RAWALPINDI: Pakistan has opened its first Thyroid Eye Disease clinic at Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, Rawalpindi. The clinic offers integrated care for a condition often misdiagnosed. It marks a major step in treating thyroid-related eye disorders.
Integrated Care for Patients
Maj. Gen (Retd) Rehmat Khan, President of Al-Shifa Trust, inaugurated the clinic. It brings together ophthalmologists and endocrinologists under one roof. This integration ensures faster diagnosis and comprehensive treatment.
The clinic focuses on patients with thyroid-related eye complications. Many cases go undiagnosed or untreated. Early diagnosis and regular monitoring are essential. Timely care can reduce complications significantly.
Thyroid Eye Disease in Pakistan
Thyroid disease affects an estimated 3–5% of Pakistan’s population, mostly women. About 25–40% of these patients develop eye-related complications. This suggests nearly 14 million Pakistanis could suffer from the condition. A Lahore study found 12–13% of residents face thyroid dysfunction.
Maj. Gen (Retd) Rehmat Khan highlighted that public care is insufficient. Many patients seek costly private treatments. Others remain untreated due to lack of access or awareness.
High Costs and Accessibility
Dr. Tayyab Afghani, Head of the Orbit and Oculoplastic Department, said treatment costs are high. Surgeries can reach Rs 1.5–2 lakh, while medications cost Rs 5,000–7,000. The newest medicine costs $16,000–17,000 and is unavailable in Pakistan. Efforts are ongoing to bring these treatments locally.
Access varies by region. Patients in Rawalpindi and Islamabad now benefit from specialized care. However, people in Balochistan, interior Sindh, and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa must travel long distances.
Expanding Reach and Awareness
Al-Shifa plans telemedicine services and mobile clinics for underserved areas. Training programs for doctors outside major cities will improve diagnosis and treatment quality.
Smoking worsens thyroid eye disease. Public awareness is low. The hospital will launch campaigns to educate communities about risk factors and the importance of specialist care.
Global Statistics
Thyroid Eye Disease affects 5–16 new people per 100,000 yearly. Women are 3–5 times more likely to develop it. About 20% of cases are moderate to severe. The disease primarily affects adults aged 35–60.
The opening of Pakistan’s first Thyroid Eye Disease clinic is a critical step in improving care, awareness, and treatment access nationwide.
