K. Sinha and Dr. Partha Mandal.It is with great pride that we announce that our own Dr.Samar Basak has beencrowned with AAO achievement award. At present he is the only one from easternIndia with this achievement.What is AAO achievement award? An ophthalmologist earning a minimum often points is entitled for this award in the next annual meet of AAO. For a presentationin one category, a delegate wins one point. More than one presentation in a singlecategory can earn only one point in a year and so a delegate has to contribute indifferent categories to earn more than one point. There is a maximum limit of threepoints earned in whatever way it may be in one academic year. There are alsoother ways to earn points like doing five journal reviews in a year can earn onepoint or publication of article in AAO journal can earn one point.Dr. Samar Basak had many scientific deliberations and achievements at Atlanta

as follows:n “Best Video Award” entitled- “Late Secondary Angle Closure Glaucoma

Following Descemet Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty and Its Management”.n International Ophthalmologist Education Award-2008n Poster: entitled - “Periodic Endothelial Cell loss in Descemet Stripping

Endothelial Keratoplasty: in First 110 Cases”.n Free Paper (Glaucoma): entitled - “Late Secondary Angle Closure Glaucoma

Following Descemet Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty”.n Instruction Course (Co-instructor): High Risk Keratoplasty Comprehensive

Strategy for the Management of PCR (with or without Vitreous Disturbance) bythe Anterior Segment Surgeons

Dr. Saurabh Sanyal presented a poster : "Centurionsyndrome --- a simple surgical challenge”.

Dr. Chandrima Paul presented a poster : “OCT playsa decisive role in glaucoma suspects”.

Dr. Partha Mandal presented a poster : “Risk factorsfor failures of conservative management in chronicsynechial angle closure”. This was recognized as a ‘Star’poster.

Members of OSWB make their presence feltat American Academy of Ophthalmology Annual Meeting 2008

Congratulations!!! Congratulations!!! Congratulations!!!

Dr. Samar Basak wins the AAO achievement award. Nine participants from WestBengal… Many scientific presentations and awards in the bag.

Dr. Samar Basak withAward at AAO

29th October 2008 at OSWB Office

New Executive Committee of OSWBTakes Charge

The results of the Election of OSWB office bearersand members (held on26.06.2008) were officiallydeclared at the AnnualGeneral Meeting held on 25thOctober, 2008 during theX X X I X A n n u a l Sta t eConference at Netaji Eye

Hospital, Ramchandrapur, Purulia. The nextceremonial event was slated for the 29th October,2008 (Wednesday ) at 2-30 p.m at the OSWBoffice. The new Executive Committee took overthe charge from the outgoing committee underthe Presidentship of Dr. Gautam Bhaduri.The outgoing Hony. Secretary Dr. Anita Banerjeehanded over the charge along with relevantdocuments to the incomingHony. Secretary Dr. AshisKr. Bhattacharya. Dr.Ranjan Choudhury, theincoming Hony. Treasurerwas appraised of thefinancial situation of theSociety by the outgoing Hony. Treasurer Dr.Sugata Nandi Ray. Almost all the new ExecutiveCommittee members were present during thisceremony. The Hony. Secretary and the incoming

c o m m i t t e e m e m b e r spledged to work togetherwholeheartedly to takeOSWB to greater heightskeeping in mind the views,demands and suggestionsof all its members.

Welcome to the inaugural issue of Ophthabuzz -OSWB’s new baby, the official newsletter. This is ahappy and exciting moment for us to be able to servethe first issue to you. This baby is yours and it is yourresponsibility to nurture it and look after its well beingfor a steady growth.A lot has been happening in the ophthalmic fraternityin our state of West Bengal, in our country and allaround the globe in general. While some of us arekeen and fortunate enouugh to keep ourselves updatedin the latest buzz in the ophthalmic community, severalothers, especially our friends working in remote districtslack the opportunity.Ophthabuzz is simply a humble effort on the part ofOSWB to bridge this yawning gap and actively informall the members about the recent happenings in theophthalmic circle. “Sharing is Joy”, they say, and weare here to share all the interesting events andachievements of the fraternity.Inspiring features, like ‘Ophthalmologist scales Mt.Everest’, which narrates much more about theophthalmologist as a person rather than hisachievements in ophthalmology will be a regular featurefor an interesting and exciting reading during yourleisure times.‘Participation improves the performance’ andOphthabuzz shall flutter with joy to utilise yourparticipation in full scale. If you have any kind of newswhich concerns ophthalmology or ophthalmologistsor anything that you would like to share with us all,please come forward and be an active part of ourteam of reporters. We are just a phone call away. Wewould encourage every kind of news, happy or sad,scientific or non scientific and try and reach it to ourmembers. But it should have something to do withophthalmology or ophthalmologists. After all we areone big family!An enormous effort has been exerted to makeOphthabuzz see the light of the day. Your evaluationshall surely lift it to the zenith of perfection. Please tellothers about the things you liked in this issue and donot hesitate to give us a feedback on areas whereyou felt we could have done a better job. We valueand welcome your suggestions. So please comeforward with your opiniions and advices. Ophthabuzzis here to stay…come and be a part of it.

