Dr Shibal Bhartiya

05/03/2025

Parul Ichhpujani, Wadhwani , and I write about the current perspectives in tackling glaucoma blindness for the Indian Journal of Ophthalmology. And it’s fresh off the press, in time for the World Glaucoma Week!

Glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible vision loss, demands a deeper understanding of its pathophysiology and management.
Our article speaks of the advances in treatment options like minimally invasive surgeries and novel drug delivery methods; the potential of personalized medicine, genetic profiling, and AI in early detection and tailored care; and the role of lifestyle modifications and public health initiatives in preventing blindness.

As always, we focus on how innovation and awareness can transform glaucoma management, especially in underserved communities.

Read the full article here:

As a major reason for irreversible vision loss, glaucoma is a significant public health concern. Its multifactorial nature demands a nuanced understanding of its pathophysiology, risk factors, and management. An understanding, and continuous refinement, of diagnostic and therapeutic modalities, incl...

07/01/2025

Here’s what you need to know about HMPV

27/12/2024

The Power of Belonging

Our latest paper, published in the Indian Journal of Social Psychiatry, explores the powerful dynamics between gang affiliation, belongingness, and the crucial role of positive community support in shaping the lives of vulnerable children and youth.

Affiliation to gangs often serves as a substitute for the need for belonging, with gang leaders or members acting as surrogate parental figures. Sadly, this frequently leads to increased involvement in antisocial behavior. However, after-school clubs (ASCs) offer an alternative, providing not only a space for self-growth but also the emotional support that can reduce the allure of gang membership. These clubs play a vital role in fostering resilience, self-worth, and a sense of community—key ingredients for personal and social development.

A huge thank you to my brilliant coauthors Dr Aarzoo . Dept. of Psychiatry and Dr Tarundeep Singh , Dept. of Community Medicine at the esteemed Govt Medical College and PGI, Chandigarh for their incisive, and compassionate insights as much as their meticulous research methodology, and their commitment to doing good by those who need it the most.

Our children at the Vision Unlimited After School Clubs continue to shine, demonstrating remarkable resilience and camaraderie despite facing seemingly insurmountable odds. And as their Amma in Chief, I am incredibly proud of the impact we're making- But none of this would be possible without our incredible teachers and volunteers, and those integral to VU’s functioning

This is just the beginning of our incredible journey: to empower more children to overcome adversity, build meaningful relationships, and brighter futures. 🌱



You can read the full text here:

https://lnkd.in/Bhancha

This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn

14/10/2024

It’s a privilege to collaborate with Dr George YX Kong and the MRF Rapid Vision team on this important initiative.

The innovative capabilities of the Melbourne Rapid Field online perimetry system just may be a game changer- not only for glaucoma screening, and for enhancing eyecare access in under-served communities - but also for those who struggle with the vagaries of conventional perimetry!

We, at Marengo Asia Hospitals, are delighted with our initial experience- and very excited about what this could mean for our community outreach program!

So if you’re at risk for glaucoma, and want a rapid screening visual field, please do reach out to us!

22/09/2024

Update: The DCGI has suspended the license for PresVu, an eye drop by ENTOD Pharmaceuticals designed to reduce the need for reading glasses in presbyopia patients. The suspension follows concerns over unauthorized promotions that may have misled the public regarding its safety and usage.

ENTOD denies any unethical promotion and plans to challenge the decision in court, asserting that their product’s approval was based on successful clinical trials demonstrating its efficacy and safety. 👁️

Watch this space!

05/09/2024

New eyedrops that could eliminate the need for glasses, approved for use in India.
Here’s what you need to know.
1. Pilocarpine is a known anti glaucoma drug, which has been in use for decades.
2. A lower concentration of Pilocarpine was approved by US-FDA for decreasing the need for near vision glasses.
3. The effect of the eye drop is temporary.
4. Possible side effects include: stinging, burning, swelling, redness, photophobia,
decreased scotopic vision, brow ache, headache, and eye pain.
Potentially, serious adverse events include retinal tears and detachment and uveitis.
Systemic side effects include sweating, tremors, and
gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea vomiting and diarrhea, shortness of breath
5. Contraindications include: Asthma, intestinal disease, ulcers, highblood pressure, heart disease, an overactive thyroid gland,seizures, Parkinson’s disease, urinary tract obstruction, history of retinal tears and/or detachment, and history of uveitis. There is limited data available for its use in the geriatric population, as well as during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and must therefore
be avoided.
Read more @

25/08/2024

Mpox (Monkeypox) is a viral infection caused by the monkeypox virus, a species of the Orthopoxvirus genus. There are two distinct clades: Clade I and Clade II. The virus is on the rise and has been declared a public health emergency by the WHO. Here’s what you need to know!

08/08/2024

I'm pleased to be featured in a TIMES NOW article discussing the side effects of air conditioning on health. Read the full article to learn about how sleeping with the AC on at night can impact your well-being.

Read the full article: https://tinyurl.com/Dr-Shibal-Bhartiya

29/07/2024

🎉 𝙀𝙭𝙘𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘼𝙣𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩! 🎉

Starting today, I'm thrilled to announce that I have joined Marengo Asia Hospitals ! 🏥
I am now available for consultations and ready to provide top-notch care to all patients at their state-of-the-art facilities.

Check out the image for the address and more details. Can't wait to see you there! 🙌

07/07/2024

Attention please!!
Semaglutide (Ozempic) and Wegovy- the miracle weight loss drugs- can increase the risk of Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. NAION is the second most common form of optic neuropathy and a significant cause of blindness among adults.
The risk of NAION is higher if you have diabetes (9% vs 2% in controls) and if you are obese (20 vs 3 in controls), and in males.

Review of over 17000 patients from Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, just published and free to read at: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaophthalmology/fullarticle/2820255

Make sure you discuss your weight loss medication with your eye doctor! Often, there’s more than what meets the eye!

16/06/2024

Dads are known for their resilience and "I’m fine" attitude, often shrugging off health concerns. But as their children, it's our job to look out for them, especially when it comes to their vision. Regular eye exams can catch problems early and ensure they see the world clearly, just like they’ve always seen the best in us.

So, let's step up and take care of the heroes who’ve always taken care of us. ❤️

Come visit me and let's make sure our dads’ eyes are as strong as their hearts. 💖

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14/05/2024

Exploring the world with any chronic illness has its challenges, but it must not stop us from seeing the beauty of every destination. From navigating new streets to admiring breathtaking views, every moment is a treasure.