Aravind-Tirupati, 14^th December 2024

Aravind–Tirupati celebrated its 6^th Hospital Day with great enthusiasm. The chief guest, Dr. R.V. Kumar, Director and Vice-Chancellor, SVIMS, Tirupati, gracing the function. Dr. S. Ashok Vardhan, CMO, Aravind-Tirupati, delivered the welcome speech, and the annual report was presented by Dr. Preeti Mohanty, Medical Consultant, Aravind-Tirupati. The guest of homer, Dr. P. Balakrishnan, Managing Director – Emeritus, Aurolab, Madurai, presented the awards for on-time attendance, as well as for the best rooms and the best wing in the hostel. Dr. R.V. Kumar spoke of the strong womanhood in Aravind and presented the Service Awards to those who had completed five years of service. He also launched the MLOP’s Newsletter Journal 2024. The MLOPs gave a cultural programme showcasing their talents in group dance and karate. There was also a dance event by the crèche children. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Kesava Kumar, General Manager, followed by dinner.

9-11 December 2024

A leadership team from Rotary Navsari Gujarat visited Aravind Eye Hospitals in Madurai and Theni to engage in discussions with senior leadership members and gain exposure to Aravind’s practices.

Aravind-Tirunelveli, 8^th December 2024

The Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme organised by Aravind-Tirunelveli, was designed to update healthcare professionals on the latest techniques, resources, and interventions to enhance the quality of life for individuals with visual impairments. The event provided an in-depth exploration of advancements in vision rehabilitation across different age groups.

Dr. P. Vijayalakshmi, Professor Emeritus, Paediatric Ophthalmology, delivered the keynote lecture on “Understanding Cerebral Visual Impairment.” Dr. Nandakumar, Paediatrician, along with Dr. Sahithya Bhaskar and Dr. Amrutha Sindhu, presented talks on various aspects of Cerebral Visual Impairment. Additionally, Dr. Neelam Pawar, Dr. Fathima A., and Dr. Anupama delivered talks on optical and non-optical measures, as well as details about NGOs working in the field of vision rehabilitation. Additionally, there were a Kahoot quiz competition and a hands-on session providing practical training.

The programme also featured two guest speakers and one internal speaker who are visually challenged individuals with extraordinary capabilities. Govinda Krishnan, Founder, Nethrodaya, spoke on employment opportunities in vision rehabilitation, Kumaresan, Consultant, Bookshare, provided updates on available digital resource technologies, and Venkatesh, Digital Resource Trainer, Aravind-Madurai, discussed on orientation and mobility devices, including SVG.

Approximately 140 delegates participated, including 33 doctors, 31 optometrists, 55 SSA teachers, and 21 MLOPs.

Aravind-Madurai, 3^rd December 2024

In commemoration of World Disability Day, the Vision Rehabilitation Department of Aravind-Madurai organised an event on the theme, “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future.” The event featured talks on various rehabilitation services offered at Aravind-Madurai. The information about low vision aids, digital resource training and early intervention services provided in the department were explained by the digital resource trainers. A total of 43 low vision devices were distributed to 30 beneficiaries from various districts, with support from the Vision Aid project. These devices included, 7 SVG glasses, 13 smart mobiles, 8 signature guides, 10 white canes, and 5 electronic video magnifiers. The beneficiaries gave valuable feedbacks on the training and how these rehab measures made an impact in their lives.  Additionally, an exhibition was held to showcase various low vision devices and their functions, highlighting their role in empowering individuals with visual impairments.

Aravind-Tirunelveli, 1^st December 2024

The CME on “Diabetes and I” held at Aravind-Tirunelveli, provided a comprehensive overview of diabetes and its impact on systemic and ocular health. Esteemed speakers from various specialties shared valuable insights, making it a multidisciplinary learning experience. Dr. D. Selvaraj provided an overview of diabetes. Dr. S. Sivaprakash discussed the management of diabetes, and Dr. P. Shankar delivered a session on diabetic nephropathy. A special segment focused on the ocular complications of diabetes, featuring talks by internal experts: Dr. Divya Shankar detailed the common ocular disorders in diabetes. Dr. D. Ananthi explained the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. Dr. Swanand Pradhan, Dr. Ashit Handa, and Dr. Aswin P.R. addressed diagnostic approaches, laser treatment, and intravitreal therapy, respectively. Dr. A. Syed Mohideen concluded the event with an insightful presentation on the role of vitreo-retinal surgery.  The programme also featured an engaging quiz for postgraduates. The CME further emphasised the need for collaborative efforts between specialties to improve patient outcomes. A total of 51 participants attended the programme.

