Aravind-Madurai, Chennai, 14^th November 2024 

Aravind observed World Diabetes Day by organising a series of events with the aim of improving awareness among patients, and the public about diabetes-related eye complications. Further, the importance of controlling diabetes and undergoing regular eye examinations to prevent blindness due to diabetic retinopathy, were stressed.

Aravind-Madurai

In the series of events held at Aravind-Madurai, organised a range of educational and awareness activities for MLOPs, counsellors, patients, and the public. The events featured a food pyramid, models preparation, quiz competitions for MLOPs and patients, an awareness CME, a speech competition, an awareness exhibition, pamphlet distribution, an awareness talk in TV, teleconsultation, and a mega screening camp. Furthermore, blood tests were provided for patients at a subsidised rate as part of the event.

Aravind-Chennai

In view of World Diabetes Day, Aravind-Chennai featured a food pyramid display to educate participants about healthy eating choices, and awareness posters, focusing on the signs, symptoms, and prevention of diabetic retinopathy. Furthermore, free Random Blood Sugar (RBS) tests were provided as part of the event for patients, raising awareness about the importance of regular blood sugar monitoring.

Aravind-Tirunelveli

Aravind-Tirunelveli observed World Diabetes Day by organising an awareness exhibition to educate the public and attendees about preventive measures to protect themselves from diabetes-related eye issues.

Aravind-Salem, Madurai & Pondicherry, 6-17 November 2024

The first year MLOPs at Aravind-Salem, Madurai, and Pondicherry celebrated their Graduation Day on 6^th, 13^th, and 17^th  November 2024 respectively, with their parents. The programmes featured cultural events and heartfelt reflections on their journeys and achievements. Parents expressed pride in their daughters’ accomplishments and the positive impact of their new roles as employees.

At Aravind-Madurai, considering the graduates’ parents who were unable to attend their daughters’ graduation in person, because of work or travel challenges, also to ensure they witness the celebration, a YouTube link was provided. This marked the first time an MLOP graduation event at Aravind was live streamed, and it was highly successful, with a total of 597 viewers watching the programme online.

Aravind-Madurai, 7-9 November 2024

The emergency resuscitation room exhibition at Aravind-Madurai was inaugurated by Dr. S.R. Rathinam, Chief, Uvea Services, Aravind-Madurai, Dr. R. Banushree, Physician, Aravind-Chennai and Kannamma Ravindran, HOD, Lakshmi Eye Care Support Services. The exhibition served as an eye-opener for staff, enhancing their knowledge of basic life support systems, emergency situation handling, and understanding of normal and diseased body functions. MLOPs from the Ward department created the innovative exhibits that engaged all visitors.

Aravind-Madurai, 8-10 November 2024

The Arangam – Aravind Intramural Conference, held as part of October Summit, was conducted to encourage learning, continuous improvement, and innovation among all staff members of Aravind Eye Hospitals. A total of 320 participants from all departments of Aravind centres participated in four parallel tracks: Care, Focus, Heal, and Train. This year, two new competitions were introduced under Train tract, namely Art in Ophthalmology, and Teaching in 2 Minutes. Each track featured instructional courses, oral presentation, poster presentation, video presentation, and quiz competitions. In total, there were 290 innovative presentations, and 54 participants won prizes. Additionally, several common events such as instructional courses, learning stalls,  informative posters and innovations, cultural events, and fun games, were held for all participants. The participants were also taken to Keeladi Museum.

Aravind-Coimbatore, 23-26 October 2024

Aravind-Coimbatore organised a four day orientation programme for the newly recruited supervisors and tutors, aiming to effectively integrating them into their new roles. The internal faculty team including, Dr. Sasikala, Medical Consultant, Paediatric Services, Aravind-Coimbatore, Sr. Sulochana, Sr. Radhika, Sr. Shanmugalakshmi, Dr. Deepa T.N., MLOP Incharge Doctor, R. Krishnakumar, Manager-Regulatory Affairs, AuroLab, Syed Ali, Senior Faculty, LAICO, and other senior MLOP team members shared their insights on various topics. The multiple sessions oriented the participants on the welfare programmes, importance of retention, their roles in implementing MLOP policies, the challenges faced in supervisory roles, the role of a tutor in implementing academic activities, their responsibilities in implementing NABH activities, the supervisors’ role as leaders within the organisation, the activities and contributions of LAICO and Aurolab, and the importance of imparting Aravind culture and values as mentors.

Aravind-Madurai, 25^th October 2024

The workshop organised by Aravind-Madurai in collaboration with National Health Mission Tamil Nadu, aimed to enhance the participants’ skills and knowledge in critical areas of ophthalmology, including injection techniques, protocols, and comprehensive postoperative endophthalmitis management.

Dr. R. Kim, Chief Medical Officer, Aravind-Madurai, welcomed the attendees, and Dr. Naresh Babu, Chief, Retina Vitreous Services, delivered an introductory address. Sessions were led by Dr. Prithviraj and Dr. Muthukrishnan, Medical Consultants, Retina and Vitreous Services, along with other internal experts. The event further featured panel discussions, and hands-on training in wet lab. Dr. Naresh Babu gave a vote of thanks. The workshop successfully attracted around 140 doctors from across Tamil Nadu.

Aravind-Chennai, 25^th October 2024

Held at the ARCORE Training Centre, the programme aimed to structure the curriculum for the Postgraduate Training Programme. Heads of the departments and postgraduate coordinators from over 20 colleges across Chennai participated. The programme received positive feedback, with participants sharing valuable insights and suggestions to develop a structured course to enhance postgraduate students’ knowledge and skills in ophthalmology.

Aravind-Madurai, 20^th October 2024

The CME held at Aravind-Madurai featured various sessions to share expert knowledge and best practices with the MLOPs from 39 vision centres, under Madurai. Arumugaselvi, IOL Clinical Manager, Jeyakohila, Nursing Superintendent, Aravind-Madurai, and Syed Ali, led the sessions, while Dr. Kowsalya, Medical Consultant, Aravind-Madurai, facilitated them. Pitchaimeena, VC MLOP Manager, and Jhansi Sunitha, VC Manager, handled the event arrangements. Mohammed Gowth, Senior Faculty Incharge of vision Centres, summarised the take home messages from the sessions and insisting upon adherence to protocols, frugal, and integrity – the core values of Aravind. Dr. Usha Kim, Regional HR Director, extended her guidance and support. Additionally, the Aurowel check-ups was conducted by the lab team and medical officers.

Aravind-Chennai, 19^th October 2024

Aravind-Chennai celebrated its 7^th Hospital Day with great enthusiasm, attended by all staff members. The chief guest, Dr. Saveetha Rajesh, Chairman, The Pupil, Saveetha Eco School, & Professor of Radiology, Saveetha Medical College, graced the event. Dr. Aravind, Chief Medical Officer, Aravind-Chennai, delivered the welcome address, highlighting the hospital’s achievements and announcing future expansion plans for both the free hospital and specialty services, as well as new benchmarks in patient care.

The event honoured the dedication of staff members, with service awards presented to those completing 5, 10, 20, and 25 years of service. Additionally, the Auroutsav winners’ trophy was awarded to the blue team, celebrating their achievements and teamwork. The highlight of the event was the cultural performances, which creatively depicted each of the seven pillars of the Aravind Eye Care System onstage.