Editorial“It gives me immense pleasure toa n n o u n c e t h e l a u n c h o f‘NEWSLETTER’ of our society. Theprevious effort of newslet ter

‘EYESPEAK’ failed to maintain regularity becauseof fewer contribution of article from the membersof our society. This is an unique effort and asignificant step towards right direction.Good wishes to every member and the family fora Happy New Year. Please do contribute with briefinteresting case reports etc.All members of Ophthalmological Society of WestBengal are requested to get registered as ‘Delegate’for All India Ophthalmological Conference, 2010 :I CON 2010. Delegate fee Rs. 2500/-.”

President’s Message

Dr. J. BhuniaEditor, OphthabuzzCell: 9432002464

Dr. S. HomeChairman

Public Relations CommitteeCell: 900202154

The trend is very much encouraging that a good number of people from WestBengal are now participating in international conferences and also making theirpresence palpable by winning several awards. OSWB takes pride to serve theprestigious news. This year, in September 2008, a good number of sevenophthalmologists from West Bengal presented their delegation at the 26th Congressof ESCRS at Berlin. They were Dr. Kajal Ghosh, Dr. P. K. Bakshi, Dr. SamarBasak, Dr. Nandini Ray, Dr. Suven Bhattacharjee, Dr. Ajoy Paul and Dr. ChandrimaPaul.n Dr. Samar Basak won the best video award in the special category: “Late

Secondary Angle-Closure Glaucoma Following Descemet-Stripping EndothelialKeratoplasty and Its Management.” He also presented two free papers : “DSEK-Overall results in first 110 cases” and “Prophylactic Intracameral Vigamox -to prevent bacterial endophthalmitis.”

n Dr. Suven Bhattacharjee had a multifaceted participation as follows:1. Chief Instructor of the instruction course: ‘Subluxated IOLs - Relocating

techniques’.2. Wet-lab Instructor: ‘Basic Suturing techniques’.3. Free Paper: ‘Emerald T Unfolder, Emerald C cartridge and methylcellulose

- safety and efficacy in delivering the Sensar AR40e IOL’4. Video: ‘Bhattacharjee's Genie - It's a chopper, converts to a spatula and injects OVD too!’5. Poster: ‘Effect of Injector rotation during IOL unfolding on capsulo zonular stress and ease of

implantation - its clinical relevance’n Dr. Ajoy Paul also contributed in multiple areas:

1. Co instructor in the instruction course: Course Title was “Microphaco in White and Supra hardCataract”.

2. Three Videos:n “The Agony and the Ecstacy : Phacoemulsofication in Ectopia Lentis” in the Prestigious “Video

Symposium on challenging cases”. It was chosen among the first 12 from hundreds of videos fromall over the world.

n “On the Rocks: Bimanual Microphaco in Hard Cataract”n “Taming of the Shrew: Phacoemulsification in small pupil”

The last two were selected for the Competitive Category.

Commendable achievements by the members of OSWBat the ESCRS Congress 2008

Dr. Samar Basak receivesthe Best Video Award from Paul Rosen

Dr. Ajoy Paul

Dr. Chandrima Paul

n Dr. Chandrima Paul presented three scientific papers as follows:1. Retinal nerve fibre layer loss by Optical Coherence Tomography

is the earliest indicator of Primary Open Angle Glaucoma.2. Central Corneal Thickness can redefine the Target Intra Ocular

Pressure.3. Comparative efficacy of Travoprost versus Latanoprost in

controlling the diurnal curve of Intraocular pressure in NormalTension Glaucoma.

A good number of OSWB members participated and contributed to the scientific deliberations andwon awards at the XXVI Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeonsheld at ICC (International Congress Centrum), Berlin, Germany from 13th to 17th September 2008.

Ophthalmologist scales Mt. Everest An inspiring life to take pride as an Ophthalmologist

Dr. Geoffrey Tabin is acornea specialist andd i r e c t o r o f t h eI n t e r n a t i o n a lO p h t h a l m o l o g yDivision at the MoranEye Center. In addition to his workin Utah providing corneal, cataractand refractive care, Dr. Tabin isworking to develop eye care deliveryin developing countriess as Co-Directorof the Himalayan Cataract Project.Dr. Tabin has been selected to receivethe Amer i can Academy o fOphthalmology’s OutstandingHumanitarian Service Award in 2008for his Himalayan Cataract Project.Dr. Tabin made climbing his hobby.One of his dreams was to completethe Seven Summits, the highest pointon each continent.

"One passion leads toanother….my interest ininternational medicine grewout of my passion forclimbing. I was a dedicatedrock and ice climber incollege during the 1970s,with a focus on big-walll rock.

