2022
Sankara Nethralaya [Elite School of Optometry and Vidyasagar Institute of Biomedical Technology and Sciences] holds 33rd Institutional Award Ceremony
The 33rd Institutional award ceremony of the Elite School of Optometry(ESO) and Vidyasagar Institute of Biomedical Technology and Sciences(VIBS), Medical and Vision Research foundation was held on 26 November 2022 at Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai. The annual event was well- attended by proud parents and students of Sankara Nethralaya’s academic wing.
Ms. Janani and Ms. Swetha, Faculty of Elite School of Optometry compered the event gracefully. The event was auspiciously begun with an invocation song by the students of ESO – Ms. Jayanthi, and Ms. Soundarya.
Dr. Angayarkanni N., Chief Scientist / Professor, Vision Research Foundation, welcomed the gathering, the graduating students, Dr Girish Rao, President – Medical Research Foundation, Dr T. S. Surendran, Director – Department of Pediatric Opthalmology, and Professor Padmaja Sankaridurg, Head, Myopia Program and Head, Intellectual Property Manager at the Brien Holden Vision Institute and Conjoint Professor at the School of Optometry and Vision Science, Sydney, Australia – a “warrior against myopia”. She also welcomed Dr Smita Praveen, Director- Academics, Dr Anuradha Narayanan, Principal – Elite School of Optometry, and Dr Rashima Asokan, Head of Dept of Occupational Optometry Services, Professor – Elite School of Optometry.
Dr. Smita Praveen, Director – Academics, gave the Academic Report of Vidyasagar Institute of Biomedical Technology and Sciences for 2022- 2023 and added that VIBS is highly sought after for its various programmes as evidenced by its alumni. Dr Anuradha Narayanan, Principal, Elite School of Optometry (ESO), presented the academic report for the year 2022- 2023. She went on to report on the academic achievements of the ESO alumni and the accolades they brought to their alma mater. The students also benefitted from the ESO- VISTA, a scientific session initiated by endowments from Dr P P Santanam and his family. Two other endowments instituted by his family provided a research grant to SN’s Dept. of Occupational Optometry Services to understand the occupational visual needs of farmers and support for PhD scholars. The vigorous community activities conducted by ESO included over 88 eye screening camps for over 20,000 children and approximately 3,800 adults, along with screenings for senior citizens in old age homes. The educational institution also screened over 10,000 indivudals for World Sight Day and received an award for Outstanding Achievements from the Optometry Council of India and Essilor.
Dr. Rashima A., Professor, ESO & TSNA, Head – Occupational Optometry Services and Vision Enhancement Clinic introduced Dr. Padmaja Sankaridurg, Conjoint Professor of Optometry, School of Optometry and Vision Science, UNSW| Consultant – and an alumna of Batch BO1, graduating from ESO in 1989. She participated as an expert at the WHO-BHVI global meeting of myopia, 2015 and is an advisory board member, and a member of the Interventions and Harmonisation Committee, International Myopia Institute. Vision Monday named her as one of the “Women of Influence in Optical Industry Innovator section” for 2018.
On her address to the graduates, Dr Sankaridurg emphasised on the importance of optometrists and their roles across the world. She motivated the optimistic youngsters telling that people will visit them at once in their lives and said that their experiences would be different from hers. She closed her speech by wishing the graduates all the best for their future careers and thanked the institution for the honour of making her a part of the ceremony.
One PhD scholar, nine post graduates and twenty seven undergraduates of Optometry received their honors apart from the best students of the first, second and third year of optometry. Besides, the awards for Best Optometrist, Best Research Publication and Best Research in Optometry instituted by ESO, Best Junior & Senior faculty were also conferred to the recipients. In addition, the institutional awards for various ophthalmology specialties and research were also awarded.
Specialty Contact Lens Workshop by Sankara Nethralaya & CooperVision Eye Care
“The Department of Contact Lens, Sankara Nethralaya, Medical Research Foundation in collaboration with Silver Line Laboratories (Blanchard lenses, CooperVision Specialty EyeCare conducted a Two-day workshop on Specialty Contact Lenses to for all the practitioners covering the fitting aspects of the specialty lenses and case-based approaches in various clinical settings on November 26th & 27th, 2022 (Saturday & Sunday). The main objective of this workshop was to train and reach private contact lens practitioners, ophthalmologists, postgraduates, and fellows on the concepts of Orthokeratology and Scleral Contact Lens fitting. This workshop has indeed met its purpose, and we have got around 35 registrants across the states with distinguished years of experience who had actively taken part on both days.
Dr. Sumitha Agarkar, Deputy Director, Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology welcomed the audience and briefed on the importance of Myopia management aspects in India. Following this, Ms. G. Aparna, Doctoral Researcher from the Myopia Clinic addressed the “Myopia control options practiced at our hospital “on the first day.
