Sankara Nethralaya News
The Sankara Nethralaya Academy Hosts 2nd Datacon 2022
The Sankara Nethralaya Academy hosted a two-day conference on Healthcare Data Analytics on 27th and 28th of August 2022 in hybrid mode. The conference was held in partnership with the International Association for Healthcare Data Analytics. The theme of the conference was Healthcare Data science for improving quality, safety and research. The Consortium of Accredited Health care Organisation (CAHO), Schulke, and Maithree – a NGO for special children were co-sponsors of the event.
The pre-conference symposium was conducted at The Sankara Nethralaya Academy, Dr. V. G. Appukutty campus, Guindy on 27th August 2022. There were two tracks- one for students and beginners and another for Healthcare professionals. The pre-conference workshops were attended by more than 75 participants in virtual and in person mode.
The Chief Guest, Dr. Thennarasu Maruthamuthu, M.Sc, PGDBS, Ph.D., lit the lamp and inaugurated the proceedings in the presence of Dr. Anuja R. Singh, Principal and HOD, G. Senthilkumar, Asst. Professor – Management Studies, TSNA, Dr. V. V. Jaichandran, Department of Anesthesiology, and the organizing committee of the symposium.
For students and beginners, there were basic to advanced topics – including Statistical Overview, Data Preparation via SPSS Software, Data Management and Transformation, Sample Size Calculation, Reliability and Validity Test, Correlation and Regression Analysis, General Linear Model and Log Linear Model etc.
For the healthcare professionals, topics such as Introduction to Survey on Patient Safety Tools, AHRQ Survey Tools, Data Collection Methodology, Data Accreditation and Standards, Internal and External Benchmarking Standards, Score Card, Dashboard and Story Board by Using Tableau and Power BI Business Intelligence Software were explored.
On Day 2 of the conference, there were three sessions on aspects of quality, safety and research. The sessions started at 8.30 am with the theme of Role of Data Analytics in Healthcare Quality Management. Eminent healthcare quality experts like Mr Arun Govind, Ms Dalia Kozhaya, Mr Thom Dammrich and Dr Thennarasu spoke on topics such as Using Data in Business and Healthcare, Strengthening Data Collection and Use for Healthcare Quality Improvement, Continuous Quality Improvement and Reduce Variability in Healthcare Quality Competencies.
The conference was inaugurated by Dr Girish S Rao, President. The Chief guest Dr Ravanan R., Director of Collegiate Education and Retd. Principal, Presidency College, the Guest of Honour, Dr. Jothi Kumar R, Dean of Faculty, Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology and Special Guest Dr P. Venkatesan, Senior Deputy Director (Retd.) conveyed their good wishes for the conference and stressed on the need for a data driven culture.
The 2nd session was themed on Improving Patient Safety through Visual Analytics and Data Science. Mr. Johnievic Valdez, Ms. Marwa Noureldein, Dr. Manjusha Dhule and Dr. V V Jaichandran gave insightful talks on the role of artificial intelligence on patient safety, risk management in healthcare, how to visualize, analyze and predict patient waiting time using graphical tools and developing a data driven culture. The talks were insightful and well received by the participants.
The third and concluding session focussed on use of statistics and software in medical and health research. Leading ophthalmologists, Dr Rajeev Raman and Dr R R Sudhir spoke on the use of big data analytics in healthcare research and transformation of data into information and knowledge, while Dr. Mani Bhaskaran lent his know-how as a moderator on one of the sessions. Dr. Venkatesan P., retired senior scientist from ICMR spoke on survival analysis in public health research. Dr. Sendaresan Raman gave an interesting talk on transforming healthcare with artificial intelligence and machine learning. The event ended with a question-and-answer session in which the audience pontificated enthusiastically.
Mr. G. Senthilkumar, Assistant Professor (TSNA) and Organizing Secretary, gave the vote of thanks and summarizing the valuable information shared during the two-day summit. Around 110 participants attended the conference while more than 75 people joined virtually.
