Genome Foundation and L V Prasad Eye Institute Collaborate for Ocular Genetic Research and Clinical Care
The focus is on developing facilities for ocular genetic research, diagnostics and counselling, ophthalmic clinical and other patient-related services
Hyderabad, 11th October 2021: An MoU was signed between Dr C Rangarajan, Chairman, Board of Directors, Genome Foundation (GF) and Dr Gullapalli N Rao, Chair –Board of Trustees, L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) to foster collaborative research, training and knowledge sharing. Dr C Rangarajan is an Economist and Former Chairman, Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council, New Delhi.
Both the institutions will share expertise and resources to expand their capabilities in ophthalmic clinical genetics, molecular genetics, cytogenetics, forensic testing services, research, diagnostics, counselling, training, education and other similar services. The overarching aim is to develop facilities for research, diagnostics and counselling, ophthalmic clinical and other services that will greatly benefit patients suffering from vision impairment and blindness. The focus will be on coming up with better, advanced and economical treatment plans to treat basic and complex ocular disorders.
GF will share the state-of-the-artfacility that it is developing at Medipally Village, Malkajagiri District, Hyderabad, for the specified purpose and both the institutions will work closely to raise funds and resources to develop these facilities.
“This collaboration is between two intellectual institutes and this will be a springboard for much greater interactions as we move forward. The focus will on identifying the genetic eye disorders and genetic intervention to treat those disorders, and creating awareness about them in the public and eye care community at large,” said Dr C Rangarajan.
“It fits very well into our strategy for the future. Our focus is on developing Institutes of Excellence in the next 20 years, and one such area is genetics in eye care and ophthalmology. We have been working in this area for quite some time and this partnership will further strengthen the ongoing efforts. We thank Genome Foundation for this partnership and look forward to making significant strides in this field of eye care that will benefit the community at large – both urban and rural,” said Dr Rao.
