Sankara Nethralaya Eye Hospital Kolkata in India

Sankara Nethralaya

It was in 1976 when addressing a group of doctors, His Holiness Sri Jayendra Saraswathi, the Sankaracharya of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam spoke of the need to create a hospital with a missionary spirit.

His words marked the beginning of a long journey to do God’s own work.

On the command of His Holiness, Dr. Sengamedu Srinivasa Badrinath, along with a group of philanthropists founded a charitable not-for-profit eye hospital…

One that would bring world-class eye care to the people of India. One that would adopt a single standard of care for all, rich or poor. One that would share the fruits of its knowledge and spread its concept of care to distant parts of this country.

In a solemn function held at the premises of the Vijaya Hospital with Semmangudi Srinivasa Aiyer offering the prayer, Mrs (Dr) T Agarwal inaugurated the project.

On the auspicious day of Vinayaka Chaturthi, the sixth day of September in the year 1978, the hospital came into existence.

It was named Sankara Nethralaya, which means “The Temple of the Eye“. The long journey for vision with a mission began.

Sankara Nethralaya today has grown into a super specialty institution for ophthalmic care and receives patients from all over the country and abroad. It has gained international excellence and is acclaimed for its quality care and compassion. The Sankara Nethralaya family today has over 1400 individuals with one vision – to propagate the Nethralaya philosophy; the place of our work is an Alaya and Work will be our worship, which we shall do with sincerity, dedication and utmost love with a missionary spirit.

Sankara Nethralaya has been described by Shri Nani A. Palkivala, an eminent legal expert and former Indian Ambassador to USA, as the “Best Managed Charitable Organization in India”. Sir Ratan Tata Trust has observed Sankara Nethralaya as a High Performing Knowledge Institution – mission driven, a proven track record, acknowledged nationally and internationally for its expertise and excellence in Ophthalmic care with almost all eye sub-specialties, good management systems, a vibrant set of human resources and a participative system of decision-making.

On an average, 1200 patients walk through our doors and 100 surgeries are performed every day. In our journey for excellence, we have received many awards and appreciation of our efforts. And we still have a long way to go.

About Us

Quality Policy

We pledge to meet the patients’ requirements by offering expert ophthalmic care with compassion through a committed professional team.

We commit to achieve quality services through the Quality Management System while complying with all applicable regulatory requirements.

Quality Objectives

Patient safety and well-being shall always be our top priority. We shall strive for continuous quality improvement and comply with international standards to implement quality systems.

To maintain the quality of ophthalmic services in accordance with international standards.

Optimum utilization of infrastructural facilities including manpower.

To ensure continued patient satisfaction through delivery of high class medicare with a personal touch.

To ensure high levels of staff satisfaction and motivation and facilitate continuous enhancement of knowledge and skills through constant learning and training initiatives.

Quality Initiatives

Air sampling and culture plates to ensure sterility in the operation theatres

Closely monitoring of sterilized items used in the operation theatre. Ensuring water quality used for consumption within the campus.

Clinical audit of patient records.

Close monitoring and reporting of any cases of hospital infection and other incidents.

Quality has been the by word if our service.

All patients receive the same care at our Hospitals. Trained and dedicated professionals with ready access to state-of-the art ophthalmic infrastructure render high quality eye care without bias to both the paying and the poor and needy patients.

We ensure consistent quality by earnestly following systems and procedures meticulously and are the FIRST ISO 9002 certified Eye Hospital in Asia. We have also introduced Total Quality Management (TQM) policies and have been recently audited by BVQI who have recommended re-certification to us.

The main hospital at College Road enjoys NABH accreditation, the highest recognition in the health care sector.

Thanks to innovative information technology devices, the expertise of Sankara Nethralaya is available to all service providers. Its innovative telemedicine approach, ensures the availability of basic facilities all over Tamil Nadu. We shall continue to practice “non-commercial” medicine. We shall propagate and practice ‘institutional practice’ – as it results in scientific practice and inculcates ‘team work’ culture and optimum utilization of available resources. We believe that collective functioning yields better results. We shall offer education that sharpens the analytical skills of the mind, build character and cultivates responsibility in each individual for his or her work.