On the second day, Ms. S. Madhumathi, In-charge Contact Lens Clinic delivered a talk on the “Overall Scleral Lens fitting approaches” before the guest talk.
“For the first time in India, We had the honor of launching Coopervision Eyecare’s FDA-approved Myopia control lens – Paragon CRT – Ortho K lenses and Onefit MED Scleral lenses” at Sankara Nethralaya during the Workshop.”
We had International and National Speakers, Mr. Moodi Kupperman, Global Professional Services, CooperVision Eyecare, and Mr. Gagan Sahni, Technical Director of Silverline Laboratories who had briefed on the fitting aspects of FDA-approved orthokeratology lenses – Paragon CRT lenses and OneFIT Med Scleral lenses.
We had brainstorming and interactive discussions with the guest Speakers on the fitting aspects of these specialty lenses in different case scenarios.
We had a “LIVE fitting demonstration of the Specialty Contact Lenses “on two of our patients who gave their consent to participate in the workshop.
Also, Silver line Laboratories have come upon and agreed to waive the lens cost for those 2 deserving patients who participated in the LIVE demo fitting.
As a part of their support, they have contributed the “Onefit MED Scleral lens trial set to our Contact Lens Clinic “for encouraging many more lens fits.
All the participants received the participation certificates at the end of the workshop. Overall, the program was successful and garnered lots of positive remarks such as a “well-organized event and gain of good knowledge about the specialty lenses and suggestions to conduct more such Workshops in the future.”
The entire contact lens team, led by Ms. Madhumathi, including Ms. Karpaagavalli, Ms. Manju, Ms. Akshaya Balakrishnan, Mr. Ronit Dutta, Ms. Varsha Harinya, Ms. Flora Fathima Mary, and Ms. Glady, helped us from the flyer preparation to the patient’s coordination, and their efforts and active participation were instrumental in the workshop’s success. We thank Mr. Abdul Majid, Ms. Juliet, and Ms. Malliga for lending a hand during the workshop and taking care of the clinic.
Sankara Nethralaya Wins the Global Digital Health Innovation Awards 2022.
We heartily congratulate the IT dept on their contributions towards making eyecare accessible for our patients in remote locations. Your teamwork and dedication is the heart of this recognition.
We especially thank and appreciate Dr R. R. Sudhir, Head of EMR Development and Implementation, and Ms. Geetha N., Manager, Dept of IT & Systems – IT Development, for their innovative and nurturing leadership, and everyone in the IT dept. for their diligence and dedication.
Congratulations on being the Fellows of the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO)
The Sankara Nethralaya family finds pleasure in congratulating Ms. Najiya Sundus K. Meethal (under the scientific category), Ms. Akshaya C. Balakrishnan, and Mr. Ronit Dutta (under the clinical category) for successfully earning the distinction of Fellowship in the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO) designation. The prestigious tags were announced during the Academy’s 100th annual meeting that happened in San Diego, CA.
We are honored to witness your achievement, which is a reflection of your perseverance and commitment to enriching your education and/or research interests. Hearty congratulations once again!
TSNA Successfully Conducts the 18th Batch Of CPHIC Contact Classes
The Certificate Program in Hospital Infection Control (CPHIC) was initiated in 2013 and over 600 participants from 17 batches have benefitted from this course. TSNA conducted the 18th batch of CPHIC contact classes from 12th October till 15th October 2022 at Jayasree Venkatraman Auditorium, 6th Floor, JKCN Campus. Twenty eight different sessions were conducted over 4 days by 22 eminent faculty members in the field of Microbiology and Hospital Infection Control.
The four day program was awarded 30 CME credit points by The Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University. Some noteworthy topics specifically pertaining to HIC including – Best Practices in Specimen Collection, MDRO and the Role of Infection Control, Implementation of Antibiotic Policy and Antimicrobial Stewardship in the Hospitals, Occupational Health and Infection Control, Hospital Outbreak Management, Surveillance Program, HIV, HBV, HCV and Healthcare Acquired Viral Infections, the Operation Theatre Issues in Infection Control and Prevention in Various Clinical Settings including Surgical Site, CAUTI, VAE, VAP, CLABSI, NICU, PICU, PD & HD, Neoplastic Diseases and Solid Organ Transplants.
