Aravind-Coimbatore

The Neuro-Ophthalmology Department at Aravind–Coimbatore has published the 10th Edition of CANN (Coimbatore Aravind’s Neuro-Ophthalmic Newsletter), coinciding with the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Aravind Eye Care System (AECS). This special edition honours Dr. G. Natchiar, Director Emeritus, AECS, a true visionary whose pioneering spirit laid the foundation for neuro-ophthalmology in India. As a resident-focused issue, it includes two original studies by trainees along with insightful case reports contributed by postgraduates.

Aravind-Chennai, 16–20 September 2025

The fourth batch of Īkshana – Comprehensive Capsule for Postgraduates (Phase 2) was conducted at the ARCORE Training Centre, Aravind–Chennai. This five-day programme aimed to provide postgraduates with a strong foundation in both theoretical knowledge and practical surgical skills.

A key highlight of the programme was a guest lecture by Dr. Prof. Umapathi N. Thirugnana, a neurologist from the Singapore National Eye Center, delivered via Zoom, on Neuro-Ophthalmology. Additionally, Dr. Gopal Archana, Medical Consultant, Intraocular Lens & Cataract Services, Aravind–Madurai, delivered a lecture on Phaco Complications and Principles of Anterior Vitrectomy.

A total of 41 postgraduates participated, representing a diverse range of institutions across India, including postgraduates from Aravind Eye Hospitals in Madurai, Tirunelveli, Coimbatore, and Chennai.

Aravind-Thanjavur, 19^th September 2025

The new Teritary Eye Care Centre of the Aravind Eye Care System (AECS), Aravind-Thanjavur, which was inaugurated on 20^th April 2025, commenced its LASIK services on 19^th September 2025.

On the very first day, two PRK surgeries were successfully performed using the advanced “Contoura – Wavelight” system, one of the most advanced type of its kind, ensuring the highest quality of care and outcomes for LASIK patients.

Aravind-Pondicherry, 14^th September 2025

The focused workshop on “Secondary IOLs Demystified” brought together residents, fellows, and faculty for a full day of intensive academic learning and skill development. The event began with a warm welcome, followed by a keynote address from Dr. Haripriya Aravind on “Protect the Procedure, Preserve the Vision: Infection Control Measures in Secondary IOL Procedures.” Participants engaged in a series of expert sessions on secondary IOL procedures, featuring talks by internal members. The highlight of the workshop was the hands-on Wet Lab, where participants practiced techniques under expert guidance, blending theoretical knowledge with real-time skill building. The event concluded on an energetic note with an interactive quiz, in which Dr. Hema emerged as the Winner and Dr. Varuna secured the Runner-up position.

Aravind-Madurai, 12^th September 2025

Aravind–Madurai inaugurated a new Vision Centre at the A.M.M. Hospital Campus, Pallathur, marking the 119^th centre for AECS. The centre was formally inaugurated by Dr. V. Kanagasabai, M.D, MBA, Advisor – Healthcare Vertical, AMM Foundation, Dr. M. Gunasekaran, Chief Medical Officer, AMM Hospital, Pallathur, and Dr. Kowsalya, In-Charge Medical Officer, Vision Centres, Aravind-Madurai.

Rajanandhana, Vision Centre Coordinator, Alangudi Vision Centre, provided mentorship and guidance to the new Vision Centre staff during the initial week of operations.

On the day of the inauguration, the centre examined 94 patients, of whom 12 were advised cataract surgery, 23 were prescribed eyeglasses, 11 placed orders for spectacles, and 29 were referred to the base hospital for further evaluation.

The preparatory work for establishing the centre was diligently coordinated by Titus, Administrative Officer, A.M.M Hospital, Jhansi Sunitha, Vision Centre Manager, Mohammed Gowth, Senior Faculty, LAICO, and Eye Health Workers: Nagalingam, and Raman.

19th August to 8th September 2025

In celebration of the 40th National Eye Donation Fortnight 2025, all Aravind centres across Tamil Nadu and beyond raised awareness about eye donation through rallies, campaigns, talks, and other initiatives.

Aravind-Chennai

In view of the Eye Donation Fortnight, Aravind Eye Bank, Chennai, distributed badges to all staff members. Wearing these badges, staff members showcased their solidarity with the cause of eye donation. They motivated patients and attenders who were interested in the cause, and those wishing to register as eye donors were referred to the Cornea Counselling team.