Sankara Nethralaya (KBSN), Rajarhat, Kolkata launches Vision Enhancement Clinic
On 27th August 2022, the Sankara Nethralaya Vision Enhancement Clinic (VEC) was inaugurated at Sankara Nethralaya (KBSN), Newtown, Kolkata. The VEC utilizes the functional ability of an impaired individual to improve their quality of life. It was launched in the distinguished presence of Dr. Girish S. Rao, President, Dr. Manoj Datta, Ms. Sudha Mohan, Senior Manager – HR, Ms.Payel Das Ghatak, HOD- General Optometry, Mr. Venkataramanan Ramasethu, Manager – General Optometry, Ms. Bony Das- Administrative- incharge, Mr. Anik Sarkar and Ms. Pousali Pattanayak, Optometrists.
The VEC is committed to advocate and provide services to the needy, so as to improve their visual skills and abilities using their residual vision. Once the patient has been identified and referred, a team of rehabilitation professionals will provide therapy to these patients with visual impairments to improve their functioning level in their day to day activities.
SN Doorstep Eye care for Elders and Differently Abled (SN DEED)
India’s 75th Independence Day, 15th August 2022, marks the auspicious occasion of the inauguration of the Sankara Nethralaya Doorstep Eye care for Elderly and Differently-abled (SN DEED) inaugurated by Dr. Ravi, Retd DGP, in the presence of Dr. T. S. Surendran, Vice Chairman and Director of Pediatric Ophthalmology Sankara Nethralaya under the guidance of Dr. R. Krishnakumar, Freelance Optometrist and Visiting Faculty, Sankara Nethralaya by the Optometry Department of SN.
Eye disease and visual impairment are frequently encountered in the elderly population. Visual impairment may be associated with social and functional decline, use of community support services, depression, falls, nursing home placement and increased mortality. With the elderly population increasing in India, it is important to enhance our eye care services to the elderly. Experiences have shown that senior citizens find it difficult to visit eye care centers to access eye care services because of their dependency on others. Therefore, Sankara Nethralaya’s DEED initiative to offer eye care services at the homes of the elderly will reach those who are in need of this service. Through this initiative, those who need further care at the hospital premises can be helped through Fast Track channel.
Sankara Nethralaya’s DEED eye examination includes:
Detailed History taking ocular and systemic illness including FALLS
Vision check
Lensometry (Glass power check)
Refraction (Eye power check)
Extra ocular Movement
Pupillary Examination
Intra Ocular pressure (Eye pressure check using Tonopen)
Anterior Segment evaluation (Hand held slit lamp Biomicroscope)
Posterior segment (retina) evaluation (using Non Mydriatic Fundus camera)
Counselling
Management
Glass prescription
Optical dispensing
Teleconsultation
Referral
Voice of patient
Patient Name Saroja Raman (83 years old)
“Felt we were in the hospital with all the procedures done in detail. Wish this project reaches to public and serves all elders”
If a patient requires further intervention from Ophthalmologists- the SN DEED coordinator will facilitate a tele consultation with an ophthalmologist or appointment will be scheduled at hospital.
For appointment with SN DEED (Eye care at home for your beloved elders and /or Differently abled family members kindly contact the Coordinator Contact
Phone No: 9380240750 (9 am to 5.00pm)
Dr. Amrutha Mahalakshmi Endowment Award established for Best Cornea Fellow
On 30th July 2022, the very first Dr. Amrutha Mahalakshmi Endowment Award for Best Cornea Fellow in memory of Late Dr. Amrutha Mahalakshmi was instituted by the CJ Shah Department of Cornea Services on her 33rd birth anniversary. The budding ophthalmologist had just completed her fellowship in the CJ Shah Department of Cornea Services when tragedy struck.
The family of Dr. Amrutha magnanimously came forward to name an award in their daughter’s name within the Cornea department. The small ceremony – held at A. Sivasilam block, JKCN – was compered by Dr. Meena Lakshmipathy, Senior Consultant. Dr. Amrutha’s parents – Mr. & Mrs. Anandan, Dr. Suryaprakash (Vishnu Eye Clinic), Dr. Murali, and her husband, Mr. Teja were present on the occasion.