The concepts of Nethralaya are unique. Describing it as a “Privatized public sector” would be apt. But perhaps the best description of Sankara Nethralaya would be the “Physical perception of a Divine will”.

LASIK

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is one of the surgeries that treat refractive errors of the eye. LASIK is a variant of excimer laser photorefractive keretectomy (PRK). Although LASIK is a newer procedure, it has become an increasingly common surgery which many people opt for to treat refractive errors.

The primary difference between LASIK and PRK is that in the former, laser is used through an instrument called microkeretome to change the shape of the cornea. The microkeretome creates a thin flap of cornea, which is folded back, and the laser treatment is then performed under this flap. Visually recovery is usually faster as well, because the surface layer of the eye does not need to re-heal after being removed as it does in PRK.

LASIK is an exciting surgical procedure that is capable of correcting a wide range of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism. LASIK is the acronym for laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis. The name refers to the use of a laser to reshape the cornea without invading the neighboring cell layers. LASIK is currently the most commonly performed refractive procedure in the United States and in India.

LASIK was first performed in clinical trials in the U.S. in 1991. It was officially approved in 1996 in the U.S. It is important to note that the major components of the procedure have a long history. Ophthalmologists have been reshaping the cornea for over 50 years, creating a protective layer of tissue for over 35 years, and using the excimer laser since the 1980’s.

LASIK combines the precision of the excimer laser that is used in PRK surgeries with the flap technique that characterizes ALK. Firstly, removal of the corneal surface tissue is not necessary and therefore, postoperative pain is substantially reduced compared to PRK. Secondly, postoperative visual acuity is restored within a few days rather than weeks. Finally, there is less corneal scarring in the long-term and greater stability of the correction.

LASIK improves the uncorrected vision for distance – one’s visual capacity while not wearing corrective lenses – in most patients who have the procedure. Nearly all patients can expect to achieve 20/40 vision, which most states consider good enough to drive without having to wear contacts or glasses, and many can expect to achieve 20/20 vision or better. However, there are no guarantees that you will have perfect vision. People who are most satisfied with the results of laser correction clearly understand the potential risks and complications and possess realistic expectations of what their vision will be like after surgery.

The effects of LASIK are permanent. The effects of LASIK do not wear off. But, it is important to realize that a person’s eye can still change internally. That is why many surgeons recommend having the procedure done after the major eye changes have occurred in one’s life. For instance, LASIK is not recommended on children because their eyes change a great deal. They would need the vision fine-tuned in a few years. If the procedure is performed after the age of 18, the chance of long-term stable correction is more likely. Even the eyes of patients, over the age of 18, can still undergo further changes. Therefore, we recommend that you consult your surgeon so that he/she can review the changes you have had and help you make a decision whether or not you should wait. Patients should also note that while results are usually stable, they can be modified by enhancement procedures – procedures performed after the initial one – if necessary.

You can resume most normal activities immediately after surgery. However, for at least two weeks you will need to avoid activities that would cause perspiration to run into the eyes. You should wear safety glasses while playing contact sports whether or not you have had surgery. But, if you do not routinely wear safety glasses, your surgeon may recommend wearing them for at least one month after LASIK. You will also need to avoid such activities as contact sports and swimming for several weeks. It is important that you also consult your doctor about limitations on activities after LASIK.

Fast visual recovery characterizes this operation. Most patients achieve good vision the day after surgery and find that their eyes feel fairly normal within a day. However, vision can continue to improve, and best vision can still take two to three months to occur. Most patients who have LASIK do not wear glasses for their daily activities. However, patients may need to wear reading glasses if they are over the age of 40. This is caused by the normal aging of the eye known as presbyopia. This condition occurs with or without LASIK. Some patients may need a minimal prescription for some activities such as night driving.

Most people in their 40’s or older will need reading glasses if their eyes are corrected for distance because the eye’s lens loses flexibility as we age. Some patients in this age group select monovision, such as is done with contact lenses. This option allows patients to use one of their eyes for distance and the other to see up close. Although monovision proves to be satisfactory for some patients, many are not comfortable with this arrangement. We will be happy to discuss this with you to meet your individual needs.We feel it is of extreme importance that you meet the surgeon who performs the procedure prior to making an informed decision on whether to have the surgery or not. Our surgeons will discuss the risks and benefits of LASIK with you and will try to tell you what you can expect.

