Editorial

Beyond the efforts of eye care hospitals, doctors, and other medical professionals, it is the public’s knowledge about eye diseases that plays a crucial role in the fight to eliminate needless blindness. To educate the public, Aravind is consistently raising awareness about eye care and related issues since its inception, highlighting its patient-centric approach. A prime example is the extensive awareness campaign during the 39th National Eye Donation Fortnight, held recently across Aravind’s major tertiary care centres, which garnered significant public attention.

In direct patient care, Aravind’s Mid-Level Ophthalmic Personnel (MLOPs) are indispensable, comprising 75% of the workforce. Their friendly and compassionate interactions with patients have been key in building trust and ensuring high levels of patient satisfaction. Aravind places great importance on training MLOP trainees to understand and practice the humanitarian values upheld by the institution. Moreover, after completing their training, Aravind organises a graduation day, during which trainees celebrate their accomplishments with memorable moments. At the recent graduation day held at Aravind Eye Hospitals in Tirunelveli, Kovilpatti, and Tuticorin, a candle-lighting ceremony, the Florence Nightingale pledge, and inspiring speeches by doctors and mentors created lasting memories for the trainees.

Aravind prioritises the mental and physical well-being of its employees by organising various welfare initiatives to foster a pleasant working environment. The innovative programmes implemented at Aravind have led to impressive outcomes, making it a top choice for employment. In this regard, Aravind-Tirunelveli conducted the “AURO REVIVE – Relax, Rejoice & Rejuvenate” programme, which encourages employees to showcase their talents and participate in extracurricular activities.

This edition covers these and many other events that took place between 15th August and 15th September 2024.

Accolades

APOS Gopalakrishna Young Ophthalmologist Lecture & Medal

Tirupati, 13-15 September 2024

Dr. V.R. Vivekanandan, Medical Consultant, Cataract and General Ophthalmology Services, Aravind-Tirunelveli, was awarded the APOS Gopalakrishna Young Ophthalmologist Lecture & Medal at the 9th Annual Meeting of the Andhra Pradesh Ophthalmic Society (Tirupati Eyecon 2024), held at Shree Conventions, Tirupati.

Judges’ Choice Top Video Award

Aravind-Salem, 14th September 2024

Dr. Megha, Medical Consultant, Glaucoma, Aravind-Salem, won the Judges’ Choice Top Video at a virtual contest organised by Young Ophthalmologists Society of India (YOSI), for her video titled, Brightening lives through smartphone.

Dr. GV lifetime Achievement Award

Pondicherry, 25th August 2024

Dr. R. Venkatesh, Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Aravind-Pondicherry, was honoured with the Dr. GV lifetime achievement award by the Akila India Samuga Nala Amaippu at Pondicherry.

Dr. R. Venkatesh receiving the Dr. GV Lifetime Achievement Award

Awards at the 71st Annual conference of Tamil Nadu Ophthalmic Association (TNOA)

Chennai, 16-18 August 2024

Dr. R. Ramakrishnan, Advisor, Aravind-Tirunelveli was honoured with the TNOA Lifetime Achievement Award.

Best Free Paper Session
Dr. Prithviraj U, Medical Consultant, Retina, Aravind-Madurai
Title: Mastering modified Gabor’s SFIOL technique from novice to expert: Comparison of surgical outcomes

Winners: TNOA ET Selvam Endowment Quiz Award
Dr. Chinmay Vikas Mahatme,  and Dr. Sujay Sanjay Jaju, PG Resident, Aravind-Coimbatore

Winners -TNOA Free Paper Session – Cornea
Dr. Divya Nachammai, PG Resident, Aravind-Coimbatore
Title: Azadirachta indica: A novel natural approach effective in demodectic ocular surface disorders

Winner: TNOA Free Paper Session – Neuro Ophthalmology
Dr. Ruhel Kurudamannil Chacko, Resident, Aravind-Coimbatore
Title: PULSE study: Efficacy of pupilmate in low cost pupillary light reflex screening

Winner: TNOA Free Paper Session – Orbit
Dr. Viji Rangarajan, Chief, Orbit, Aravind-Coimbatore
Title: Hook, Line & Sinker