I was asked to join a team,f u n d e d b y N a t i o n a lGeographic, climbing theunexplored East Face off Mt.Everest. I dropped out ofmedical school, against theadvice and went to Tibet. Ihad a great trip despite notmaking the top. I spent therest of the year climbiing andexploring and then reapppliedto med ica l schoo l . Igraduated from HarvardMedical School in 1985 andstarted a residency inOrthopedic Surgery. Duringmy third year, I was invitedto join a team funded to getthe first American woman tothe top of Everest. EveryoneI knew, including most of myclimbing friends, said, "Youcan't quit your residency!"Everyone thought I'd beruining my career, if not mylife. But I quit and went toNepal where I became thetoken boy who reached thesummit along with the firsttwo American women. I thenworked as a general doctorin Nepal and saw so muchpreventable or treatableblindness that I was inspiredto seek a residency inophthalmology. I had foundmy passion in medicine."

r. Tabin returned to America as an ophthalmology resident atBrown University with a focus on becoming involved in internationalophthalmology. After his residency, he continued onto a fellowship

in corneal diseases and surgery with Professor Hugh Taylor, one ofFred Hollow's protégées. His major reason for choosing the fellowshipin Australia was Professor Taylor's reputation in internationalophthalmology and the opportunity to work with the Fred Hollow’sFoundation in Nepal. During his fellowship year, he spent one monthworking with Dr. Ruit at cataract camps in the mountains. After hisfellowship, Dr. Tabin returned to Nepal to help run the Golchha Eyehospital in southern Nepal and teach cataract surgery. Drs. Ruit andTabin then developed a teaching program for extracapsular cataractsurgery with lens implantation and formed the Himalayan CataractProject.

Let’s get it from“The Horse’s” mouth:

Continent, Peak & Height Summit dateAfrica, Kilimanjaro, 17-02-199019,340 feetRussia & Europe, Elbrus, 22-06-199018,510 feetSouth America, Aconcagua, 07-01-199022,841 feetNorth America,Mc.Kinley (Denali), 04-06-198920,320 feetAntarctica, Vinson Massif, 14-12-198916,050 feetAsia, Mt. Everest, 02-10-198829,029 feetAustralia New Guinea,Mt. Carstensz, 03-08-198016,024 feetAustralia, Mt Kosciuszko, 00-12-19887,310 feet

Dr. Geoffrey Tabin’s 7 summit details:

Dr. Geoffrey Tabin of USAclimbed the East face ofEverest on 2nd October 1988and inflated the ego of theOphthalmologist communityin the world. Dr. Tabin, bornon 3rd July 1956 not only hasscaled the top of the world,he ranks 8th in the list ofmounta ineers to haveconquered 7 summits inclimbing the highest points ofall the seven continents.

he Himalayan Cataract Project strives to eradicate preventable andcurable blindness in the Himalaya through high-quality ophthalmiccare, education, and establishment of a sustainable eye care

infrastructure.Based in Asia at the Tilganga Eye Centre in Kathmandu, Nepal, the Projectis empowering local physicians to alleviate the suffering caused by blindnessthrough unique programs including skills-transfer education, cost-recovery,research, and the creation of a world-class network of eye care facilities.

On being contacted via e-mail by the Editor, Dr. Tabin responded as follows:“Thank you very much. I will be honored to have you write about me in your news letter. Please let me knowwhat more you would like from me. I know West Bengal well and have worked to help develop cataract care inKalimpong.”

A special message for all OSWB members from Dr. Tabin :"Every eye is like a life. Everyone deserves to have the best possible surgery. Even the poorest of the poor canrecognize a great result. We need to emphasize quality surgery, not simply quality"

With warm wishes,Geoff

Tilganga Eye Hospital, Kathmandu

AIOC – 2010The editor contacted Dr.Gautam Bhaduri,Organising Secretary of AIOC 2010 for thelatest information regarding the arrangementsof AIOC in Kolkata in 2010 for the benefit ofthe members of OSWB so that they could bekept informed about the developments. TheOrganising Secretary replied as follows:

“All members of Ophthalmological Society of

Candidates are required for the following posts:1. Dr. Debdas Mukhopadhyay at Malda needs

optometrists for his clinic. Please dial09434056307 for details.

2. Sunetra (Unnayan Complex Center, SurveyPark , Ko lka ta – 700075) requ i resophthalmologists and optometrists. Pleasecontact Dr. Amitava Biswas at 9830559121.

[email protected]. Disha Eye Hospital, Hooghly at Sheoraphuli,

needs ophthalmologists and optometrists.Please dial 033-26325111 for details.

[email protected]. Susrut Eye Hospital urgently needs

ophthalmologists efficient in IOL surgery forKolkata as well as their satellite centers atBaharampur and Kishanganj.

5. Railway Hospital requires ‘Hony. VisitingSpecialist’ in ophthalmology. Please contact Dr.J. Bhunia at 9432002464.

Contact Dr. S. Home or Dr. J. Bhunia for yourinsertion in the next issue.