Cataract & IOL Surgery

Lens in the eye focuses light on the retina. Opacities of the lens are called cataract. Cataract may be present at birth or occur due to injury, but the most common cause is related to age (Senile Cataract) and is the reason for visual disability of the elderly.

Sankara Nethralaya offers state-of-the-art small incision surgery with phacoemulsification and implantation of a foldable Intraocular Lens. Nearly 70 cataract surgeries are done at Sankara Nethralaya every day. Cataract surgery in combination with other surgeries like Glaucoma surgery, Corneal transplant, and Vitreoretinal surgeries are also performed in the same sitting.

Premium IOLs like Aspheric IOL, Aspheric-with-blue light filtering IOLs, Toric IOLs and Multifocal IOLs are available.

Facilities

Biometry : Ascan, IOL master

Nd Yag Laser

Legacy, Infinity & Signature Phaco emulsification Units

Fully equipped ophthalmic operation theaters

Wide range of Intraocular lenses, Endocapsular ring and Scleral fixated IOL’s

Testimonials

First of all i would like to thank Sankara Nethralaya Lasik clinic. I had a power of 5.5 in both eyes with cylindrical vision too and was using contact lenses for more than 4 years. I just went for a consultation on lasik but after getting to know about the treatment facilities, i have decided to do lasik.Thanks to Mr. Senthil who explained us about the lasik treatment which gave us a comfort that it is good to do LASIK. First day i went for a pre-check when they checked my power and retina and also corneal thickness whether my eyes are gud to do lasik. It was so easy that we fixed appointment for lasik in a week.

I was really tensed on the day but Dr.Sudhir gave me support i needed for getting relaxed. It was for 1 hour that he performed the surgery and it was painless. Only thing we need to do is that listen to doctor’s words and avoid blinking while doing the surgery. Complete rest for another two weeks is essential for your eyes. And use your tear drops regularly. And post-surgery, you have to get your periodic check ups done. i am a software professional and its almost one year since i had taken surgery and i am absolutely fine. My vision is clear and its great that its without my lenses I wanted to thank Sankara Nethralaya team, Dr. Sudhir and Mr. Senthil especially for giving me support and help me gain my vision. I feel really very happy to be treated with SN team. And i wish everyone the same too
………R Rubini, Lead Engineer-Hcl Technologies, Chennai.

As a token of gratitude to “The Temple of the Eye”, I would like to share my authentic views that gave the road to the end of my duress. I had been into the circle of wearing spectacles for the past 10 years and the emerging technologies made to push myself outside the circle. Drifting all around Chennai highly scrupulous, I landed up to a hospital which made me to reverse my decision of going for surgery. The method of operation suggested was ICL, by which I was not pleased and it was not cost effective too. The chaos that prevailed among the doctors for choosing the method of operation made them to act in a temperamental way bulldozing me to accept their appeal right away. This paved a way to forgo the surgery in that hospital.

Then, a week later, I approached Sankara Nethralaya. The art of counselling was at its best wherein I got the complete picture of why I should opt for the Epi-Lasik surgical method. Mr. Senthil Kumaran chief executive of Lasik department gave me much confidence. The medical parameters of my eyes were given precisely rendered by Mr.Senthil Kumaran, after which I convinced myself to take the surgery. He is the man with loads and loads of patience to treat his patients. He was so genuine and concerned in delivering his work and keeps tracking my condition till date. On the day of my surgery, I was informed about what is the process that will be done. Really got relieved of all the pressure and I was very happy on that day, knowing very well the outcome of my surgery.

My sincere thanks Dr. R.R. Sudhir, for explaining all the post operative complications and methods to overcome such things. The post surgical directions were much helpful and informative. I also want to thank Mr. Vijay for his concern towards me and Mr. Lakshmanan, Mr. Samba Sivan- man with unique voice .Each and every one is very much dedicated and we cannot forget them throughout our life.

