Sankara Nethralaya wins International Patient Safety Award for Fourth straight Year
Sankara Nethralaya has won the “Outstanding Team Award for Excellence in Patient Safety” at the 13th International Patient Safety Conference, standing out among 278 nominations received from 84 organisations worldwide.
The nominations included 38 entries from 22 overseas institutions, reflecting what conference organisers described as intense global competition and a growing emphasis on measurable patient safety outcomes.
The award was announced at Apollo Hospitals’ International Health Dialogue (IHD) 2026, which concluded in Hyderabad after two days of deliberations under the theme Global Voices. One Vision. The forum drew more than 27,000 participants, both in person and online.
The award to Sankara Nethralaya was presented by Dr Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director of Apollo Group of Hospitals, along with South Sudan’s Health Minister Sarah Cleto Rial. It was received by Dr V.V. Jaichandran, Director of Accreditation, Safety and Quality Assurance and Senior Consultant Anaesthesiologist at the Chennai-based institution.
ICICI Foundation-Supported Uvea and Glaucoma Floors Inaugurated at Sankara Nethralaya
Sankara Nethralaya inaugurated dedicated Uvea and Glaucoma facilities on the 3rd and 4th floors of the Mahyco Block at its Padma Bhushan Dr. S.S. Badrinath Campus, marking a milestone expansion of its clinical infrastructure with the support of ICICI Foundation.
The newly inaugurated floors were developed with ICICI Foundation’s contribution towards both construction and procurement of specialised equipment. The expansion is expected to strengthen the hospital’s ability to manage increasing patient volumes while addressing the growing complexity of uvea and glaucoma care.
During the inauguration, Chairman Dr. T.S. Surendran and President & Executive Medical Director Dr. Girish Shiva Rao assured that the additional space will help streamline patient flow, optimise clinical workflows and substantially reduce waiting times. The facilities are designed to improve overall patient experience by enabling timely consultations and treatment, while also respecting patients’ comfort and time within the hospital.
The expansion is also expected to enhance coordination among clinical teams, allowing specialists and support staff to work more efficiently and focus their expertise on patient care.
Mr. Girish, Regional Head of ICICI Foundation, and Mr. Shanthanu Samaddar, State Head – Tamil Nadu, ICICI Bank, participated in the programme along with other dignitaries from ICICI Foundation and the bank.
Sankara Nethralaya expressed its gratitude to ICICI Foundation for its continued partnership and support in strengthening eye care services. The institution noted that the collaboration shows a shared commitment to accessible, efficient and patient-centred ophthalmic care.
The inauguration ceremony was held on Jan. 13 at the Chennai campus, marking another milestone in Sankara Nethralaya’s ongoing efforts to expand capacity and improve quality of care.
Dr. Anuradha Honoured with Living Legend Award at ASCON 2025
Dr. Anuradha was conferred the prestigious Living Legend Award at ASCON 2025 held in Hyderabad, recognizing her outstanding contributions to the field of optometry and eye care education. Adding to the institution’s pride, Ms. Tamil Azhahi, M.Optom student, secured the Runner-Up position in the Scientific Paper Presentation at the same conference.
These achievements highlight the continued excellence and leadership of Sankara Nethralaya’s faculty and students in advancing optometric education and research on a national platform.
Sankara Nethralaya Wins “Honours for Healthcare Excellence” at CII TN MedClave 2025
Sankara Nethralaya has bagged the “Honours for Healthcare Excellence” Award under the Single Speciality Hospital (Above 100 Beds) category at the 5th CII Tamil Nadu MedClave Edition. The recognition celebrates the institution’s commitment to quality eye care, patient safety, and service excellence.
Dr. Lingam Vijaya Delivers Prestigious Dr. N. N. Sood Oration at GLAUCATAAL 2025
The 34th Annual Conference of the Glaucoma Society of India (GLAUCATAAL 2025), held from September 12–14 at the Taj Lakefront in Bhopal, brought together leading minds in ophthalmology to share cutting-edge advancements in glaucoma care.
A major highlight of the event was the prestigious Dr. N. N. Sood Oration, delivered by our Distinguished Senior Consultant Dr. Lingam Vijaya.
The conference also featured panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and scientific sessions, making it a dynamic platform for collaboration and learning among glaucoma specialists across the country.
Sankara Nethralaya wins ET Healthcare Award for Ophthalmology
Sankara Nethralaya has been honored with the Economic Times Healthcare Award under the category Hospital of the Year 2025 – Ophthalmology, South Zone.
Dr. Rama Rajagopal received the award on behalf of Sankara Nethralaya at a ceremony held at the Hyatt Regency, Delhi, on Friday. The recognition highlights the institution’s excellence in patient care, clinical outcomes and leadership in ophthalmology in southern India.
The ET Healthcare Awards celebrate institutions across the country that have demonstrated innovation and impact in healthcare delivery.
Report on the Fourth Edition of the International Vision andOptometry Conference (EIVOC 2025)
EIVOC 2025: A Grand Convergence of Knowledge and Vision
The fourth edition of the Elite School of Optometry’s International Vision and Optometry Conference (EIVOC) was held after a remarkable gap of ten years at the Chennai Trade Center from 15th to 17th August 2025. More than just an event, this much awaited congregation was a celebration of knowledge, vision, and legacy, reaffirming the institution’s mission to bring Optometry—the arithmetic, art, and science of light and vision—into the forefront of academia, fulfilling the cherished dream of its founding fathers.
The conference commenced with the auspicious lighting of the lamp, symbolizing wisdom and enlightenment by Dr. P. P. Santanam, Dr. Sumathi Narayanan, Dr Krishnakumar, Dr. Anuradha N, Dr. Rashima A and the entire organising team.