Vacancy Board

Acknowledgements:Personal communication with Dr. Geoffrey Tabin

News letter of Tilganga Eye Hospital, Nepalhttp://www.cureblindness.org/who/tabin.html

http://uuhsc.utah.edu/MoranEyeCenter/patientcare/find_a_doctor/geoffrey_tabin.htmlhttp://www.everestspeakersbureau.com/geoffreytabin.htm

http://7summits.com/info/stats2/index2.php?_=d&familyname=Tabin

Seconds MartFollowing pre owned equipments are for sale at theresidence cum clinic of late Dr. Haranath Chakrabortyat NSB Road, Tarbangla, Raniganj, Burdwan.1. Direct Ophthalmoscope – - - - - Two2. Slit Lamp Biomicroscope - - - - Two3. Auto-Keratometer (Nidek) – - - - - One4. Indirect Ophthalmoscope (Appa) – - One5. Schiotz Tonometer - - - -- -- - Two6. Phacoemulsification machine(AMO) – One7. Yag Laser (Zeiss) - - - - - OnePlease contact Ms. Arumita Chakraborty (Wife oflate Dr. Haranath Chakraborty) for further detail. Ph:0341-2445117Disclaimer : This column is for selling or buying secondhand Ophthalmology equipments for personal use. OSWBfurnishes the information only and is no way responsiblefor any dispute related to the quality of equipments ortransaction deal.Please contact Dr. J. Bhunia / Dr. S. Home for youradvertisement in the next issue.

West Bengal are requested to get registered as‘Delegate’ for All India Ophthalmological Conference,2010 - I CON 2010. Delegate fee Rs. 2500/-.”

The patients and theirrelatives at Katwa S DHospital had a uniqueexperience for the first timein their lives. Dr. SekharSarkar, an active memberof OSWB, organized anawareness programme on

Diabetes on 14th November, 2008 in the OPD of thehospital at the conclusion of the outdoor clinic. A goodnumber of about 70 patients and their relatives activelyparticipated in the function. Dr. Sarkar mentioned aboutthe importance of the day. Dr. J. K. Mandal (Physician),Dr. Tapas Sarkar(Surgeon), Dr. AsimBanerjee (Ophthal-m o l o g i s t ) , D r .Sub ra ta Ghosh(Ophthalmologist),Dr. B. N. Ghosh(ENT Specialist) and Dr. Manoj Mukherjee (Pediatrician)discussed on various aspects of Diabetes before thepatients. The participating patients and their relativeswere so impressed with the meeting that they requestedthe organizers to arrange for more such awarenessprogrammes in the near future. The session endedwith a vote of thanks by Dr. Sekhar Sarkar. Thank youDr.Sarkar… that was a wonderful job done.

OSWB’s novel venture .... the first of its kindat Katwa Sub Divisional Hospital.

Patients sing praises.

Durgapur unit celebrates World Diabetes Day

Kudos to Dr. (Mrs.) AnitaChatterjee for her dynamic effortin organizing the ‘Diabetes andEye Awareness Camp’ atDurgapur under the aegis of

OSWB on 14th Nov, 2008. Physicians and surgeonsdiscussed the influence of life style on Diabetes andthe importance of periodicaleye check ups before thegathering. The speakers alsohighlighted the importance ofRetinopathy in Diabetes.

OSWB observes World DiabetesDay at Serampore

Dr. Sunil Kumar Mandal, ouractive member organized anawareness programme onDiabetes at the SeramporeWalsh S D Hospital, Hooghlyon 14th November, 2008. Awhole hearted participation bythe patients and the employees of the hospitalmade the function a grand success. The functionwas staged in two phases. In the first phase, alecture was arranged for the patients and theirrelatives at the eye OPD and in the next phase ameeting was arranged invvolving all categories ofemployees of the hospital. The meeting was heldat the office of the Hospital Superintendent.Both the meetings were chaired by Dr. AmarendraS a r k a r, P h y s i c i a nsuperintendent of thehospital. He talked on theprevalence, cause andtreatment of Diabetes.Dr. Sunil Mandal spokeon the e f fec ts o fDiabetes on eye, importance of periodical eyecheck up and the retinal damage in Diabetes.Dr.Mandal, keep up the good show.

Two day long activity at Namita BiswasMemorial Eye Hospital, Garia, on the occasion

of World Diabetes DayDr. S. P. Chakrabarty, organizeda function spanning two days toobserve the World Diabetes Day.On 14th November, 2008, acommunity service was done byfree eye check up of 42 patients,Free blood sugar check up of 12 patients andfundus examination of 12 diabetic patients. Aseminar was organized on 15th November for the

common population at thehospital premises. Lectureswere delivered on various eyeaffections in Diabetes. Thankyou Dr. Chakrabarty for youruntiring efforts.

Members of OSWB actively observe WorldDiabetes Day at several places… A

commendable performance by the CommunityOphthalmology Committee

OSWB at Madhyamgram on World Diabetes DaySpectra Eye Foundation, Madhyamgram Chowmatha, observed World DiabetesDay on 14th November 2008, in its premises. Four consultants of this institutiondelivered speeches regarding ophthalmic complications of diabetes before agathering of patients. Prevention and management of diabetic retinopathy wasdiscussed along with an interactive session with the patients. OSWB’s sincere thanks to four consultantsDr.Somnath Ghosh, Dr.Ananyabrata Das, Dr.Satyajit De & Dr.Moumita Roy.

n World Diabetes Day was started by theInternational Diabetes Federation (IDF) andWHO. The day is celebrated on 14thNovember to mark the birthday of FredrickBanting who along with Charles Best, wasinstrumental in the discovery of Insulin in1922.n India is on the top in the number of peoplewith Diabetes (20-79 age group). In 2007there were 40.9 millionn people with Diabetesin India which is likelly to go up to 69.9 millionin 2025.n Over 250 million people live with Diabetesworldwide which is likely to reach 380 millionin 2025.n Every 10 seconds a person dies fromdiabetes related causes and two peopledevelop diabetes.