Dr. Girish S. Rao, President, Dr. T. S. Surendran, Vice Chairman & Director, Dept. of Pediatric Ophthalmology, Dr. Prema Padmanabhan, Distinguished Senior Consultant, Dr. Rama Rajagopal, Director, Dr. Radhika N., Deputy Director, Dept. of Cornea Services, and all consultants were present to pay homage to their beloved colleague. Dr. Girish S. Rao presented Mr. and Mrs. Anandan with a bouquet, and Dr Pramod Bhende presented Dr. Amrutha’s husband with a memento.
Dr. Rama Rajagopal introduced the award and recollected Dr. Amrutha’s legacy. The 6 fellows competing for the award were all excellent and the decision to choose the winner was a tough one, said Dr. Rama.
Dr. Prema Padmanabhan came on stage and thanked the parents for helping to set up the award and praised the performance of all 6 fellows. Dr. Radhika N., recollected that Dr. Amrutha was soft-spoken and super confident though she was petite and said she was one of best fellows in the department. Dr. Geetha Iyer, Dr. Niveditha Narayanan, and Dr. Meena Lakshmipathy too spoke fondly of the late fellow and shared their memories of the young ophthalmologist.
Her family shared memories of their beloved daughter and niece. Dr. R. Surya Prakash, her uncle, shared memories of his niece, remembering her dedication and hard working spirit. Mr. Teja also thanked everyone for sharing their thoughts of his wife.
Dr. T. S. Surendran and Dr. Girish S. Rao expressed their thanks to the family of the late Dr. Amrutha.
The awards were then distributed.
Dr.Sunita Pandey received the “Dr. Amrutha Mahalakshmi Endowment Award” for the Best Outgoing Fellow from Mr. and Mrs. Anandan, and Dr. Prema Padmanabhan. Dr. Swetha Ravichandran won “The Outstanding Fellow” award presented by Dr. Rama Rajagopal and Dr. Radhika N.
The other candidates received their fellowship completion awards in this ceremony:
Dr. Nimisha Nagpal received her award from Dr. Bhaskar Srinivasan and Dr. Mamta Agarwal.
Dr. Nikhil Navneet received the award from Dr. Geetha Iyer and Dr. Niveditha Narayanan.
Dr. Varsha Bhambhani received the award from Dr. Meena Lakshmipathy and Dr. Shweta S Agarwal.
Dr. Karan Nathani who was on duty at Kolkata, was also to receive this award.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Shweta Agarwal.
Dr. V. V. Jaichandran, Dept. of Anesthesiology, Receives BEST INNOVATION’22 Award
Dr. V. V. Jaichandran, Deputy Director, Dept. of Anesthesiology, won the Best Innovation’22 prize for his innovation, “Real-time view Mannequin for Practicing Needle blocks,” developed along with the Department of Electrical Engineering, IIT-M, Chennai at the 14th International Congress of Anesthesiologists – South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation – Association for Anesthesiologists (SAARC AA 2022). The Congress was held in Mumbai from 12th – 14th, August 2022.
Seeing through the ‘Eyes of the blind’
It’s practically impossible to imagine how a blind person struggles in day to day life. We can have a glimpse of it if we close our eyes for 10 seconds and feel the experience. Way back in 2000, our beloved Chief Dr. S.S. Badrinath conceived this idea of curing preventable blindness in a way no one could have ever thought of. There is a considerable poor population in our country who don’t have any accessibility to health care facilities especially eye care. Their poor eyesight makes them completely dependent on others for their survival, and they have to compromise on their self-esteem day in and day out. He thought of an idea in reaching out to these people at their doorstep and giving them an independent life.
It took almost 12 years for implementing this herculean task in collaboration with IIT Madras and that’s how the Mobile Eye Surgical Unit (MESU) was born. There have been lots of ups and downs in its journey, and one of the biggest challenge was acceptance by the society. As any new idea takes a lot of time and effort to harmonize itself with the society, so did MESU.
