Hyderabad, May 19, 2024 – L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) organized the sixth edition of ‘WHITATHON’ Run on May 19, to raise awareness about the early detection of Retinoblastoma (eye cancer) in children and funds for its treatment. The event commemorates the World Retinoblastoma Awareness Week, observed for seven days starting on the second Sunday in May, every year. The run was flagged off by Dr Vineeth. G, IPS, Deputy Commissioner of Police – Madhapur Zone, at the University of Hyderabad, Gachibowli, at 5:45 AM.
The funds raised from the Whitathon run are utilized to treat underprivileged children suffering from Retinoblastoma at no cost, and to support future research. This year, over 2000 enthusiastic participants joined the cause, demonstrating strong community support for the event.
Retinoblastoma is a rare eye cancer that primarily affects children under three years of age. The treatment usually involves multiple expensive procedures and surgeries, with close monitoring over several months. Over the past decade, LVPEI has treated more than 2500 patients, about 60-65% of them free of cost. Annually, the institute treats 150 to 200 new cases of Retinoblastoma, with 40% of them in the later stages and 10% in very late stage. Early detection and treatment ensure better outcomes for the children.
About Whitathon: Whitathon is LVPEI’s annual cause-related running event aimed at raising awareness and funds for the early diagnosis and treatment of life and vision-threatening Retinoblastoma in children. The event highlights the importance of early detection, as the cancer is curable if treated promptly. The signature symptom of Retinoblastoma is a white reflex in the child’s eye, which requires immediate medical attention. White reflex is a white or yellowish-white glow that appears in the pupil (the black part) of a child's eye when light is shined on it, especially in photos taken with a flash. Other symptoms include poor vision, redness of the eyes and squint eyes.
Support and Participation: The success of Whitathon is attributed to the overwhelming participation and support from the community, sponsors, and volunteers.
Diamond sponsors: Alcon Laboratories (India) Pvt Ltd
Gold sponsors: National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) Ltd, GTN Industries Ltd and Gebauer Medizintechnik GMBH
Silver sponsors: IDBI Bank Ltd
Bronze sponsors: Aswini Homeo & Ayurvedic Products Pvt Ltd, Biomedix Optotechnik & Devices Pvt Ltd, ENAM Holdings Pvt Ltd, Cure Foundation and People Prime Worldwide Pvt Ltd
Supporters: Asian Surgical Company and Asian Engineering Company, GSR Hospitality Services and Alankar Traders
About LVPEI: Established in 1987, L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI), a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Prevention of Blindness, is a comprehensive eye health facility. The Institute has ten functional arms to its areas of operations: Clinical Services, Education, Research, Vision Rehabilitation, Rural and Community Eye Health, Eye Banking, Advocacy and Policy Planning, Capacity Building, Innovation, and Product Development. The LVPEI Eye Care Network has over 300 centres across India, including Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Karnataka. The institute’s mission is to provide equitable and quality eye care to all sections of society. 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 - prevention, curative, and rehabilitation – eye care to all. It has served over 36.89 million (3 crores 68 lakh people), 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.
Contact: L V Prasad Eye Institute
Phone: +91 40 6810 2272
Email: aneetha.kanukolanu@lvpei.org
Website: www.lvpei.org