Facts & Figures

The newly elected Executive Committee of OSWBobserved the “World Diabetes Day ” in conjunction withthe first Academic meeting (2008-2009) on 22nd November2008 at Hotel Golden Park, Kolkata. The programme,aptly called “A Date with Diabetes and the Eye” was ahuge success as was reflected by more than 132ophthalmologists attending the session. A presentationon World Diabetes Day prepared by International DiabetesFederation was screened before the august gatheringmarking the beginning of the evening’s proceedings. TheChairman, Scientific Committee, Dr. B.K.Sarkar welcomedthe delegates and introduced the speakers to the audience.This was followed by scientific presentations by Dr. ParthaSarathi Chatterjee on “Key Issues and Newer Conceptsin Diabetes Mellitus”, Dr. Rupak Biswas on “DiabeticR e t i n o p a t h y : N e w e r C l a s s i f i c a t i o n a n dAet iopathogenesis”and Dr. Sandip Mi t ra on“Management of Diabetic Retinopathy : Current Concepts”.This marked the beginning of a new chapter in the historyof OSWB. “Early Birdd Prizes” were introduced for the firsttime and 25 ‘early birds’ walked away gleefully with theirprizes at the conclusion of the ceremony. A feedbackprotocol was also introduced and it will be continued inthe days to come. The meeting concluded with a sumptuous

OSWB, “World Diabetes Day” and Kolkata

d i n n e r c o u r t e s y M i l m e t .The response of the OSWB members wasfan tas t i c and the i r suppor t andencouragement will provide us with impetusto frame our future programmes.

Dr. Sunil Bikash Pal. OSWB Membership No: P-325Born: 27th March 1932Expired: 26th September 2007As a student of Calcutta Medical College, he completed his MBBS and DOMS from the same institute.Subsequently, he chose to serve the Indian Railways. Within the zone of Eastern Railway, he has workedin Danapur, Liluah, Asansol and ultimately retired from B R Singh Railway Hospital as Senior MedicalSuperintendent in the year 1990.He was the secretary of the local body of ophthalmologists at Asansol under OSWB. An ardent lover anddiscussant of Bengali literature, Dr. Pal had arranged several ‘Kobi Sammelans’ at Asansol during hisposting there at the Railway Hospital. His book of poems ‘Hey Aakash Abagunthan Kholo’ was wellappreciated at that time. As an active social worker he has done a lot for the development of his nativeplace Konnagar. His contribution has substantially improved the activities of Konnagar Public Library,Blood donation camps of Sammilani Club and the Charitable Dispensary of Shakuntala Kalimandir atKonnagar.He is survived by his wife Ms. Pratima Pal and two sons Dr. Bhaskar Bikash, a gastroenterologist atPeerless Hospital and Dr. Dipankar, working in State Health Service at Dhaniakhali.

Dr. Haranath Chakraborty. OSWB Membership No: C-92.Born: 16th February 1962Expired: 23rd September 2008He was an active personality since his student days. After achieving MBBS from Bankura SammilaniMedical College, he had opted to move away to Sitapur for his DOMS. He was a very popular figure inhis friend circle at Aligarh Muslim University while studying for his MS in Ophthalmology.After postgraduation, he started his career at Lion’s Eye Hospital, Raniganj. Later he decided to startpractice on his own and developed a comprehensive eye clinic at NSB Road at Tarbangla, Raniganj. Asan active social worker he was very popular amongst the poor people in the Rickshaw-puller and Mutia-majdur community for providing free consultation and help in their times of need. He used to provide freeconsultation in his clinic for the poor on 1st Thursdays of every month.He played as a cricketer during his student life and used to sing in small gatherings too. He is survivedby his wife Ms. Arumita Chakraborty, son, Debmalya studying in class XI and daughter Adrija in class V.

Dr. Aroop Mukhopadhyay. OSWB Membership No: M-737Born: 29th July 1963Expired: 22nd October 2008Originally a native of Dhanbad, after completion of MBBS from Ramaya Medical College at Bangalore,he obtained his MS degree in Ophthalmology at Gulbarga Medical College in Karnataka. During 1996 hejoined Narayan Nethralaya at Bangalore and also worked for a short period at the Agarwal’s Eye Instituteat Bangalore. He had also worked as a Lecturer at the Siddharth Medical College at Tumkur. On his returnto West Bengal in 1999, he joined Netaji Eye Hospital at Ramchandrapur, Purulia. He also worked at theSilverline setup at Bolpur for a short period.Later, he concentrated on his own freelance practice in West Medinipur. While heading for Medinipur townfor his practice in his own vehicle on the date of incidence near Kulti, he met with a road traffic accidentwith a speeding truck that ended his promising career.He was an active social worker participating in the free eye surgery camps. Besides singing he had aninteresting hobby of painting. He is survived by his wife Ms. Saswati Mukhopadhyay, son Aparoop studyingin class VII and daughter Aparoopa in class III.

