Bhubaneswar, Odisha – The L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI), Mithu Tulsi Chanrai (MTC) campus, Bhubaneswar has launched a dedicated Inherited Retinal Dystrophy (IRD) Clinic to provide specialized care for patients with genetic retinal disorders. The IRD clinic will offer in-house genetic testing, making advanced diagnostics more accessible to people across Odisha and neighbouring states. It bridges the gap in the early diagnosis and management of hereditary genetic eye diseases in the state.

IRDs are a group of genetic conditions that affect the retina, leading to progressive vision loss and often blindness in children and young adults. These include disorders like Retinitis Pigmentosa, Leber Congenital Amaurosis, Stargardt disease, and Cone-Rod Dystrophies. In many cases, they are misdiagnosed or detected too late due to lack of awareness and specialized facilities.

Vision loss caused by IRDs can begin in early childhood and progress through adolescence and adulthood, severely impacting education, employment, and quality of life. Children may first develop night blindness, followed by tunnel vision and eventually complete loss of vision. Unlike many other causes of blindness, IRDs are inherited and can affect multiple members of a family across generations.

“Many families live with undiagnosed inherited blindness, unaware of the underlying genetic cause. Genetic testing not only confirms the diagnosis but also opens the door for targeted treatment, participation in clinical trials, and informed family planning. Our goal is to offer comprehensive, compassionate, and science-based care right here in Odisha.” said Dr. Srikanta Kumar Padhy, retina specialist at LVPEI Bhubaneswar. 

The IRD clinic at LVPEI Bhubaneswar provides a multidisciplinary approach that includes specialized retina evaluation, electrophysiological tests like ERG and VEP, advanced genetic testing using gene panels or whole exome sequencing, and genetic counselling. The clinic also offers rehabilitation services including low vision aids, mobility training, and educational support for children and young adults with visual impairment.

With the availability of in-house genetic testing and national collaborations, patients no longer need to travel to other metropolitan cities for such advanced care. The clinic has already diagnosed several families with confirmed genetic mutations, some of whom are now eligible for gene-based therapies or clinical trials.

The IRD clinic is particularly relevant to ophthalmologists, paediatricians, neurologists, and general physicians in Odisha and neighbouring states who encounter patients with unexplained vision loss. Early referral to the IRD Clinic can ensure timely diagnosis, appropriate management, and support to the affected families. The IRD clinic at the LVPEI MTC campus at Bhubaneswar is a step to position Odisha as a hub for IRD research and patient care in the eastern part of the country.

The clinic remains committed to bringing world-class eye care to all sections of society, with a strong focus on rare and genetic eye diseases. Patients and referring physicians can contact the IRD Clinic at LVPEI Bhubaneswar via phone at [0674-2653001] or email at [b.lvpei-appointment@lvpei.org]. 

About LVPEI:  Established in 1987, with the vision,” to create excellent and equitable eye care systems that reach all those in need,” the L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI), a comprehensive eye health institute, is a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Prevention of Blindness. 

 The LVPEI’s five-tier ‘Eye Health Pyramid’ model, covering all areas of the community right from the villages to the city, provides high quality and comprehensive preventive, curative, and rehabilitative eye care to all. The LVPEI Eye Care Network has 310+ centres across the Indian states of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Karnataka. It has till date offered over 24 million centre-based services (2 crores 40 lakh services), with more than 50% entirely free of cost, irrespective of the complexity of care needed. 

For more information, please visit the Institute’s website at www.lvpei.org. 

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