It was February 2015. when I became a part of this project and would like to share my experience here. Many people used to ask me why can’t we screen the patients and bring them to the base hospital for surgeries like other hospitals do. So actually what is the main purpose of MESU? Let me tell you that for any patient who goes to the base hospital post screening, there is a minimum stay of 3 days and the hassle of commuting. Patients who are daily wage workers suffer financial loss also. Also, there should be someone to accompany them. This discourages a lot of patients and they postpone the surgery to a later date specially handicap patients, elderly, daily wage workers and women, which complicates their condition even more. Here in MESU, post screening they come next day morning for surgery and within 2 hours they are back home. Most importantly, all the patients are operated by senior consultants and not trainees, so the chances of complications are almost nil. Not only that, we examine the patients post operatively at the camp site itself the very next day and a week later also and free glasses are dispensed to them after a month. All the services are provided right at their doorstep totally free of cost. So patients find this setup very convenient and encourage others to come for surgery at MESU. Till date, we have operated 20,119 eyes including both in Chennai and Jharkhand units and out of these almost 20 percent of patients were handicap and nearly 70 percent elderly. Patients wait for us to come to the same venue for the second eye surgery and avoid going elsewhere. We do face challenges at various fronts, but it gives immense solace and satisfaction, when we see someone living an independent life.
I feel service is not only through your wallets, but you have to give a part of yourself also. I would like to conclude with the famous words of American President John F. Kennedy “ASK NOT WHAT GOD CAN DO FOR YOU. ASK WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR GOD”.
DR GAJENDRA KUMAR VERMA
Giving Smart Vision to the Visually Impaired
Sankara Nethralaya in collaboration with Vision Aid, an international NGO working for the welfare of the visually impaired and the US based NGO, Trees for Life India, distributed 20 Smart Vision Glasses in the type of a Spectacle, for the Visually Impaired on 25th June 2022 at Sankara Nethralaya Main facility. Vision-Aid is a long-term partner with Sankara Nethralaya, collaborating on various vision rehabilitation programs including the programs and also skill development programs by the Vision Enhancement Clinic (VEC) at Sankara Nethralaya’s Shenoy Nagar campus.
The Smart Vision devices were presented to twenty visually impaired beneficiaries who are patients of the Low Vision Care Clinic (LVC) and VEC. The Smart Vision Glasses is an assistive device for the Visually Impaired and the blind. The device uses the latest technologies in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Machine Vision to facilitate smooth execution of daily living tasks and enables the visually impaired to become aware of their surroundings, read a book in many Indian languages known to them, and provides walking assistance, etc.
The Chief Guest at the event was Mr. C. Govindakrishnan, the founder of Nethrodaya, also a visually impaired person. He spoke about his childhood spent visiting Sankara Nethralaya and his struggles through every step of his schooling, college education and onwards. He expressed his gratitude towards his family and SN family for being there every step of his journey.
The event for the distribution of the Smart Vision Glasses was graced by Mr VL Narasimhan, Voluntary Member Secretary, Mr Vijay Francis, Program Director, Ms Gargee Dutta, National Program Manager, and Ms Vineetha, Head of Training from Vision Aid India. Mr Ibrahim represented Mr. Ramu Muthangi, CEO of SHG Technologies and gave a brief introduction of the Smart Vision Devices. Dr Rashima A, Head of VEC briefed on the services offered at the Shenoy Nagar campus.
Several of the beneficiaries shared their experiences and thanked SN, LVC, and VEC for their unstinting support and hard work for the visually impaired community. Ms. Gayathri who has completed her B. ED has been coming to Vision Enhancement Clinic since she was 4 years old. Mr. S. H. Rao was a recent visitor to the VEC and spoke enthusiastically of the tireless efforts of all the staff who had helped him conquer his disability.
Dr. Girish S. Rao, President, Medical Research Foundation, and Mr. C. Govindarajan distributed the smart vision devices to the beneficiaries. Also present to encourage the beneficiaries were Lion. Harinarayanan, Dr. Anuradha N., Principal of Elite School of Optometry, and Dr. Anuja Singh, Principal of The Sankara Nethralaya Academy.