OBITUARYWe have lost five of our members in the recent past

Dr. Muktipada Samanta. OSWB Membership No: S-388Born: 12th February 1934Expired: 18th November 2008The lines below have been penned by Dr. C R Khanra who is a close associate and friend of late Dr.Samanta. Dr. Ms. Hira Samanta, wife of late Dr. Samanta also contributed in her own way to provideus with some information. We feel greatly encouraged by such spontaneous participation and contributionfrom our senior members. As a mark of gratitude to respected Dr. Khanra, we quote whatever he hadto say about his friend.“Mukti left for his heavenly abode on 18.11.08 evening.He was born in the village of Shyam Nabagram on 12.02.1934 in the district of Burdwan. He had hisschool education at Baharampur Mission School from where he passed Matriculation Examinationof Calcutta University in 1950. He got admitted in N R S Medical college in 1952 after passing I Sc. FromBangabasi College, Calcutta. After acquiring his MBBS in 1957, he had his surgical training at the Instituteof Post Graduate Medical Education and Research and SSKM Hospital under Prof. S. R. Konar.After joining West Bengal Health Services, he was deputed to Orissa Govt. Health Service where heserved as Medical Officer in a remote village and later also as an Anatomy Demonstrator in Burla MedicalCollege. On returning from deputation he qualified himself as MS in Ophthalmology in the year 1967from K G Medical College, Lucknow and a specialisation in Plastic Surgery in 1968 from Patna MedicalCollege.After the post graduate qualification he had to serve as ophthalmologist at the Govt. Hospital at Asansol.He joined NRS Medical College in 1973 as Resident Surgeon, in the department of Ophthalmology. Hewas promoted to the rank of Lecturer in 1974 and then as Assistant Professor. During his service in NRSMedical College, he performed a good number of cornea grafting surgeries successfully. In addition hedid various oculoplastic surgeries and eye camp surgeries.In 1980, he was transferred to IPGMER and SSKM Hospital as Associate Professor where he had toguide the students of MS in Ophthalmology of Calcutta University. In the later part of his service he wasappointed as the Director, Regional Institute of Ophthalmology and Professor of Ophthalmology in CalcuttaMedical College wherefrom he retired in 1992.During the whole period of his service, his amicable nature pleased all his colleagues, patients, relativesand everybody coming in contact with him. Many a people had benefitted from his valuable advice. Hewas a proud father of two well placed sons working in the USA. The eldest Dr. Manoj Pratim is a memberat NASA establishment. The youngest Dr. Arindam is a computer engineer at San Francisco. Not tospeak of his sons, some of his students are also in the top positions in professional services.After retirement from the Govt. service he was practicing as consultant ophthalmologist besides servingin honorary capacity in Calcutta University health unit and later at Calcutta Heart Clinic and Hospital.His beloved wife Dr. Hira Samanta, a Gynaecologist, was always by his side till the last hour in all oddsand evens of life as a philosopher and guide.May his soul rest in peace.”

Prof. Muralidhar Sengupta. OSWB Membership No: S – 427Born: 12th December 1911Expired: 28th November 2008Prof. M D Sengupta was a prominent personality who has strongly influenced the positive developmentof Ophthalmology in West Bengal. He was the president of All India Ophthalmological Society as wellas OSWB. As an exceptional teacher, he was taken back to the Medical College even after his retirementas Emeritus Professor of Ophthalmology. His name along with that of Dr. Nirmal Ghosh glitters like apearl in the Neuro-Ophthalmology volume of Sir Stewart Duke Elder for two unusual case reports of CP angle tumour.We request our readers to kindly wait for a detailed write up on this great personality that will be publishedin the forthcoming issue of ‘Ophthabuzz’.We deeply mourn their sad demise and pray for the eternal peace of their souls. We express our heartfeltsympathies for the members of the bereaved families.

In this context, let us take a look into the refractive surgery scenario in West Bengal. The first installationof LASIK in Kolkata as well as eastern India was in 1996 at Better Sight Center in the premises of“Lifeline” nursing home at Wood Street and the model was Lasersight, manufactured by LasersightTechnology. That machine was replaced by Zyoptyx of Bausch & Lomb in the year 2005. Implant Housetook over that Zyoptix of Better Sight Center and updated it in 2006. The chronology of the LASIKequipments in West Bengal down the years are as follows:

t was an auspiciousmorn ing on 28 thSeptember 2008, for

Susrut Eye Foundation andResearch Centre at SaltLake, Kolkata. The ‘VisionCorrection Clinic’ with manyother super specialty clinics

was inaugurated in the presence of almost all heavy weight ministers ofthe State. Prominent personalities of the Ophthalmic fraternity of WestBengal attended the programme in large numbers.Dr.Sunil Bagchi, President, Susrut Eye Foundation and Research Centrestarted the function with his welcome address.n The Vision Correction Clinic (LASIK) was inaugurated by the Chief

