The 17th edition of the RADAR Walkathon, organised by Radhatri Nethralaya in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Chennai Port City, concluded at Elliotts Beach on a high note, marking the culmination of a month-long free eye screening programme aimed at serving the weaker sections of society.
Dr Nithyasree Mahadevan, renowned Carnatic vocalist, and Ms Archana Mishra Ramasundaram, retired IPS officer, had the honour of flagging off the event. The initiative was led by the NABH-certified Radhatri Nethralaya and supported by Rotary, reflecting a shared commitment to safeguarding vision and raising awareness about eye health.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 300 people, including individuals from diverse age groups and walks of life. Students from Queen Mary’s College and Shasun Jain College joined the walkathon in large numbers, along with women auto drivers, demonstrating a strong community spirit.
Rotarians C Muthusamy, Dr KP Vijayakumar, and Vanaja Krishnamoorthy played pivotal roles in coordinating the programme, ensuring its smooth execution and widespread impact.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Nithyasree Mahadevan lauded the exemplary efforts of Dr Praveen Krishna and Dr Vasumathi Vedantham of Radhatri Nethralaya, that provide crucial eye care to underprivileged sections, ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment. She also commended on Rotary’s dedication to spearheading community initiatives, like Polio eradication and diabetes awareness.
Ms Archana Mishra Ramasundaram highlighted the alarming rise in diabetes cases and the critical need to address diabetic retinopathy, a condition that poses severe threats to vision. She urged the public to take proactive measures in managing diabetes to prevent avoidable complications.
The RADAR Walkathon serves as a powerful platform to educate and empower communities about the importance of regular eye check-ups and maintaining good health. This year’s programme has successfully reached hundreds, reinforcing Radhatri Nethralaya’s unwavering commitment to making quality eye care accessible to all.