A couple of weeks later, I realized the betterment in my eyesight changing the way of my life. I was very much impressed by the wholesome travel into the Sankara Nethralaya and thumbs up to all those in that team!

Once again, I put forward my thankfulness to the entire team Dr.R.R.Sudhir, Mr. Senthil Kumaran, Mr.Vijay, Mr. Lakshmanan, Mr. Samba Sivan and I would suggest Sankara Nethralaya as the best for all those who would like to go for treatment for eyesight problems.
………Regards, Anithaa Venu, Software Engineer, Infosys.

I have been wearing specs for about 7 years. I heard about Lasik surgery through friends and I approached Sankara Nethralaya, the best ophthalmology research institution in India. I could get my appointment fixed for consultation within no time.

Mr.Senthil Kumaran had explained me the nature of surgery in a very understanding manner and gave me the confidence to have fearless surgery. Then I was taken for pre operative tests and I was comfortable by the efficient services given by the staff. The surgery was done by Dr.Geetha Krishnan Iyer who counselled me before and during surgery to make myself more comfortable. My heartiest thanks to Dr.Geetha Krishnan Iyer.

Mr.Senthil Kumaran was so courteous to our phone calls for the post operative follow up for recovery. Special thanks to him.

I am pleased to place on record my heartiest thanks to Dr.Prema Padmanaban, Dr.Geetha Krishnan Iyer and Mr.Senthil Kumaran and Mr.Vijay Kumar for the efficient service given to me.

Thanks to Sankara Nethralaya.
………Ms R.Rhyhana, Software Engineer, Tata consultancy services.

The experience at Sankara Nethralaya was amazing. When I decided to do Lasik surgery, I was hesitant in the beginning, whether to do or not. After that when the decision was made, I chose Sankara Nethralaya, as they are the best.

The counselling session helped me overcome all my fears, and I would like to thank Mr.Senthil, who gave me lot of confidence to go ahead with the surgery.

I would like to thank Dr.Prema, who made the surgery very simple and painless.

Now I am recommending all my friends and relatives to do Lasik only at Sankara Nethralaya.
………H. Jayavadivu, Manager-Credit Analyst, State bank of India-Chennai.

First of all I would like to thank Sankara Nethralaya LASIK team members.

I had LASIK and ICL Surgery in both eyes in this year March .Now I am very Much satisfied by the treatment.

My vision is superb now. Now I can able to see without wearing spectacles. It gives very happiness to my life.

I want to thank to Dr.R.R Sudhir.

Sambasivan & Lakshman: These are the two people gave appointments to concern the doctor.whenever I asked queries to these people they had a lot of patience rectified my queries.

Senthil: Baskar only introduce Senthil to me. When day one Senthil take care of my routine checkups till my surgery schedule.He was very sincere his work. He explain the entire treatments what I had. Thank you senthil for your great patience.

Once again I want to thank Sambasivan, Lakshman, Senthil and Dr.R.R Sudhir.

………Ms. Srividhya, Software engineer, Tata consultancy services.

I had been using contact lens for almost 8 years. Being dependant on contact lens left me feel disabled.

Doing Lasik at Sankara Nethralaya is the best decision I ever made. The surgery was over in minutes. The process is quick and painless. I felt a slight discomfort but only for a few hours on the first day. The recovery will be very fast if we observe the instructed precautions. It is like a miracle. My vision is sharp and clear.

Dr.Sudhir, Mr.Senthil Kumaran and their team made me feel comfortable and confident throughout the procedure.

Special thanks to Mr.Senthil Kumaran. He is just a phone call away for all doubts and queries. He took special care not just during the surgery but even now. He keeps track of my reviews and reminds me every time I need a check up.

The work ethics, pre and post surgery consultation and the professional approach of the entire team greatly impressed me. Cheers and keep up the great work.

I wish the team all the very best! Thanks,

………Ms.Vennila Soundarapandiyan, IT -Analyst, Tata Consultancy Services.

For more information, medical assessment and medical quote  send your detailed medical history and medical reports  as email attachment to  Email : – [email protected] Call: +91 9029304141 (10 am. To 8 pm. IST)