Aravind–Pondicherry

Dr. R. Venkatesh, Chief Medical Officer, Aravind–Pondicherry delivered a special address at a programme during the 40th National Eye Donation Fortnight Celebration hosted by the Aravind Eye Bank Association of Pondicherry. Organised to spread awareness about the noble cause of eye donation, the programme was graced by Chief Guest Thiru R. Sathiya Sundaram IPS, Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Puducherry.

Aravind–Salem

Aravind–Salem organised a series of programmes, featuring educational talks, creative competitions, and public engagement initiatives. Key events included Eye Donation Awareness Talks at Dharan Nursing College, SKS Nursing College, Narasus Sarathy Engineering College, and Jayarani Arts and Science College. Additionally, an Art Competition and Rangoli Competition were conducted for junior AOPs, with prizes distributed to those who excelled.  Supportive initiatives included distributing brochures on eye donation across all hospital areas by first-year trainees, displaying awareness banners on hospital vehicles to spread the message in the community, and conducting daily awareness lectures for patients by postgraduates.

Aravind-Madurai

The Rotary Aravind International Eye Bank (RAIEB), Aravind–Madurai, organised a series of events beginning with the inaugural programme on 25th August 2025, where staff members formed a human eye to raise awareness. Tmt. Chitra Vijayan, IAS, Commissioner of Madurai Corporation, presided over the function. Additionally, awareness programmes were conducted at Annai Women’s College, Karur, and Thiagarajar School of Management, Madurai. Eye donation rallies and signature campaigns were held at Government Medical College and Hospital, Pudukkottai, and at the Government Medical College and Hospital, Ramanathapuram, the campaign was flagged off by Thiru Simranjeet Singh, IAS, District Collector. An orientation on the Hospital Cornea Retrieval Programme (HCRP) was organised at Anbu Hospital, Kumbakonam, and the Block Level Primary Health Centre, V. Pudhur. A felicitation programme was held at the Collectorate, Ariyalur, to honour 34 eye donor families, in collaboration with the Government Medical College and Hospital and the District Blindness Control Society. Thiru P. Rathinasamy, IAS, District Collector, presided over the event. A signature campaign and oath-taking ceremony was also conducted at the Madras High Court, Madurai Bench. Further, D. Saravanan, Manager, RAIEB, Aravind–Madurai, delivered an eye donation awareness talk on Hello FM, and served as a panellist in a webinar organised by LVPEI, Hyderabad, discussing “Eye Donation Awareness: Innovative Ideas, Influencing through Social Media, and Impact.”

Aravind-Tirunelveli

A series of events on eye donation awareness at Aravind–Tirunelveli began with the inauguration of an informative exhibition on eye donation, which featured donor stories, eye bank operations, and awareness materials. Dr. Prasannakumar, IPS, delivered an inspiring address on the occasion. A rally was organised in Tenkasi to spread the message of eye donation among the public, with the participation of 100 college students and 30 AOPs. A unique “blind games” event was also conducted for AOPs, and Dr. V. Anitha, Cornea Services, Aravind-Tirunelveli, presented a radio talk on corneal diseases and eye donation on All India Radio. Drawing and essay competitions on the theme “Light up a life by giving vision” were conducted for students, and a Human Chain programme was organised under the leadership of Dr. Mohamed Abubacker, IMA, Tirunelveli, with 150 staff members taking part. Further, an awareness rally was held in Tuticorin in collaboration with SAV School, and another rally in Kovilpatti drew nearly 700 college students and AOPs, attracting significant public attention and media coverage. The events concluded with a valedictory function, where Thiru R. Sukumar, IAS, District Collector of Tirunelveli, felicitated 16 eye donor families, Lions Club members, and volunteers for their contributions.

SV Aravind– Tirupati

The Eye Donation Fortnight was celebrated with a variety of events, including Rangoli, radio talks, exhibitions, video presentations, and awareness activities for patients and staff. Banners and posters were prominently displayed to educate the public, and pledge cards were distributed to individuals willing to donate their eyes. Additionally, an eye donation quiz was conducted for administrative staff to enhance awareness about eye donation. The fortnight concluded with the hospital team participating in a rally organised by Ruia Hospital, promoting the importance of eye donation in the community.

