AIIMS Jammu commences Fundus Fluorescein Angiography Services

SAMBA August 27: In a significant advancement for eye care in the region, the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Jammu has officially launched Fundus Fluorescein Angiography (FFA) services at the Department of Ophthalmology. This new facility marks a major milestone in the institute’s commitment to offering state-of-the-art medical care and advanced diagnostic services. The faculty in the Department, Dr. Bhavani Raina (Additional Professor), Dr. Nitin Kumar (Associate Professor), Dr. Nazia Anjum (Assistant Professor) and Dr Ridham Nanda (Assistant Professor), expressed their gratitude for the introduction of this new service and thanked Prof (Dr) Shakti Kumar Gupta, ED and CEO, AIIMS Jammu, for his encouragement and unending support.

With the introduction of wide-field FFA, AIIMS Jammu is poised to enhance the diagnostic capabilities available to patients in the region. Previously, individuals requiring this procedure had to travel long distances, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment. The availability of FFA at AIIMS Jammu will now provide timely and accurate diagnosis, allowing for better management of eye conditions and improving patient outcomes. This unit will help diagnose and plan treatment for various retinal and uvea diseases.

The procedure was performed in the specialised Retina lab at the Department of Ophthalmology under the supervision of Dr Nitin Kumar, Associate Professor, Ophthalmology Department at AIIMS Jammu. The optometrist team included Ms Bhavya Kapoor, Mr Sohail Sheikh and Mr Gagan Jha. A team of nursing officers assisted the clinician and optometrists in the Department of Ophthalmology in successfully conducting the diagnostic test. Dr. Nitin Kumar emphasized the importance of this new service. “The introduction of Fundus Fluorescein Angiography at AIIMS Jammu is a significant step forward in our mission to provide specialised eye care. This advanced imaging technique allows us to detect retinal diseases early, enabling us to offer prompt and effective treatment. The fundus camera installed at AIIMS Jammu can capture wide-field images and is one of the best equipment available in its segment. “

State-of-the-Art Technology
AIIMS Jammu has equipped its Ophthalmology Department with cutting-edge technology to perform FFA, ensuring high-quality imaging and precise diagnostic capabilities. The procedure involves injecting a fluorescent dye into the bloodstream, which then circulates through the blood vessels in the retina. Specialized cameras capture detailed images of the dye as it passes through these vessels, allowing ophthalmologists to identify abnormalities or blockages. This procedure is critical for diagnosing and managing a wide range of retinal conditions, including diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinal vein occlusion, and other vascular disorders of the eye.
The ED and CEO of AIIMS, Jammu, Prof (Dr) Shakti Gupta, emphasised that the introduction of FFA services is expected to benefit patients from Jammu and those from neighbouring regions, including parts of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. This development aligns with AIIMS Jammu’s broader goal of becoming a centre of excellence in healthcare and medical education in North India.

Looking Ahead
As AIIMS Jammu continues to expand its range of medical services, the addition of FFA represents a significant step in enhancing the quality of healthcare available in the region. The institute also plans to introduce more advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities in the coming months, further solidifying its position as a leading healthcare provider. Patients seeking FFA tests can now avail themselves of this facility at AIIMS Jammu, which ensures they receive top-notch care without needing to travel long distances. The institute remains committed to providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality healthcare to all. This development highlights AIIMS Jammu’s dedication to embracing technological advancements in medicine and ensuring that patients in the region have access to the best possible care.