Winner: Free Paper Session – Cataract
Dr. Bala Saraswathy, Medical Consultant, Aravind-Coimbatore
Title: Acute waterfall blindness

Winner: Free Paper Session – Glaucoma 2
Dr. Rohan Daniel, Medical Consultant, Glaucoma Services, Aravind-Coimbatore
Title: To compare the efficacy of 1st and 2nd generation probes of Micropulse Cyclophotocoagulation

Winner: Free Paper Session – Orbit 2
Dr. Padmapriya Venkatraman, PG Resident
Title: A scar for a scar. Scar release with full thickness skin grafting for cicatricial ectropion

First Runner-Up:  Vinadi Vina – Quiz Session
Dr. D. Chandrasekhar, Medical Consultant, Aravind-Coimbatore, Dr. VR. Saravanan,Chief, Retina, Aravind-Coimbator, Dr. Chinmay Vikas Mahatme, and Dr. Sujay Sanjay Jaju

Dr. Velayutham Award for Best Free Paper in Glaucoma (2023)
Dr. Devendra Maheshwari, Medical Consultant, Glaucoma Service, Aravind-Tirunelveli
Title: Long-term outcomes of MMC trabeculectomy with subconjunctival injections versus sponges: A randomised controlled trial

Best Scientific Video in OPL
Dr. V.R. Vivekanandan, Medical Consultant, Cataract and General Ophthalmology Services, Aravind-Tirunelveli
Title: CTS my way

Best Paper in Glaucoma
Dr. R. Madhavi, Medical Consultant, Glaucoma Services, Aravind-Tirunelveli
Title: Outcomes of GATT in juvenile open-angle glaucoma (JOAG)

Best Paper in Cornea
Dr. Harini Krishna, Medical Consultant, Aravind-Kovilpatti
Title: Demographic and clinical profile of patients presenting with corneal foreign body to secondary eye care centre in rural South India

Best Thesis
Dr. Drishti, Postgraduate, Aravind-Tirunelveli
Title: To assess the efficacy of combined phacoemulsification and microhook AB interno trabeculotomy in South Indian eyes with open angle glaucoma

Winner:  Heroes of TNOA Award
Dr. Puja Maitra, Medical Consultant, Retina-Vitreous Services, Aravind-Chennai

Winner:  Best Paper
Dr. Divya J, PG Resident, Aravind-Chennai
Title: Rare complications of optic nerve head melanocytoma

Winner:  Best Paper
Dr. D. Raseena Atheek, PG Resident, Aravind-Chennai
Title: Retrospective study of outcomes of Hemi-Hang back adjustable suture in horizontal rectus surgery

Winner – Quick Ophthal Quiz
Dr. S. Sivaranjani, Medical Officer – Retina Services, Aravind-Pondicherry

Winner: TNOA Best Free Paper Award for Comprehensive & Community Social Ophthalmology
Dr. Akshay Wagh, DNB Resident, Aravind-Pondicherry
Title: Waste Segregation in Healthcare Facilities: Revenue generation and sustainable disposal

Winner: TNOA Capt. Subramamaniam Best Video Award
Dr. Premjith Muraleedharan, Cornea Fellow, Aravind-Pondicherry
Title: Pythium keratitis v/s Fungal keratitis

Winner: Chen EyeCon Best Paper Presentation for Cornea – II
Dr. Premjith Muraleedharan
Title: Outcomes of intracameral and intrastromal voriconazole in deep stromal fungal ulcers in South India

Winner: Chen Eye Con Best Paper Presentation for  Comprehensive Ophthalmology – V
Dr. Vijay Antony, DNB Resident, Aravind-Pondicherry
Title: Posterior segment disease diagnosis done by tele-ophthalmologists vs base hospital specialists

Aravind Events

AURO REVIVE - Relax, Rejoice & Rejuvenate

Aravind-Tirunelveli, 2nd September 2024

As part of its Employee Welfare initiative, Aravind-Tirunelveli initiated the “AURO REVIVE – Relax, Rejoice & Rejuvenate” programme, to promote employee well-being. The event began with a prayer song by Kanisha, an MLOP, followed by a welcome address from Padmakala. Sankarammal, and Princy, MLOPs, gave a Tamil folk dance performance.