Guest, Dr. Suryakanta Mishra, Hon’ble Minister in Charge, Panchayat,Rural Development & Health.

n The Computer Vision Syndrome Clinic was inaugurated by Mr. GautamDeb, Minister in Charge, Housing, PHE.

n The Sports Vision Clinic was inaugurated by Mr. Subhas ChakrabortyMinister in Charge, Sports, Youth and Transportat ion.

n The Rup Sayar Clinic was inaugurated by Mr. Amitava Nandy, MP.n Sarbashiksha Mission was declared open by Mr. Biman Bose, President,

Bangio Saksharata Prasar Samity.The event ended by a vote of thanks by Dr. P. K.Chatterjee, Vice President,Susrut Eye Foundation.

8th LASIK of the State belongs to Susrut

I

“Thank you all for cominghere on the eve of openingof Vision Correction Centreat our hospital today. It isour honour and privilege toannounce that we havebeen declared as a Centtreof Excellence by Govt. ofWest Bengal. I want toconvey my heartfelt thanksand regards to all our wellw ishers , assoc ia tes ,colleagues and staffswithout whose spontaneouse f f o r t S u s r u t E y eFoundation and ResearchCentre would not havereached this stage.’’

Welcomeaddress by

Dr. Sunil Bagchi,President of Susrut.

Year Institute Model (Manufacturer)1. (1999) New Vision Laser Center MEL-60 (Zeiss)

(Near Gorky Sadan)2. (2004) Himalaya Eye Care. Near Zyoptyx (Bausch & Lomb)

Deshapriya Park3. (2006) Implant House at Zyoptix Z-100

Beckbagan (Bausch & Lomb)4. (2007) Eye Microsurgery and Laser MEL-70 (Zeiss).

Center, Chinsura. Replaced byDr. Arup Bose EC-5000 (Nidek)

5. (2007) Disha Eye Hospital, Allegretto (Wave Lights)Barrackpur

6. (2007) Netaji Eye Hospital, MEL-80 (Zeiss)Ramchandrapur, Purulia

7. (2007) Paramount Eye Care Center MEL-80 (Zeiss)Siliguri

8. (2008) Susrut Eye Foundation MEL-80 (Zeiss)and Research Centre,Salt lake, Kolkata

As repo r t ed by onemanufacturer, RefractiveLasers are lagging behindwith respect to patients’education and referralconsciousness in Kolkatawhen compared with othermetropolises in India. Barodain India is harbouring aFemtosecond Laser.

The 27th annual Free Eye SurgeryCamp at the “Ramakrishna Mathand Mission” at Kamarpukur,Hooghly, the birth place of Lord SriSri Ramakrishna, was successfullycompleted on Sunday, the 23rd ofNovember 2008. A total of 161 IOL

implant surgeries were performed and out of them 22 were bythe Phaco emulsification procedure.Patients from the nearby districts ofHooghly, Bardhaman, Bankura and WestMedinipur were benefitted by this project.Renowned Eye Specialists, paramedicalstaff and social workers participated inthis holy work of service to mankind andmade it a grand success.Dr. Kamal Dawn, a general surgeon and a dedicated socialworker of Howrah General Hospital started this noble missionin 1982. IOL surgery was first introduced here by the pioneerIOL surgeon Dr. P. K. Bakshi in the year 1991. A well equippedeye surgery theater with other infrastructure of OPD and preoperative evaluation started graduallyfrom 2005. Currently one full day inthe week has been kept aside as a‘surgery day’ under the present setup. Nearly 1000 IOL surgeries areperformed every year in this holy place.

Successful completion of 27th annual free Eye SurgeryCamp, at Ramakrishna Mission, Kamarpukur

Dr. Anil Kr. Mandal, popular for his benevolent nature, haswon the Senior Ophthalmologist Achievement Award at theAAO Annual Meeting 2008, held at Atlanta. As per the pointearning parameters, Dr. Mandal has completed a thirty pointmark which is a very rare distinction, especially for anophthalmologist from India.Anil Kumar Mandal is a glaucoma specialist with particularinterest and expertise in developmental glaucoma. Dr Mandalgraduated from NRS Medical College, Kolkata and did his MDin Ophthalmology from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences(AIIMS). He was a visiting research fellow at the Kellogg EyeCare Center and the Doheny Eye Institute in the United States.He is presently associated with L.V.Prasad Eye Institute,

Ophthalmologist from West Bengalwins the Senior OphthalmologistAchievement Award at American

Academy of Ophthalmology AnnualMeeting 2008, held at Atlanta.

Hyderabad. His current research focuseson the clinical and genetic aspects ofglaucoma in adults and children, whichearned him the Shanti Swarup BhatnagarAward for excellence in science from theGovernment of India in 2003; he wasthe first ophthalmologist to receive thisaward.Dr.Mandal has participated in severalacademic activities of OWSB. We areproud of his achievement and expressour best wishes for hiss further progressin life.

