December 2024
Sankara Nethralaya, Optometry Confederation of India Release Guidelines on the Importance of Visual Health in the Digital Age
Medical Research Foundation’s Occupational Optometry Services, in collaboration with the Optometry Confederation of India, released a comprehensive guidelines to Improving Visual Health in the Digital Age at Sankara Nethralaya’s Padma Bhushan Dr. SS Badrinath Campus, Chennai on Saturday.
The event commenced with a warm welcome address by Dr. Rashima, Head of Occupational Optometry Services, followed by a brief introduction to the guidelines by Dr. Lakshmi Shinde. Dr. Shinde emphasized that the inspiration behind the initiative stemmed from the pressing need to address myopia among adults, particularly in an era dominated by digital screens.
The guidelines was officially released by the Chief Guest, Mr. S. Ramadorai, former CEO of Tata Consultancy Services and Chairman of Kalakshetra Foundation. The first copy was presented to Mr. P. P. Santhanam, widely regarded as the father of Occupational Optometry. Dr. T. S. Surendran, Chairman of Sankara Nethralaya, shared a few words of admiration for Mr. Ramadorai during his welcome address. The Chief Guest was honored by Dr. Girish Shiva Rao, President of the Medical Research Foundation.
In his address, Mr. Ramadorai reflected on the legacy of Sankara Nethralaya’s founder, Dr. S. S. Badrinath, whose vision and commitment to excellence continue to guide the institution. He spoke passionately about the challenges of visual health in today’s world, citing alarming statistics: 17 million children globally suffer from uncorrected vision, and 13 million adults are affected annually. He highlighted the adverse impact of technological advancements such as e-commerce, digital content, and gaming on eye health, along with the lesser-discussed effects of climate change on visual well-being. The event concluded with a video presentation offering insights into the guideline-handbook.
The release of Improving Visual Health in the Digital Age marks a significant step in raising awareness about the critical need for eye care amidst the challenges posed by the digital era.
Download Link: https://www.sankaranethralaya.org/occupational-optometry.html
35th Institutional Award Ceremony
The 35th Institutional Award Ceremony of the Medical and Vision Research Foundation was held on December 7, 2024, at the Dr V D Swami Auditorium, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai.
Dr C Sylendra Babu, IPS (Retd), Former Director General of Police and Head of Police Force, Tamil Nadu, was the chief guest for the ceremony. Other distinguished luminaries in attendance were Dr T S Surendran, Chairman, Medical Research Foundation & Director, Pediatric Ophthalmology, Dr Smita Praveen, Director- Academics, Dr N Angayarkanni, Director- Laboratory Services, Dr A R Anand, Professor & Head, Microbiology Department, Coordinator – Vidyasagar Institute of Biomedical Technology and Sciences along with Dr Rashima Asokan, Professor – Elite School of Optometry and Dr N Anuradha, Principal – Elite School of Optometry.
During his address to the graduates, Dr C Sylendra Babu insisted on the importance of optometrists and their roles in the community. Dr N Anuradha and Dr A R Anand presented the academic reports of Elite School of Optometry and Vidyasagar Institute of Biomedical Technology and Sciences (VIBS) respectively. The event brought together proud parents and professionals of the institution for the much awaited ceremony.
On the day of the ceremony, 5 PhD scholars, 5 post graduates and 28 undergraduates of Optometry received their honors in addition to the best students of the first, second and third year of optometry. Institutional awards for various ophthalmology specialties and research were also presented. Furthermore, awards for Best Optometrist, Best Research Publication and Best Research in Optometry instituted by the Elite School of Optometry Alumni Association, as well as awards for Best Junior & Senior faculty were also conferred to the recipients. ESO congratulates all the graduates and award recipients on this grand occasion!