Dr. Ramakrishnan, Advisor, Aravind-Tirunelveli, Dr. Meenakshi, Chief Medical Officer, Aravind-Tirunelveli, and Dr. Padmavathy, Regional HR Director, Aravind-Tirunelveli presented certificates to MLOPs who completed Tailoring and Aari work training through the “My Life My Pride” initiative. Yellow belts and certificates were also distributed to those who completed six months of basic Karate training. The yellow belt recipients put on an entertaining show, performing kicking techniques, sparring, tile breaking, and forming a human pyramid. AURO REVIVE is planned to be a monthly event.

Tile breaking by an MLOP
Tile breaking by MLOPs
MLOPs performing a dance show
Human pyramid formation by the karate trainees
Dr. R. Ramakrishnan presenting certificates to MLOPs who completed tailoring and Aari training
Dr. Meenakshi presenting the yellow belt and certificate to the a Karate trainee
The yellow belt recipients along with Dr. Ramakrishnan, Dr. Meenakshi, and Dr. Padmavathy

39th National Eye Donation Fortnight

25th August 2024 – 8th September 2024

The 39th National Eye Donation Fortnight was commemorated by the Aravind Eye Banks in collaboration with communities and hospitals, through a series of events held across various Aravind Eye Hospitals. The theme for this year, “I Can See Clearly Now,” aimed to raise public awareness about the importance of eye donation, and promote greater community engagement in the eye donation movement. The activities included an eye donation marathon, awareness campaigns, candlelight rallies, debates, discussions, talks, orientations, competitions, and more. Notably, several events were graced by dignitaries, including IAS and IPS officers, government officials, and others who offered their support and encouragement.

A five-kilometre eye donation marathon from Viraganur Roundana to Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai
Saravanan, handling a session on Eye donation awareness at the MMHRC Nursing and Allied Health Science College, Tiruvathavoor, Madurai
Shri K. Kailasanathan, Hon'ble Lt. Governor of Pondicherry presenting an award to a motivator at the Eye Donation Fortnight event held at Aravind-Pondicherry
Dr. Mangala delivering an awareness talk on All India Radio about the importance of eye donation and common eye diseases
Eye donation awareness exhibition at Aravind-Tirunelveli
Eye donation awareness rally at Aravind-Kovilpatti
Eye donation awareness exhibition at Aravind-Salem, showcasing drawings, paintings, poetry, and an enucleation model created by MLOPs
Eye donation awareness rally at Aravind-Chennai

Hospital Day

Aravind-Theni, 31st August 2024

Aravind-Theni celebrated its 39th Hospital Day, in the presence of Dr. P. Namperumalsamy, Chairman Emeritus, Aravind Eye Care System (AECS), Dr. G. Natchiar, Director Emeritus, AECS, and Dr. Usha Kim, Regional HR Director – Madurai Region. The event included a hospital activity report presentation by Dr. Sreeramya, Medical Consultant, Aravind-Theni, followed by cultural performances by MLOPs and doctors. During the occasion, Dr. G. Natchiar was honoured for receiving the prestigious Padma Shri Award.

Dr. P. Namperumalsamy delivering an inspiring speech during the Hospital Day even at Aravind-Theni
Dr. Dipankar Datta delivering a talk
Keynote address by Dr. Usha Kim
Dr. G. Natchiar being honoured for receiving the Padma Shri Award
Dr. P. Namperumalsamy presenting the service award for an employee
MLOPs performing a skit
Dance performance by MLOPs
Attendees at the Hospital Day programme at Aravind-Theni

Graduation Day

23rd August 2024

Aravind Eye Hospitals in Tirunelveli, Kovilpatti, and Tuticorin organised Graduation Day at the respective centre to honour MLOP trainees who have successfully completed their two years of training. A candlelight ceremony and the recitation of the Florence Nightingale pledge are special highlights of the event. Several second-year MLOPs shared their experiences, and prizes were awarded to the top scorers in the final exam. The programme also featured inspiring speeches by doctors and tutors, congratulating the graduates and reaffirming the vision and mission of Dr. V.

