The Birdem Hospital in the capital has expanded its eye treatment service by adding advanced technologies to its eye department and introducing new units.

To provide its patients with better eye treatment, the hospital has divided the ophthalmology department into eight units--cataract, glaucoma, vitro, retina, cornea, neuro- ophthalmology, paediatric ophthalmology, uveitic and oculoplasty.

"Some 32 specialists are now providing modern treatment of eye diseases in all eight units, which have recently been introduced," said Prof Dr M Nazrul Islam, head of the ophthalmology department, at a press conference held on the hospital premises yesterday.

"Every day typically 350 patients suffering from eye diseases receive treatment from the hospital, but with the service being expanded, the eye department is now capable of providing treatment to nearly 700 patients, he added.

"Thirty percent of the hospital's patients are provided treatment for free. The cost of eye treatment is also minimal as 80 percent of the patients don't need to stay here before and/or after their surgery," said Nazrul. 

Prof Dr Shuvagata Chowdhury, director of saboratory services, Brig Gen (retd) Shahidul Haque Mallick, director (hospital & admin), Prof Dr Mirza Mahbubul Hasan, director (clinical services), were also present at the press conference.