Aravind-Salem, 1^st December 2024

Organised by Aravind-Salem, the CME on Optometry was inaugurated by Dr. P. Vijayalakshmi, Chief, Paediatric Ophthalmologist, Aravind-Madurai. Dr. B. Manohar Babu, Chief Medical Officer, Aravind-Salem, delivered the welcome address. The event had four sessions, 12 talks, three case presentations and one quiz contest. In addition to the scientific lectures, the CME also had an exhibition with four stalls, including LVA, Practical Retinoscopy using model eye ball, Vision Therapy, Optical lenses and frames. Additionally, a signature and finger print campaign and a photo booth were arranged as a part of the event. The event ended with a vote of thanks by Dr. Janani. The CME had a total of 459 participants from across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka, with 260 participants attended in-person and the others virtually.

Aravind-Salem, 30^th November 2024

Aravind-Salem has opened a Vision Therapy and Low Vision Clinic for patients with non-strabismic binocular vision anomalies, inaugurated by Dr. P. Vijayalakshmi, Advisor, Paediatric Clinic, Aravind-Madurai. This centre will provide a comprehensive vision assessment for patients with irreversible visual impairment and offer trials of low vision devices. Depending on the patients’ needs, either optical or non-optical low vision devices will be provided to improve their quality of life. Low vision aids (LVA) will benefit patients with BCVA of 6/18 or worse in both eyes, as well as those with restricted fields of 10 degrees, even after all forms of correction, treatment, and intervention. These patients will be provided with LVAs to help manage their daily activities. Additionally, vision therapy exercises will be offered to paediatric patients with amblyopia.

Aravind-Coimbatore, 19-27 November 2024

Organised by Aravind-Coimbatore, Auroutsav 2024 featured a total of 30 events, including music and dance performances as well as outdoor games. The event brought together MLOPs, doctors, and other staff members, including administrative and support teams, to showcase their creativity, talent, and unity. Expert judges from outside were invited to evaluate the events. One of the programme’s highlights was a quiz conducted by Rangaraj, CEO, Mind Games Quizzing and Consulting. The event concluded with a grand closing ceremony, featuring a captivating theme presentation titled Symphony of Colours. During the ceremony, winners of the various competitions were honoured. The Auroutsav rolling trophy was awarded to the green team, while the blue team secured second place, and the yellow team came in third.

Aravind-Tirunelveli, 26^th November 2024

As part of the World Diabetes Day awareness programmes, Aravind-Tirunelveli, in conjunction with the District Science Centre, Tirunelveli, organised a mega quiz contest for school students under the SEVA-SPECSSS Paediatric Project. The event was inaugurated by Dr. R. Meenakshi, CMO, Aravind-Tirunelveli, who delivered a brief address on diabetes and eye care. Dr. Aarthy, Medical Consultant, Retina-Vitreous Services, Aravind-Tirunelveli, presented an awareness talk emphasising lifestyle modifications and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to prevent diabetes. The competition began with a preliminary written exam, followed by the main multimedia quiz. The event was held in two categories: juniors (6^th to 8^th standard) with 46 participants and seniors (9^th to 12^thh standard) with 48 participants. A total of 22 junior teams and 24 senior teams took part in the quiz. Trophies and certificates were awarded to the winning teams by Kumar, Tirunelveli District Science Officer, along with Dr. R. Ramakrishnan, Advisor, Aravind-Tirunelveli. All participants received participation certificates. During the event, eye screenings and fundus photographs were conducted on-site for school teachers and parents.

Aravind-Tirunelveli, 24^th November 2024

Aravind-Tirunelveli successfully conducted two programmes: a Continuing Medical Education (CME) session and a Programme for Aravind Staff Support (PASS) event, organised for Vision Centre (VC) and Community Centre (CC) staff and their family members respectively.

The CME aimed to enhance the knowledge and skills of VC and CC staff, focusing on the objectives and significance of vision centres, and updating on advanced IOLs and associated investigations, interpretation of fundus images and differential diagnosis, key points in managing Glaucoma, LASIK, and same-day OT procedures. The session concluded with a valuable feedback discussion.