A Rangoli at Aravind-Tirunelveli
Candle lighting ceremony during the graduation day programme at Aravind-Tirunelveli
Graduating MLOPs with their tutors at Aravind-Tuticorin
MLOP trainees with doctors and senior MLOPs at Aravind-Kovilpatti

Technology Skills Transfer Course 2024

Aravind-Pondicherry, 25th August 2024

Aravind-Pondicherry organised the Technology Skills Transfer Course 2024, bringing together around 40 internal and external participants to learn, innovate, and enhance their technical skills. The event featured insightful sessions and hands-on workshops, including Basic Video Editing & Movie Making, Creating Impactful PPT Slides, Managing a Social Media Page, Photo Essay & Case Report Publication, Using ChatGPT & Generative AI for Voiceovers and Scripts, 3D Designing & Printing, and Virtual Reality Immersive Learning. At the 3D Printing and Designing competition, Dr. Aravind Krishna and Dr. Benedicta won first prize, while Vimala Devi secured second place.

Dr. Jenani presenting a talk on Go-Pro HD Video Recording
Introducing Virtual Reality Immersive Learning method for training doctors in developing their surgical skills
Dr. Venkatesh presenting an award to Dr. Prasanna Venkatesh
Dr. John Davis presenting a prize to Dr. Benedicta, winner of the 3D Printing and Designing competition

Eye Innovation Hackathon 2024

Aravind-Tirupati, 23-24 August 2024

The Aravind Centre for Eyecare Innovation (ACEi) and IIT Tirupati jointly conducted the Eye Innovation Hackathon 2024 at Aravind-Tirupati. Around 70 participants, including IIT Tirupati students, Aravind doctors, and technicians, participated. The participants grouped in different teams worked on nine problem statements, each focused on finding innovative solutions. The best solutions were awarded cash prizes: 1st prize Rs.50,000/-, 2nd prize Rs.30,000/-, and 3rd prize Rs.20,000/-. The event’s chief guest was Prof. K. N. Satyanarayana, Director, IIT Tirupati. Judges included R. D. Thulasiraj, Director Operations, AECS, Dr. Karthik Srinivasan, Medical Officer, Aravind-Chennai, Dr. Sridhar Chimalakonda, and Hemanth Satyanarayana. Udayakumar, Senior Faculty, LAICO, led the Hackathon organising team.

Jadeja Dushyantsinh Anopsinh, Head, Google Health, India, delivered a special talk
Srini presenting a talk at the Eye Innovation Hackathon 2024
A team presenting their innovative solution
The winning team of Eye Innovation Hackathon 2024

LAICO

Seva GSI Follow-Up Visit

Chhattisgarh, 2-6 September 2024

As part of capacity-building efforts, Dr. Preeti Mohanty, Medical Consultant, Aravind-Tirupati and Syed Ali, Senior Faculty, LAICO, made a Seva GSI follow-up visit to MGM Eye Institute, Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The visit aimed to understand the hospital’s operations and increase its patient footfall.

Dr. Preeti Mohanty, and Syed Ali, meeting with Dr. Deepshikha Agrawal, the Director of MGM Eye Institute
Dr. Anil Babanrao Gangwe, Dr. Deepshikha Agrawal, presenting a memento to Syed Ali
Dr. Preeti Mohanty, and Syed Ali, along with the MGM Eye Institute team members

Cure Blindness Project - Immersion Programme

LAICO, 29th August-4th September 2024

Teams from the Cure Blindness Project in Ghana and Ethiopia participated in an immersion programme at LAICO focused on enhancing high-volume, high-quality cataract surgical programmes in Sub-Saharan Africa. A team from the Himalaya Eye Hospital in Nepal also participated. The programme provided an in-depth orientation to the Aravind model of eye care delivery and best practices for high-quality, high-volume cataract surgery. Observational visits to Aravind Eye Hospital in Theni, eye screening camps, and detailed interactions with senior ophthalmologists and resource persons were part of the programme. The participants also visited Aurolab, and on the last day, each team presented an action plan for implementing desired changes in their respective countries.