Aravind–Madurai, 7^th September 2025

The READ Project (Rapid Evaluation and Diagnosis of External Ocular Lesions) is a SEVA Fund-supported initiative aimed at the early detection and referral of anterior segment conditions through clinical photography, EMR integration, and tele-ophthalmology support.

Nearly 45% of tele-consultations from vision centres are related to external eye diseases. Many of these conditions are managed locally, highlighting the feasibility of remote care. With the advancement of portable imaging devices, the READ Project offers a structured approach to strengthen diagnosis and patient management at Vision Centres.

To familiarise Vision Centre staff with this initiative, the ACEi team organised the READ Project orientation programme. The session introduced participants to early detection methods, EMR documentation, and tele-ophthalmology integration. As part of the initiative, each Vision Centre will receive a device, along with hands-on training for its use.

The programme began with an invocation by Mohammed Gowth and Udayakumar, Senior Faculty, LAICO. Naveen Kumar, Technician,  presented an introduction to ACEi’s role, followed by Udayakumar highlighting Aravind’s innovation initiatives. Dr. Athula Puthalath, Project Head, elaborated on the goals and impact of the READ Project. The session concluded with Mohana Prasanth, Field Technician, conducting hands-on training on device usage.

Aravind-Thanjavur, 6–7 September 2025

Organised by Aravind-Thanjavur, the retreat focused on defining strategic directions and setting actionable goals for the next five years. The retreat covered five modules, beginning with the design of cornea services and levels of care, followed by quality of care and prevention, both addressed from a disease-based perspective. It then focused on teaching and training, and concluded with research. In addition, there was a dedicated session on eye banks, and the discussions concluded with the identification of next steps. The programme was presided over by Dr. Radhika Tandon, Chief, Dr. R.P. Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, AIIMS, Delhi, and attended by medical consultants from all Aravind tertiary centres, along with facilitators from LAICO and Aravind Eye Bank. The sessions were led by Dr. N. Venkatesh Prajna, Chief, Cornea & Refractive Surgery Service, Aravind-Madurai; Dr. R. Revathi, Cornea & Refractive Surgery Service, Aravind-Coimbatore; Dr. Anitha Raghavan, Dr. Tiruvenkatakrishnan, Dr. Ram Mohan, Dhivya Ramasamy, D. Saravanan and Syed Ali A.

Aravind -Tirunelveli, 31^st August 2025,

Aravind–Tirunelveli celebrated Sponsors’ Day after eight years, as a heartfelt gesture of gratitude towards the many generous donors and well-wishers who continue to support Aravind’s mission. Prof. Ramachandran, a renowned orator, retired Professor of English, and long-time friend of AECS, was invited as the Chief Guest.

The day’s programme began a warm welcome to all sponsors by Dr. R. Meenakshi, CMO, Aravind–Tirunelveli. Dr. R. Ramakrishnan, Advisor, Aravind–Tirunelveli, highlighted the deep impact of sponsorships in enabling free and affordable eye care to thousands of underprivileged patients every year.

During the event, Dr. V. Maneksha, Camp In-charge Doctor, made a detailed presentation showcasing the hospital’s achievements, patient care statistics, community outreach efforts, and success stories from the past year. Special emphasis was laid on how sponsors’ contributions have directly touched lives by restoring vision, supporting cataract surgeries, paediatric care, education, and research initiatives. At the end, mementos were presented to sponsors as a token of gratitude. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by P. Harish Kumar, Camp Manager, followed by lunch. A total of 188 sponsors from Kerala, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari, and Tuticorin, attended the event.

Aravind-Chengalpattu, 29^th August 2025

The integration of Aravind-Chengalpattu, the secondary eye care centres for Aravind-Chennai, was marked by an integration ceremony announcing the merger of Beent Hospital with Aravind Eye Hospital. With this new centre, Aravind brings its expertise and compassionate service closer to the community, with the goal of making quality eye care accessible and affordable to all. This milestone marks another step forward in Aravind’s mission to eliminate needless blindness.