Proclamation to Sankara Nethralaya, Indra Nooyi
New York Mayor Proclamation to Sankara Nethralaya USA – Special Guest, Indra Nooyi – Sudha Ragunathan’s concert, raised $227,500.
Sankara Nethralaya USA organized Padma Bhsuhan Dr. Suda Ragunathan’s carnatic music concert in Hindu Temple Society of North America on June 19th, 2022, was a grand success. Dr. Suda Ragunathan shared her experiences with Sankara Nethralaya to a full house. Dr. Suda Ragunathan enthralled audience with popular Carnatic music songs.
Global legend Padma Bhushan awardee, Indian American Business Entrepreneur & former CEO of PepsiCo, Indra Nooyi was the Keynote speaker. When Indraji was speaking huge response was received from the audience. She spoke highly about the organization, appealed the audience to open the wallet and donate generously to the noble cause to restore the vision to indigent blind patients.
Consulate General of India New York, Honorable Randhir Jaiswal is the Special Guest.
Proclamation from the Office of the Mayor City of New York – making June 19th is Sankara Nethralaya Day was presented to President Bala Reddy Indurti. He spoke about the history of Sankara Nethralaya and founders Padma Bhushan Dr. SS Badrinath and USA chapter Founder Sri SV Acharya. When he mentioned about recent 1 crore Rs from Smt Madu Gulati, who donated in memory of her parents-in-law, he received roaring response from the audience.
Mr. Dilip Chauhan, Assistant commissioner for international affairs, is a guest of honor to the NY concert who was instrumental in procuring the proclamation for Sankara Nethralaya.
Sankara Nethralaya New York chapter Board of Trustee (BOT) Dr. Raj Modi organized the event with the help of President Bala Reddy Indurti, Vice President Mr. Moorthy Rekapalli, Secretary Mr. Srinivas Ganagoni, and Board of Tustees Shankar Setty, and Sowmia Naarayan. Dr. Raj Modi and his wife Neelam Modi worked tirelessly to conduct this program successfully.
Thanks are due to Sowmia Narayan, Kamalakiran Vinjamuri, and Akshay Anantapadmanabhan for providing excellent music to back-to-back Suda Ragunathan’s concerts.
Thanks are due to the volunteers: Dr. Raj Modi’s wife Neelam Modi and his daughter Aparna Modi.
Thanks are due to the volunteers: Shankar Setty’s wife Sadhana, his daughter Shreekrutha and his Son in law Gigio Ninan.
Thanks are due to the volunteers: Dr Urmila Shivram, Ananda Iyar, Murli Iyar, Rahul Iyar, Pavithra Sundar, Meenu Sawhany, Anju Sharma, Sanjoo Sharma, Nilima Madan, Lalitha Sankaran, Chitra, Gina Shekhar, Shuba Rajgopal, Divya Shah, Sadhana Shankar, Sweekrutha Shankar, Gigio Ninan, Prameela Gopu, and Garikapati Seeta.
Thanks are due to media partners: Mana TV, TV Asia, Sakshi TV, TV5, US1, TeluguOne, GNN, and Singapore TV for promoting the mission of Sankara Nethralaya.
Thanks are due to Chennai team Mr. Theagarajan, Mr. Suresh Kumar, Mr. Deena Dayal for providing beautiful flyers and promoting the event for Morrisville PA and New York events.
We have raised $227,500.00 (Two hundred twenty-seven thousand and five hundred dollars) to restore the vision to 3,500 indigent blind patients in India.
MESU and Brand Ambassadors video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgp8Lu0gnuk
Recent activities and developments in Sankara Nethralaya in other parts of the world:
- Shri S. V. Acharya, President Emeritus, SNUSA was honored with the A Shama Rao Memorial Outstanding Achievers Award 2022 on Friday May 27 at the Srinivas University Mukka campus in Mangalore, India.
- Mr. Selva Jayaraman, Mrs. Leela Krishnamurthy, Mr. Anand Dasari, and Mr. Ravi Maraka sponsored Adopt-A-Village MESU 11-day programs successfully in their respective villages.