Participants of the Cure Blindness Project - Immersion Programme

Hospital Administrators Course

LAICO, 1- 30 August 2024

The 45th batch of the one-month Hospital Administrators Course in Management training and systems development for hospital administrators and managers held at LAICO from 1st to 30th August 2024. The course was attended by 15 participants, along with six candidates from the 12th batch of the Fellowship in Eye Hospital Management (FEHM). The attendees included participants from Ghana, Ethiopia, Nepal, and India.

Dhivya Ramasamy, Executive Director, LAICO, welcomed the gathering on the inaugural day, with Thulasiraj Ravilla, Director Emeritus, LAICO, delivering the keynote address. On the final day, Dr. R. Kim, Chief Medical Officer, Aravind-Madurai & Director, AuroiTech, delivered the valedictory address and distributed certificates to the participants.

Ceremonial lamp lighting during the inaugural event of the Hospital Administrators Course
Dhivya Ramasamy, delivering the welcome address
A participant giving feedback about the course
Participants of the Hospital Administrators Course and Fellowship

Capacity Building for AOP Training

New Delhi, 21-24 August 2024

The LAICO team conducted a four-day Training of Trainers (TOT) workshop on capacity building for Allied Ophthalmic Personnel (AOP) at Dr. Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital, New Delhi. This workshop, held as part of the LEAP programme, aimed to implement Auroshiksha’s Learning platform using a competency-based curriculum tailored to the hospital’s needs. The training materials included knowledge and skill assessments, TOT modules, and the Aurosiksha LMS.

On the first day, the team interacted with staff to understand the current recruitment process. The second day featured sessions by Sunita Arora, on “Sharing Best Training Practices,” and Dhivya Ramasamy on “Competency-Based Training.” Jeyagokila introduced the skill plan template and LMS, while Atchaya gave a hands-on demo of Aurosiksha. Vibish discussed the role of the Training Coordinator, and Dr. Vedhanayaki covered “the role of the Assessor and Preparing the Assessor”. The final day included live skill assessments and discussions on implementation challenges. The workshop was attended by approximately 50 trainees.

Vibish Kumar discussing the role of the Training Coordinator at the Capacity Building for AOP Training workshop
G. Jeyagokila introducing the skill plan template and LMS
Participants of the Capacity Building for AOP Training workshop

Conference Attended

14th National Conference on Cornea and Eye Banking: Annual Convention of EBAI

Bhubaneswar, 14-15 September 2024

Saravanan chaired and handled several sessions during the 14th National Conference on Cornea and Eye Banking, held at KIIT University, Patia, Bhubaneswar. Saravanan led a session on “Management: Key to Successful Eye Banking,” served as Team Lead for a working session on “Identifying Opportunities and Developing Projects in Eye Banking,” and convened a session on “Eye Bank Management and Development Strategies.” He also moderated a panel discussion on common challenges in eye banking, including issues related to Human Corneal Retrieval Programmes (HCRP), HR challenges, and the risks of over-reliance on HCRP, while exploring alternative sources of eye donations.

D. Saravanan moderating a panel discussion on common challenges in eye banking
D. Saravanan being honoured with a memento at the 14th National Conference on Cornea and Eye Banking