The 22 faculties include many stalwarts in the field of Microbiology – Dr. Mary Jesudasan (Former HOD, Microbiology, CMC), Dr. Banerjee Jesudasan (Surgeon, CMC), Dr. Hema Paul (HICC Officer, CMC), Dr. Rajalakshmi (Senior Consultant, HIC KIMS, Trivandrum), Dr. J. Jayalakshmi (Prof. & HOD – Microbiology, KMCH Coimbatore), Dr. Shobana (Senior Consultant, Dept. of Neonatology, Rainbow Hospital, Chennai). Dr. Padma Srikanth (Prof, Dept. of Microbiology, SRMC), Dr. Ranganathan N Iyer (HOD-Microbiology, Gleneagles Global Hospital, Hyderabad). Dr. Anusha Rohit (HOD-Microbiology, MMM Hospital), Dr. V.R. Yamunadevi (HIC Apollo Hospitals, Chennai), and Dr. A.R. Anand (SN).
The Program was conducted in hybrid mode and 22 participants attended in person. The participants in attendance were mostly microbiologists and infection control nurses (ICN). The participants visited the OT & Lab on the concluding day. After four days of intense teaching sessions, the participants took part in a fun quiz program based on the four day topics, for which prizes was sponsored by M/s. Schulke India Pvt. Ltd.
The participant feedback was excellent with the average participant feedback for the program ranging from 4.0 – 4.8
TSNA students win laurels in 3rd International IVI Conference
The 3rd IVI International Optometry Conference on the Theme: “Of Eye Health in a Changing World” was held at the IIT – Madras Research Park, Taramani Campus from 13th to 15th October 2022 in hybrid mode. A total of 13 abstracts were submitted from TSNA in the scientific session.
There was a tie- breaker between two of TSNA’s M. Optom., 2nd year students, Ms. Indira Rengarajan and Ms. Shagufa Behlim, who won the Best paper presentation under the category of Low Vision and Rehabilitation. Ms. Sowmya V K, won the best paper award under the category: “Spectacle Dispensing Trends.” Dr. Anuja R Singh won the best paper under the education category for her work on “Assessment Methods in Optometry Education.”
TSNA Students were the backbone of the organizing Committee as six of the Fellowship Students took part as volunteers for the 3 day event, winning praises and appreciation for their services rendered.
TSNA students win laurels in the Continuing Medical Education on Good Clinical Laboratory Practices
The Department of Biochemistry and Medical Education, Unit of Sri Venkateshwaraa Medical College Hospital and Research Centre – Pondicherry, conducted a Continuing Medical education (CME) programme on “GOOD CLINICAL LABORATORY PRACTICES (GCLP)” on October 10th 2022.
UG and PG students, Faculties and technicians from various medical colleges participated in the one day programme.
Various useful topics pertaining to clinical practice like Lab Errors, Risk Assessment, Biomedical Waste Management was taught by eminent faculties from various institutes.
The event had competitive events like QUIZ, POSTER PRESENTATION and fun games like RANGOLI was conducted for the participating college students.
There were totally 10 participants (BSc & MSc MLT) from The Sankara Nethralaya Academy (TSNA) and they were accompanied by a faculty member.
The UG & PG Students of TSNA participated in quiz competition. There were totally 10 teams from various famous & prestigious medical colleges like JIPMER, IGMCRI, MGMCRI, SMVMCH, and Empire College, Kerala.
Our Students from TSNA, Mr. Rajesh, S MSc MLT Student, along with Ms. Snekha and Mr. Dhayalan, second year BSc MLT Students, won first prize in Quiz Competition.
Quiz winners were appreciated and awarded with textbooks pertaining to subjects in MLT.
Congratulations to all the winners!
Sankara Nethralaya Orange Vision Centre Arrives at Valasaravakkam
The Sankara Nethralaya Orange Vision Centre in Valasaravakkam, was inaugurated on Vijayadashami, 05 October 2022. The Orange Vision Centre was launched with the support of Rotary Club of Chennai IT City, and the Rotary Foundation for the benefit of the residents of Valasaravakkam and surrounding neighbourhoods. The Gopalasamy Family Charitable Trust, which is based out of the USA, has munificently contributed towards the Orange Vision Centre. The Orange Vision project covering South and North India was conceived by the Rotary Club of IT City to bring affordable eye examination to every nook and corner of India.
Present at the simple inauguration were Chief Guest, Ms. Rajalakshmi Gopalaswamy, Gopalasamy Family Charitable Trust, who inaugurated the premises. Dr. S. V. Chandra Kumar, Project Director, TN Blindness Control Society, RTN Radha Srinivasan, Rtn Dr. Senthilnathan – President of IT City, Mr. Aravind Parthasarathy, Mr. G. P. Sarathy, Rtn PDG Muthu Palaniyyappan, and other distinguished members of Rotary Club took part in the inaugural function.