The Inauguration ceremony was graced by the Chief Guest, Mr. Krishnamachari Srikkanth, the architect of India’s historic 1983 World Cup victory and captain of the 1985 World Championship-winning team, distinguished guests, eminent academicians, industry leaders, and a spirited gathering of students and practitioners, setting the perfect tone for the three-day event. The session began with an invocation rendered by Ms. Shwetha Mohanakrishnan, musician and music teacher at Omega School International, Chennai.
Reflections on the glorious history of the institution, EIVOC’s vision, and its significance since inception was shared by Dr. T. S. Surendran (Chairman, Medical Research Foundation). Professor Vasudevan Lakshminarayan crafted the journey of ESO with memories of his letters to our Chief and the foundation of ESO in early 80’s. The driving force behind the conference, Dr. Anuradha N., Principal, ESO and Chairperson unveiled this year’s theme — “Optometrists Shaping the Future of Ophthalmic Care” — emphasizing the vital role of training quality optometrists to lead the future of eye care in India.
Mr. Krishnamachari Srikkanth, delivered an inspiring address. He highlighted the importance of vision and adaptability across professions and applauded ESO’s pioneering initiative in establishing ESO-SOL. He also launched the ESO – Sports Optometry Lab (ESO-SOL): A pioneering initiative designed to enhance visual performance and eye–hand coordination in athletes, paving the way for excellence in sports vision care.
With key members of Sankara Nethralaya / Elite School of Optometry, Dr Girish Shiva Rao (President Medical Research Foundation), Dr Ronnie George (President Vision Research Foundation), Dr Pradeep S (Director Academics), Dr PP Santanam (Former Principal of ESO), Mr Ramachandran P (Business Advisor-Eyewear & Fellow Institute of Directors), Dr Rashima A (Scientific Chair of EIVOC 2025), Dr Anuradha N listed the landmark achievements of ESO, Release of 10 undergraduate textbooks in optometry: A historic contribution that will serve as a foundation for future generations of students and the launch of three digital innovations: The Integrated Optics Module Website, The Optometric Essentials App, The Digital Psychophysics Lab.
EIVOC 2025 recorded a total of 2,027 registrations, comprising:
- 872 regular participants
- 989 undergraduate students
- 159 postgraduate students
In addition, the presence of sponsors, exhibitors, invited speakers, and the ever-enthusiastic ESO student community contributed to a vibrant blend of wisdom, experience, and youthful energy, making this edition truly memorable.
Scientific Program
The conference featured a robust and diverse academic program, enriched by the participation of 17 international speakers and 43 experts from across India. The highlights included:
- 76 scientific talks delivered across 11 symposiums
- 3 panel discussions
- 15 workshops
The research participation was equally impressive, with:
- 345 abstracts received
- 139 free paper presentations
- 183 posters, presented across 15 sessions
EIVOC 2025 was a grand success, blending academic excellence with cultural vibrancy and visionary milestones. It not only celebrated optometry’s growth in India but also paved the way for future advancements, true to its theme of “Optometrists Shaping the Future of Ophthalmic Care.” The seamless organization and high level of participation underscored the tireless efforts of the Elite School of Optometry’s team, led by Dr. Anuradha N., marking this edition as a milestone in the history of EIVOC.
Delegates of EIVOC 2025 during Closing Ceremony
Lighting of Lamp at EIVOC 2025
Launch of Textbooks and ESO Sports Optometry Lab during Inaugural Event
Speakers of EIVOC 2025
Launch of GLOW India Chapter
Dr Girish Rao honoured with BOA Appreciation Award & Gold Medal
Our President and Executive Medical Director, Dr Girish Rao, attended the Bombay Ophthalmologists’ Association (BOA) Focus – 2025 Annual Conference held from 1–3 August 2025 in Mumbai.
During the event, Dr Girish Rao was conferred the Appreciation Award and Gold Medal by the BOA in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of ophthalmology.
TSNA Holds 12th Graduation Ceremony
The Sankara Nethralaya Academy (TSNA), a unit of the Medical Research Foundation, held its 12th Graduation Ceremony on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at the Sri V D Swami Auditorium, Padma Bhushan Dr. S.S. Badrinath Campus, Chennai.
A total of 54 students graduated, including 35 from postgraduate programs and 19 from undergraduate programs.
Dr. Suresh Seshadri, Director, Medi Scan Systems, was the Chief Guest. The event was held in the presence of Chairman Dr. T.S. Surendran and President Dr. Girish Shiva Rao.
The ceremony marked a significant milestone for the graduates as they begin their professional journey in the healthcare sector.
ARVO-India 2025 Held at Sankara Nethralaya; Tribute paid to Dr. P. Namperumalsamy
The 31st Annual Meeting of the Indian Eye Research Group (IERG), ARVO-India’s flagship event, was held at the Dr. S.S. Badrinath Campus.
The three-day conference, held between July 25 and July 27 brought together basic scientists, clinicians, and industry professionals to share new developments in vision science and strengthen collaborative research.
Themed “Advancing Interdisciplinary Vision Research,” the event included a pre-conference workshop, scientific sessions, keynote lectures, and invited talks by leading researchers from India and abroad. More than 250 delegates took part in it.
Dr. Gullapalli N. Rao, Founder and Chair, L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, delivered the Dr. S.S. Badrinath Oration during the conference. President Dr. Girish Shiva Rao welcomed Dr. Gullapalli Rao in his welcome address.
A special tribute to Dr. P. Namperumalsamy was also held, with addresses by Chairman Dr. T.S. Surendran and Dr. Gullapalli Rao, honoring Dr. Namperumalsamy’s contributions to ophthalmology and vision research.