Publications

  1. Sundararajan M, Rathinam SR, Thundikandy R, Kanakath A, Balamurugan S, Vedhanayaki R, Miller DC, Lim LL, Suhler EB, Al-Dhibi HA, Arellanes-Garcia L, Reddy AK, Feng S, Doan T, Porco TC, Shantha JG, Acharya NR, Gonzales JA. Association between Baseline Macular Morphologic Features on Optical Coherence Tomography and Visual Outcomes in Patients with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease. Ocul Immunol Inflamm. 2024 Aug 27:1-8. [Epub] View More
  2. Prajna NV, Lalitha P, Sharma S, de Freitas D, Höfling-Lima A, Varnado N, Abdelrahman S, Cavallino V, Arnold BF, Lietman TM, Rose-Nussbaumer J. A double-masked, sham-controlled trial of rose bengal photodynamic therapy for the treatment of fungal and acanthamoeba keratitis: Rose Bengal Electromagnetic Activation with Green Light for Infection Reduction (REAGIR) study. 2024 Aug 28;25(1):566. View More
  3. Palanivel S, Maitray A, Rajendran A. A Phenomenal-Mizuo Phenomenon. Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2024 Aug 1. [Epub] View More
  4. Prajna VN, Radhakrishnan N, Lalitha PS, Rajaraman R, Christy J, Venugopal A, Abdelrahman S, Srinivasan A, Varnado N, Arnold B, Amescua G, Lietman TM, Rose-Nussbaumer JR. Steroids and Cross-Linking for Ulcer Treatment Trial II: Baseline Characteristics. 2024 Aug 29. [Epub] View More
  5. Khor WB, Lakshminarayanan R, Periayah MH, Prajna VN, Garg P, Sharma N, Mehta JS, Young A, Goseyarakwong P, Puangsricharern V, Tan AL, Beuerman RW, Tan DT; ACSIKS GROUP. The antibiotic resistance profiles of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the Asia Cornea Society Infectious Keratitis Study. Int Ophthalmol. 2024 Aug 31;44(1):361. View More
  6. Lu L, Prajna NV, Lalitha P, Rajaraman R, Srinivasan M, Arnold BF, Acharya N, Lietman T, Rose-Nussbaumer J. Association between in vitro susceptibility and clinical outcomes in fungal keratitis. J Ophthalmic Inflamm Infect. 2024 Sep 2;14(1):42. View More
  7. Saraswathi KK, Santhi R, Kim U, Vanniarajan A. Investigating the frequency of somatic MYD88 L265P mutation in primary ocular adnexal B cell lymphoma. Mol Biol Rep. 2024 Sep 9;51(1):973. View More 
  8. Palanivel S, Rajendran A. Segmental Optic Nerve Hypoplasia. Ophthalmol Retina. 2024 Sep 11. [Epub] View More
  9. Upadhyaya S, Rao DP, Kavitha S, Ballae Ganeshrao S, Negiloni K, Bhandary S, Savoy FM, Venkatesh R. Diagnostic performance of the offline Medios Artificial Intelligence (AI) for glaucoma detection in a rural tele-ophthalmology setting. Ophthalmol Glaucoma. 2024 Sep. [Epub] View More
  10. Anitha V, Patwardhan V, Ravindran M. Long-term prognosis of penetrating keratoplasty in a patient with limited form of Scleroderma- a case report. Eur J Ophthalmol. 2024 Sep. [Epub] View More
  11. Kalher M, Kaushik M, Vasudevan H, Narendran S, Mani KK, Ramakrishnan K, Rangarajan V, Shah VM. Clinical Profile of Patients with Hemifacial Spasm at a Tertiary Eye Care Center in South India: A Retrospective Study. J Curr Ophthalmol. 2024 Aug 10;35(4):395-400. View More
  12. Kannan NB, Sayyad KJ, Vallinayagam MK, Mishra C, Chakrabarti K, Chakpram P, Ramasamy K. Anatomic and Visual Outcomes of Scleral Buckle in Primary Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment in the Era of Pars Plana Vitrectomy.J VitreoRet Dis. 2024 [Epub] View More
  13. Baskaran P, Maitray A, Kasilingam K. Retinal Vascular Occlusion Postintraarterial Chemotherapy for Retinoblastoma. Ophthalmol Retina. 2024 Sep 20. [Epub] View More
  14. Pawar N, Shyam P, Ravindran M, Allapitchai F. Botulinum toxin-A in acute acquired comitant esotropia during COVID pandemic in children and young adolescents. Indian J Ophthalmol. 2024 Sep 19. [Epub] View More
  15. Senthilkumar VA, Akbar US, Rajendrababu S. Incidence, etiology, and risk factors for tube explantation in patients undergoing patch-free glaucoma drainage device. Indian J Ophthalmol. 2024 Sep 19. [Epub] View More
  16. Chacko RK, Krishna D, Kumar K, Shah VM. The intersection of ophthalmology and neurology: Diagnosing acute strokes through visual symptoms. Indian J Ophthalmol. 2024 Sep 19. [Epub] View More
  17. Makin RD, Apicella I, Dholkawala R, Fukuda S, Hirahara S, Hirano Y, Kim Y, Nagasaka A, Nagasaka Y, Narendran S, Pereira F, Varshney A, Wang SB, Ambati J, Gelfand BD. Inflammasome activation aggravates choroidal neovascularization. 2024 Sep 24. [Epub] View More