Aravind-Tirupati, 28^th August 2025

In a significant step towards combating corneal blindness and promoting the noble cause of eye donation, Sri Venkateswara Aravind-Tirupati, inaugurated its Eye Donation Centre. The centre aims to raise awareness about eye donation, facilitate smooth and ethical retrieval and preservation of donated corneas, and support transplantation services to help restore vision for those suffering from corneal blindness.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by the Chief Guest, Shri J. Syamala Rao Garu, IAS, Executive Officer of TTD, who highlighted the need for increased awareness and participation in eye donation. Dr. R.V. Kumar, Director-cum-Vice Chancellor of SVIMS, Tirupati, Dr. Murali Krishna, Deputy District Health and Medical Officer, and Dr. Surendra, President of Tirupati Ophthalmic Society, were also present. Dr. Ashok Vardhan, CMO, Aravind–Tirupati, emphasised the hospital’s commitment to this cause.

The new centre is equipped with the latest technology and skilled professionals to ensure the highest standards of eye banking,” said Dr. Ashok Vardhan. As part of the inauguration, the hospital unveiled a dedicated helpline for eye donation enquiries and pledges. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Biswajith Baral, Medical Consultant, Aravind-Tirupati, followed by the National Anthem.

Aravind-Chennai, 24^th August 2025,

Aravind–Chennai organised a heartfelt event at the ARCORE Centre to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. P. Namperumalsamy. The programme began with prayers, followed by moving tributes from Dr. P.N.’s students and Aravind alumni, who highlighted his remarkable contributions to ophthalmology.

Aravind-Madurai, 22-24 August 2025

The Biomedical Engineering Department of Aravind-Madurai organised a CME on Instruments and Equipment Maintenance, attended by 37 selected instrument technicians from all branches of Aravind Eye Hospitals. The programme was inaugurated by Dr. P. Balakrishnan, Managing Director Emeritus, Aurolab.

Teams from different institution presented on various topics. The Zeiss team explained the working and maintenance of various surgical microscopes, Clarus, and Humphrey Field Analyser. The Biomedix team presented working and maintenance tips for Laser-LIO, Pascal, and Edion Fundus Camera. The Alcon team demonstrated the working and maintenance procedures of Centurion & Legion Phaco Machines, including a practical demonstration on Constellation, and conducted a small assessment, after which certificates of participation were distributed to all technicians. The Mehra Eyetech team conducted a full-day session with practicals on Non-Contact Tonometer, Autorefractometer, Optical Coherence Tomography (Maestros), and Fundus Camera. The Toshhbro engineer demonstrated different models of Heidelberg Optical Coherence Tomography.

Further, the Aravind IT team explained how instruments are integrated with the EMR system.

Additionally, hands-on training on calibration of Applanation Tonometers and sharpening of surgical tools, were provided. The programme concluded with a final assessment, marking the end of a comprehensive and practical learning experience for all participants.

Aravind-Tirunelvli, April-June 2025

Organised for the first time by Aravind–Tirunelveli, this initiative provided comprehensive low vision services through a community-based survey conducted from April 2025 across five vision centres including Cheranmahadevi, Mukkudal, Valliyur, Thisayanvilai, and Kalakadu. A total of 48 visually impaired individuals were identified, including 36 males and 12 females. The age distribution included 4 patients aged 0–15 years, 18 aged 16–40 years, and 26 aged above 40 years. Based on visual acuity, 37 had vision less than 3/60, and 11 had vision between 3/60 and 6/18. Screening of the patients was carried out during April, May, and June.

The primary diagnoses of patients identified 19 with Retinitis Pigmentosa, 8 with Corneal opacity, 3 with Cone dystrophy, 3 with Phthisis bulbi, 2 with Albinism, 1 with Optic atrophy, 1 with Retinopathy of Prematurity, 1 with high myopia, 3 with non-ophthalmic causes, 4 with Glaucoma, and 5 special children with multiple disabilities. Based on the diagnosis, optical devices were distributed between July and August 2025.

As part of the rehabilitation services, 10 optical devices, 20 non-optical devices, one best-corrected spectacle, and 14 smart vision glasses were distributed, making a total of 29 assistive devices. Additional support services included the issuance of 8 disability certificates, provision of 5 NVDA screen readers, facilitation of 9 Bookshare memberships, one vision therapy session, and 3 referrals to special schools or vocational centres.

Patients expressed great happiness and satisfaction upon receiving the assistive devices, which significantly enhanced their independence, confidence, and overall quality of life. This new initiative marked a meaningful step by Aravind–Tirunelveli in expanding low vision care beyond hospital settings and directly into the community.