Meanwhile, the PASS programme, organised for the family members of staff, recognising their contributions with the aim of enhancing their understanding of hospital operations. Dr. Meenakshi provided an update on AECS’s operations. Dr. Haridass, Incharge – Vision Centres, set the context, and Dr. A. Fathima spoke about the importance of the work done by VC staff.

Additional activities included a guided hospital tour, drawing sessions for children, and a special lecture by Dr. Ramakrishnan. Shanmuga Sundari shared positive feedback about the programme. The event concluded with a feedback session to gather participant insights, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by Stephen.

The programmes saw the participation of 191 individuals, including, 52 staff members, 119 family members, including children. The event successfully fostered professional growth, strengthened family engagement, and highlighted the collective efforts of the Vision Centre team.

Aravind-Chennai, 22-24 November 2024

Aravind-Chennai conducted an Advanced Cataract Course for External Ophthalmologists, at ARCORE, Chennai, in conjunction with Alcon. It was a combined course featuring sessions on complex case management and Refractive Cataract Surgery, including lectures, live OR, participants’ surgical video review and wet lab sessions. The course was attended by selected participants from across India.

Aravind-Madurai, 20^th November 2024

A team of 525 entrepreneurs visited Aravind-Madurai, to learn about AECS and its best practices, through the annual Jagriti Yatra which takes yatris to various organisation via a train journey.

A team of Aravind managers received the yatris at the Madurai railway station. Later, a meeting was held at the AMRF auditorium, where Syed Ali, Senior Faculty, LAICO, provided an overview of Aravind. Dr. S. Aravind, CMO, Aravind-Chennai, addressed the gathering virtually. A panel comprising senior leaders of Aravind, Dr. R.D. Ravindran, Chairman, Aravind Eye Care System (AECS), Dr. R. Kim, CMO, Aravind-Madurai, Dr. Usha Kim, Chief, Orbit and Oculoplasty, Aravind-Madurai, Dr. S.R. Rathinam, Chief, Uvea Services, Aravind-Madurai, Dr. A. Kowsalya, Medical Consultant, Neuro-ophthalmology Services and Chitra Thulasiraj, Head, Aravind Communications, responded to the questions from the yatris. The yatris, divided into teams, visited the hospital facilities, including the primary eye care centres at Alanganallur, Vadipatti, Kariapatti, and Sholavandhan, as well as Aurolab.

Aravind-Chennai, 17^th November 2024

The AIOS Prayogshala Glaucoma – Connect, a postgraduate update programme, was held at Aravind-Chennai to provide an overview of glaucoma, in collaboration with AIOS and TNOA. The programme began with insightful sessions by eminent speakers in the field, including Dr. Murali Ariga, Dr. Chitra, Dr. Pavan, Dr. Parivadini, and Dr. Archana Nivash, followed by sessions conducted by Aravind Glaucoma Consultants. The highlight of the morning session was an educational quiz. In the afternoon, there was an extensive dry lab session in the newly built state-of-the-art wet lab, ARCORE. This session also included hands-on training on various procedures such as applanation tonometry and gonioscopy. A detailed discussion on investigations like HFA and OCT was conducted, with a demonstration session for the same. All delegates were awarded two hours of credit points by TNMC. The event received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with numerous requests to organise similar events in the future.

Aravind-Coimbatore, 17^th November 2024

The ‘Lions District 324 C’ Sight First and Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) seminar was held at Aravind-Coimbatore, with 97 Lions members attending the event. The chief guest, Dr. Nithyanandam, District Governor, along with Dr. V. Narendran, CMO, Aravind-Coimbatore, presided over the meeting. Several informative talks were delivered by experts in the field, Dr. Jebinth Brayan spoke on advancements in cataract surgery, Dr. Sasikala Elizabath discussed myopia and school screening, Dr. P. Mangala presented on eye banking, and Dr. A.S. Prashanth focused on diabetic retinopathy.

Aravind-Madurai, 16^th November 2024

Aravind-Madurai observed World Prematurity Day with an awareness exhibition on Retinopathy of Prematurity. Posters and models displayed on the ground floor of the OP building, educated visitors about the challenges and burden of preterm birth.