The Eye Foundation Holds Human Chain to Mark World Diabetes Day

The Eye Foundation, a leading super-speciality eye hospital in Tirupur, organised a public awareness human chain today to mark World Diabetes Day, highlighting the rising burden of diabetes and its serious impact on eye health—especially diabetic retinopathy, a major cause of preventable blindness.
The human chain, held from 9.30 a.m. to 10.30 a.m., stretched from The Eye Foundation Hospital to the Pushpa Theatre bus stop near the Agri Cooperative Market. Doctors, staff, students and members of the public participated enthusiastically, holding placards and messages urging early detection, regular eye examinations, and lifestyle control for people living with diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy, caused by damage to the retina’s tiny blood vessels due to prolonged high blood sugar, often shows no symptoms in the early stages. If untreated, it can lead to blurred vision, internal eye bleeding, retinal detachment, and permanent blindness. Studies show that one in three diabetics may develop some form of the disease, underscoring the need for routine screenings.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. D. Ramamurthy, Chairman of The Eye Foundation, said:
“Diabetes affects millions of Indians, and its impact on eye health is often underestimated. The tragedy is that vision loss from diabetic retinopathy is largely preventable if detected and treated early. Through this human chain and our awareness programmes, we aim to educate the community on the importance of timely eye check-ups and good diabetes control.”
As part of World Diabetes Day observances, The Eye Foundation is also conducting free diabetic eye screening camps and educational sessions throughout the week to help the public understand how diabetes threatens vision and what preventive steps can keep eyes healthy.
With nearly four decades of service, The Eye Foundation continues to be a pioneer in advanced eye care across South India, committed to both treatment and public awareness.