The following members will serveyou during 2008 – 2010. Thesubcommittees shall be expanded indue course with the addition ofmembers in each category. Pleasefeel free to contact if you areinterested to serve OSWB in yourdesired field of work.

Scientific CommitteeChairman: Dr. Brajen SarkerCo-Chairman: Dr. Prasun BhattacharyaConvener: Dr. Debashis DasCultural and Entertainment CommitteeChairman: Dr. Prasanta ChakrabartyConvener: Dr. Vivek DattaPublication CommitteeChairman: Dr. Sumit ChoudhuryConvener: Dr. Arnab BiswasCommunity Ophthalmology CommitteeChairman : Dr. Parag MukherjeeConvener : Dr. Shyamal PandeyPublic Relations CommitteeChairman : Dr. Subhankar HomeConvener : Dr. Jajneswar BhuniaAwards CommitteeChairman: Dr. Malay MaitraConvener: Dr. Saibal MaitraJournal CommitteeEditor Journal: Dr.Paromita SanataniWebsite and Infotech CommitteeChairman: Dr. Supratik SanataniConvener: Dr. Monomoy BanerjeeLegal and Ethics CommitteeChairman: Dr. Pushpita SahuConvener: Dr. Ranjan ChoudhuryOffice CommitteeChairman: Dr. Jajneswar BhuniaConvener: Dr. Jayangshu SenguptaFinance CommitteeChairman: Dr. Ranjan ChoudhuryConvener: Dr. Amit PalLibrary CommitteeChairman: Dr. Arup BoseConvener: Dr. Susanta MukherjeeSenior Member CommitteeConvener: Dr. Panna Lal SahaPG Education CommitteeChairman: Dr. Ratish Ch. PaulConvener: Dr. Subhankar Home

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Welcome aboard Ophthabuzz, the newsletterfrom OSWB.It has always been our honest attempt to view themembers of OSWB as individuals of one big family.

The joy of existing together in an atmosphere of camaraderiewith warm fellow feelingg is the essence of any organisation toflourish and grow. OSWB is no exception to that.How Ophthabuzz helps?This is an attempt by the new committee of OSWB to helpknow each other better and to grow firm roots of bondage bysharing every kind of news possible with the members. Iwelcome your feedback oon this issue. Planned as a bi monthlyventure initially, it can become a monthly feature with your cooperation and contribution in the days to come.And now a bit about the activities we have planned….I urge you to visit our “new look” website at www.oswb.organd you will know that we have already started work in rightearnest. The website will grow and develop gradually and youcan have every kind of information you could think of from it.Please make a habit of checking the site regularly forinformation.We have a string of scientific programmes in queue. TheAcademic Calendar of OSWB will be made available to youwithin a very short period of time. This would include theregular Monthly Academic Meetings, Special Updates andOrations. I would request you to kindly appreciate that it is notour intention to have aacademic programmes of other institutionsclash with OSWB dates. Hence, I appeal to all institutions toplease check the OSWB Academic Calendar before finalisingtheir programmes. Of course, the members would not like tomiss out on any of the academic feasts!The new committee has already undertaken the job of issuingphoto ID cards to all its members. I seek your cooperation insending us all the details asked for at the earliest to enableus to proceed smoothly.I would also like to inform you that we plan to publish CMEmaterials on a periodic basis. This will help the members ingeneral and the post graduates in particular. A plan of startingspecial post graduation education programmes is also in thepipeline.As I had mentioned in my first letter to you, I believe in thefact that mutual communication plays a very important role asfar as success is concerned. Once again, I appeal to all of youto shed your reservations and get back to us with yoursuggestions and constructive criticisms.Wishing you all the very best and wishing Ophthabuzz a longlife,Yours truly,

Inform us about any event that youfeel is significant for publication .Pleasecollect the relevant photographspreferably in digital format. Support itwith a write up. Send all the materialsto the Editor along with your photograph.‘Letters to the Editor’ column will beintroduced from the next issue. Pleasetry to pin point our deeficiencies. Letterswith constructive criticisms andcorrective proposals wil l enjoypreference for printing. An award for thebest letter in this column is underconsideration.Please use e-mai l for fastercommunication. Use digital photographsfor better reproduction in print. Even achat over telephone is most welcome.A series of narrations will be publishedon the history of OSWB. We havealready started the ground work. Weappeal to all the senior members tocome forward for help. Please give usa tinkle if you have any old documentof interest related to OSWB in yourpossession. We wi l l have ourrepresentatives collect it from you. Its h a l l b e u s e d w i t h p r o p e racknowledgement. Our representativescan also meet you for your narration ifyou so desire.Vacancy Board and Seconds Mart areutility areas which any member canmake use of.

Dr. Ashis K. BhattacharyaHony.Secretary, OSWB

Cell: 9831019779

Message fromHony. Secretary, OSWB

How you can contributein Ophthabuzz

Edited by Dr. J. Bhunia & published by Dr. Ashis K. Bhattacharya on behalf of Ophthalmological Society of West Bengal, 53 Creek Row, Kolkata 700 014Printed by Press & display, 51 Jhamapukur Lane, Kolkata 700 009 Mobile 98311 66157