Dr. Girish S. Rao, President, Sankara Nethralaya, Dr. N. Anuradha, Principal, Elite School of Optometry, Dr Sripriya Krishnamoorthy, Senior Consultant, Mr. Suresh Kumar, General Manager, Administration & Operations, from Sankara Nethralaya were present to offer their felicitations and support at this event.
The Sankara Nethralaya Orange Vision Centre offers Comprehensive Eye Examinations at New #10, Old #69 Thiruvallur Street, Valasaravakkam, Chennai – 600087 between 9 am to 5pm. (Sunday Holiday). Call 044- 3501 0071 | 35010072 to book your appointments.
Refresher course on Infection Control
The Sankara Nethralaya Academy conducted a one day refresher course on Infection Control in association with Schulke, India on 09th September 2022 with 15 nurses from Hindu Mission Hospital Chennai participating in the program. The course was conducted at The Sankara Nethralaya Academy, Dr.V.G.Appukutty campus. There were 4 sessions on aspects of Hospital Infection Control. The sessions started at 10 am with a talk on “Overview of Hospital Acquired Infections” by Ms. Lydia Annie. J – Nursing Superintendent, followed by another session on “Standard Precautions” by Ms. Vijaya Lakshmi Saravanan – Deputy Manager – Nursing. Ms. Yamuna Jaishankar – Nursing Educator, conducted a lively talk on “Safe Infusion & Injection Practices” and Ms. Allu Mounika, lecturer, TSNA conducted a interactive session on “Recent Advances in Nursing”. The session concluded with certificate distribution to the participating candidates. The one day program was well received with all the nurses giving appreciative feedback for their enhanced knowledge and information.
The Third Dr. Rajeswari Mahadevan Memorial Scientific Session
Dr. Rajeswari Mahadevan is a name that is etched in the field of contact lens practice in India. Fondly remembered as Dr. Raji, with two decades of experience in the field of contact lens (CL) and international acclaim, she had been a trendsetter in various innovations in CL practice and specialty CL practice in India. In her fond memory, Sankara Nethralaya initiated “Dr. Rajeswari Mahadevan Memorial Contact Lens Oration” on her birthday, September 9 since 2020.
On September 9, 2022, the third Dr. Rajeswari Mahadevan Memorial Scientific Session took place virtually and featured keynote addresses and research presentations in the area of contact lenses. This time, we had eminent national and international speakers addressing on Scleral Lens Practice in India by Optom Prasad Sawant, Sawant optometry clinic, Case-based approach in Scleral Lens Fitting by Dr. Maria Walker, University of Houston, Contact lens solutions and materials: concepts to minimize Contact Lens Discomfort (CLD) by Dr. Lakshman Subbaraman, Associate Director, Alcon and Eye Print PRO -Impression technology in Scleral lens by Prof Christine Sindt, University of Iowa. The response and the feedback that was received for each talk were remarkable.
There were oral scientific presentations, e-posters, and scientific reviews presented by many delegates from across the country. Apart from the contests on photo/video, a quiz on contact lens for the optometry students was initiated for the first time. Judges from India and abroad including Dr. Anitha Arvind, Dr. Rashima A, Dr. Pradipto Bhattacharya, Dr. Jaya Sownjanya Reddy, Optometrist Irene Sophia, and Optometrist Jothibalaji evaluated the entries. The event was attended by the President of the Medical Research Foundation Dr. Girish S. Rao, Dr. N. Anuradha, Principal of Elite School of Optometry and Dr. A Rashima, Head of Occupational Optometry services, Optom S Madhumathi, In charge of the Contact Lens at Sankara Nethralaya and the entire department of the contact lens.
Cash prizes were announced to the award winners in each category and the details of the winners are listed below
| Award winners | |
| Quiz Team | Manipal college of health Professionals |
| MS Nirmal Ghalley | |
| Mr Kareem S | |
| Ms Rinzin Wangmo | |
| Photography | Mr.Vigneshwar A G M.Optom,Elite School of Optometry,SASTRA university |
| Scientific Article Review | Mr.Krishna Shah (M.Optom, The Sankara Nethralaya Academy, MGR university) |
| E-Poster | Ms. Karpagavalli S (Senior Optometrist-Dept.of Contact Lens, Sankara Nethralaya) |
| Oral Presentation | Ms.Vanessa Barnes (Contact Lens Fellow, The Sankara Nethralaya Academy) |
A brief on the Department of Contact Lens
During the Years 2020-2022
- Seen nearly 15,000 cases, including Specialty contact lens cases,
- Trained about 5 Fellowship students and 8 Postgraduates from the department of Contact lenses.
- About 10 peer-reviewed journal publications
- 3 optometrists Received FIACLE status (Fellowship in the International Association for Contact Lens Educators)
- Received Prestigious IACLE Travel Award – 2022