- For the second year in a row, Newsweek magazine has named Sankara Nethralaya as one of the best 100 hospitals in the world. Our fund-raising arm in US, Sankara Nethralaya USA was given the highest rating of four stars for the third year in a row by Charity Navigator.
- Our Newark Delaware team organized Padma Bhushan Dr. Sudha Raghunathan concert in Morrisville, PA in coordination with Chinmaya mission.
While we appreciate your support for the past four decades, we seek your continued support. You may donate your tax-deductible contributions by credit card or by check.
For more details and donations, please visit www.SankaraNethralayaUSA.org
Sankara Nethralaya (SN) is a non-profit charity organization providing ophthalmic(eye) care to millions of patients throughout India for the last four decades. Nethralaya also provides ophthalmic education and India-centric research. To support the mission of Sankara Nethralaya, Sankara Nethralaya USA was established back in 1988.
The main goal of the Trust creation was to have the NRIs support and contribute to the Noble cause. Sankara Nethralaya USA is one of the trusted and well-respected charity organizations in the USA. The Trust also received Charity Navigator’s “Four Stars” highest rating for maintaining financial accountability and fiscal transparency for funds donated by donors and how they are utilized towards the stated cause.
On an average, Sankara Nethralaya treats 3,000 outpatients and performs 300 surgeries/day almost half of them free on poor patients. Our two Mobile Surgical Units (operation theatres on wheels – only one of its kind in Asia) have so far screened 110,761 patients and performed 20,407 surgeries in the remote villages of India.
Program was concluded with New York Board of Trustee Dr. Raj Modi’s vote of thanks.
Please visit www.SankaraNethralayaUSA.org for more details.
To read the article on Great Andhra.com, please click here:-
https://www.greatandhra.com/articles/special-articles/proclamation-to-sankara-nethralaya-indra-nooyi-122109
To read the article on NRI Pulse.com, please click here:-
https://nripulse.com/nyc-mayor-proclaims-june-19-sankara-nethralaya-day-indra-nooyi-keynotes-event/
Sankara Nethralaya Deeply Mourns Smt. Kausalya Appukutty
Smt. Kausalya Appukutty, (85 years), Trustee, SWAN (SN Women’s Auxillary Wing) had attained her heavenly abode on 19-06-2022 at 10:50 am. Actively supporting her husband Dr. Appu Kutty, who had stood steadfast with Dr. S.S. Badrinath’s passionate mission to help the ‘Blind See’ since its inception.
From passionately involving in the growth of SWAN, her volunteering initiatives, selfless community services and the donation of Dr. V. G. Appukutty campus in Guindy were some of her humanitarian services that speak laurels of her innate nature. Donating her eyes to Sankara Nethralaya had again proved her philanthropic nature. Her core nature of generosity, meticulousness, punctuality, kindness, dedication and gratitude had truly reflected the values and ideals nurtured by Sankara Nethralaya’s visionary leadership of Dr. S.S.Badrinath.
We, the family of Sankara Nethralaya would always remember her untiring efforts and sincerely pray to the Almighty for her noble soul to attain Mukthi!
Mr. Asif Iqbal, Senior Optometrist, Department of Contact Lens wins IACLE Travel Award 2022 (International category).
International Association of Contact Lens Educators (IACLE) Travel Awards is an annual award, enables IACLE educator members to travel national, regional, or international contact lens meetings.
For this award the educators have to demonstrate their commitment to IACLE, utilization of its resources, programs and events, as well as the impact they have had on their institutions and students. The applicants also have to describe their achievements in contact lens education and also how they would apply the information gained in their teaching.
We are proud to announce that Mr. Asif Iqbal, Senior Optometrist, Department of Contact Lens, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, have bagged the IACLE Travel Award 2022 (International category). Mr Asif will receive a bursary up to US$3000 towards the cost of attending conference and a certificate to mark the award. The award will be presented at the American Academy of Optometry meeting in San Diego, USA (October 26-29) during the International Reception.
Sankara Nethralaya family congratulates Mr. Asif iqbal for making SN proud.