Training

Enrolments for September 2024

Course title
Training Centre
No. of enrolments
Long Term Fellowship Programmes – For Ophthalmologists
Fellowship in Anterior Segment / Intraocular Lens Surgery Madurai 1
Chennai 1
Coimbatore 2
Fellowship in General Ophthalmology Tirunelveli 1
Madurai 1
Fellowship in Cornea Madurai 1
Chennai 1
Coimbatore 1
Fellowship in Glaucoma Chennai 1
Tirunelveli 1
Fellowship in Orbit & Oculoplasty Madurai 1
Fellowship in Paediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus Coimbatore 1
Fellowship in Retina and Vitreous Chennai 3
Short-Term Fellowship Training Program – For Ophthalmologists
Short-term Fellowship in Orbit & Oculoplasty Madurai 1
Short-Term Training Programmes – For Ophthalmologists
Management of Retinopathy of Prematurity and Paediatric Retinal Disorders Coimbatore 1
Madurai 1
Clinical Observership Programme in Diagnosis and Management Of Glaucoma Madurai 1
Pondicherry 1
Phacoemulsification Coimbatore 2
Madurai 1
Pondicherry 1
Small Incision Cataract Surgery Tirunelveli 2
Coimbatore 2
Pondicherry 1
Madurai 1
Paramedical Courses
FF & USG Madurai 1
Optical Dispensing Madurai 2
OT Techniques Pondicherry 2

Statistics

Patient Statistics – August 2024

Hospitals
Total
Madurai
Tirunelveli
Theni
Coimbatore
Pondicherry
Tirupur
Dindigul
Salem
Tuticorin
Udumalpet
CbeCC
Chennai
Tirupati
Kovilpatti
Hospital Out-patient visits
Paying (New & Review) 2,68,634 59,334 32,519  9,056  34,857  28,576 5,207  9,490  13,455 6,107  4,859  4,908  41,632 15,147  3,487
Free: Direct walk-in (New & Review)  1,04,578  24,444 8,813  2,936 12,562 10,390 2,264 2,530 6,206 1,756 1,956  – 13,293 16,149 1,279
Outreach Out-patients
Comprehensive Eye Camps  37,685 8,542  4,497  800  7,069  6,884 624  – 1,924 410 659  3,401 2,753  122
Diabetic Retinopathy Camps 2,130 748 212 887 283  –
Glaucoma Camps  –  –  –  –  –  –
Refraction Camp 3,260  641 1,659 136 222  393  209  –  –
Mobile Refraction Unit 1,201  89  – 1,112
School Screening 8,369 157  1,337  746  2,391 955 296  822 311  925 197 232
Paediatric Eye screening camps 951  380 571
RoP Screening 1,244  286  118 118 439  35 215 33
Vision Centres 89,890  29,558 16,549  6,463 7,075 17,519 2,085 4,726 2,221 3,694
Community / City Centres  18,600 8,879 2,716  2,532 2,649 1,211  613
Total OP Examinations 5,36,542 1,32,589 68,208 23,468 65,502  68,255 10,685 12,020 28,245 8,273 10,006 4,908 64,371 34,892 5,120
Total number of camps 197 38 28 6 36  29  3 12 3  4  –  19  18 1
Surgeries
Cataract  39,304 9,180  3,707 1,000  5,405  5,294  628  852  2,573  607 879  249  4,681  3,835  414
*Other Surgeries 24,077 6,392 2,942 465 4,456 2,967 100 173 831 104 106 177 3,715 1,595 54
Total Surgeries 63,381 15,572 6,649 1,465 9,861 8,261 728 1,025 3,404 711 985 426 8,396 5,430 468
Other surgeries include major surgeries, minor surgeries, intra-vitreal & other injections and laser procedures.