The government must make eye tests compulsory for diabetics to prevent growing blindness in India, a leading doctor told an ophthalmology convention that ended here Sunday.

 

 Quresh Masketi, president of the All India Ophthalmological Society, made the suggestion at the four-day meet, a conference spokesman told IANS. The doctor said due to lack of knowledge, many diabetics were losing sight and developing complications as they were not getting their eyes checked regularly.

 

 Attended by more than 6,000 delegates, the convention organised by the Society has reputedly become the world's largest gathering of eye surgeons and eye care specialists.

 

 The conference discussed new techniques, evaluated the performance of latest gadgets and shared useful professional experiences.  More than 220 scientific papers were discussed, the spokesperson said.

 

 H.P. Singh, a key member of the organising committee, told IANS: "Both for Agra and the country, this has been a truly landmark conference. 

 

 "The recommendations of the conferences and the main thrust areas would be forwarded to the central government for acceptance and inclusion in the national health service schemes."