While cases of eye cancer in children are increasing in the country as compared to other countries in the region, a trust hospital has recently treated 400 child patients successfully in a single year.
Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital has recorded a staggering 400 cases of eye cancer in children within a single year. Approximately 30% of eye patients in the country are children.
Medical experts say a delay in treatment may result in permanent vision loss. Timely treatment is crucial to preserving the child's vision, as untreated cases may result in loss of sight or even prove fatal. The treatment process for eye cancer is lengthy and costly, with patients requiring regular examinations every six months post-chemotherapy, and some patients are checked for up to 7 years.
Upon detection of eye cancer in children, the Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital administration took an immediate step to set up emergency and outpatient departments (OPD), followed by the establishment of a dedicated ward and the provision of chemotherapy services.
Dr Tanzeela Farah, a specialist in treating children's vision at the hospital, says as many as 400 cases of eye cancer were registered in the last year with a 100% success ratio. Each step of the treatment process, including diagnosis and chemotherapy, is conducted under one roof, she adds.
Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital president Major General (Retired) Rahmat Khan says children have been undergoing treatment for eye cancer for three years. Initially, surgery was performed, but unfortunately, cancer would reappear after two or three years, he said and added that subsequently, the hospital introduced a chemotherapy facility following the surgery. “Afterwards, the necessity for radiotherapy arose, marking a crucial turning point. It was one of the most expensive projects with huge expenditures.”
Rehmat said that as the radiotherapy service was exclusively available at Noori Hospital Islamabad and CMH Rawalpindi, Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CMH Hospital, aiming to offer complimentary radiotherapy services to ailing children. “The entire cost is covered by Al-Shifa hospital. We also offer complete treatment facilities without any charge to children who are battling eye cancer,” he maintained.
Medical experts related to the treatment of cancer in children's eyes are of the view that the spread of eye cancer in children could only be addressed through timely intervention. Delay in seeking treatment could lead to irreversible vision impairment in affected children.
They strongly advise parents to promptly consult a doctor upon observing any signs of vision problems in their children to safeguard their eyesight from any potential harm.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 31st, 2024.
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