Sankara Nethralaya News
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.
Sankara Nethralaya and Lions Club of Central Madras welcome Ms. Danielle Hormillosa, Global Grants Specialist of Lion’s Club International
Ms.Danielle Hormillosa, MPH, Global Grants Specialist, Global Grants Department, Lions Club International Foundation (LCIF), visited Sankara Nethralaya on Monday, 6th June 2022.
For over two decades, Lions Club of Central Madras, Sankara Nethralaya and Lions Club International Foundation have collaborated through the Sight First grants in the fight against avoidable blindness. Through these grants, Sankara Nethralaya has offered free cataract surgeries, diabetic retinopathy (DR), and even trained ophthalmologists from Lions’ Eye Hospital.
Ms. Danielle Hormillosa was welcomed by Lion. N. S. Sankar, Past International Director, Lion. S. V. Manickam, Dist. Governor 324M, Lion. Mohammed Naveen, First Vice Dist. Governor, Lion. M. Sridhar, Second Vice Dist. Governor, Lion.G.V.Raman Past District Governor and large number of Members of Lions Club of Central Madras, Dist 324M.
Dr. Girish Shiva Rao, Chairman, Dr. T. S. Surendran, Vice- Chairman and Director of Paediatric Ophthalmology, Dr. Rajesh P. S, Senior Consultant, in charge C. U. Shah Sankara Nethralaya & MESU, and Dr. Rajiv Raman, Senior Consultant Shri BhagwanMahavirVitreoretinal Services were also present to introduce Sankara Nethralaya and our community activities.
Mr. Suresh Kumar P., General Manager, Operations, gave the welcome address followed by a brief introduction by Past District Governor, Lion. G. V. Raman about the partnership between Lions Club of Central Madras and Sankara Nethralaya since 1998.
Dr. T. S. Surendran, Vice Chairman and Director of Paediatric Ophthalmology, spoke about Sankara Nethralaya’s journey over four decades and our various community initiatives, including Mobile Eye Surgical Unit (MESU).
Dr. Rajesh P. S., Senior Consultant, In charge- CUSSN & MESU, elaborated on the very first Sight First grant, which enabled SN to perform 10,000 nos. cost free cataract surgeries per annum utilizing the upgraded facilities and equipment.
Dr.Rajiv Raman, Senior Consultant, Dept. of Vitreo Retinal Services presented a detailed report of the LCIF -SN Dream project funded by LCIF and spoke about the usefulness and impact of the project on creating Awareness on Diabetic Retinopathy and its treatment. He also gave a brief outline of the research project on the compliance of the Diabetic Retinopathy patients for subsequent follow-up and treatment.
Thereafter, Dr. Rajiv Raman invited questions from Ms. Hormillosa and the assembled Lions members. The Grants Specialist asked insightful questions regarding the DR project and requested that any research papers be sent to the HQ after publication.
Dr. G. Suganeswari, Senior Consultant, Vitreoretinal and Oncology Services presented the Project onDiabetic Retinopathy Skill Transfer Training Program, funded by LCIF.
Twenty four ophthalmologists from Lions Eye Hospitals from various parts of India entered the two-month training program.
The project was different as it focussed on practising Ophthalmologists rather than young and freshly minted Ophthalmologists. Many found it difficult to spare their time, as the program required them to be at SN for two months.
Lion S.N.Harinarayanan,Project Coordinator was instrumental in recruiting the participants for the program.
The event closed with Lion. K. Rangarajan, Past President, Lions Club of Central Madras proposing a formal vote of thanks.
Shri S. V. Acharya Honoured with A. Shama Rao Outstanding Achiever’s Award – 2022
Shri S. V. Acharya, President Emeritus, SNUSA was honoured with the A Shama Rao Memorial Outstanding Achievers Award 2022 on Friday May 27 at the Srinivas University Mukka campus.
On receiving this high recognition for his socially responsible community activities, Shri S. V. Acharya said, “Three things should have more emphasis in life. Time, help and wealth. Give time for yourself and help who are yours when they need, earn and use your wealth to communicate on a large scale.”
The Vice President of A Shama Rao Foundation and Pro Chancellor of Srinivas University Dr. A. Srinivas Rao, was the chief guest at this momentous occasion. In his address to the gathering, he appreciated Shri Acharya, saying, “Mr. Acharya works in the financial field, but is doing social work in the USA through Sankara Nethralaya. His service is always commendable.”
Dr. C. A. A. Raghavendra Rao, Chancellor of Srinivas University and President of A Shama Rao Foundation, led the awards presentation ceremony. He observed, “The man with the sight for the vision is Shri Sagri Vasudeva Acharya. The Shakti behind him is his wife, Nirmala Acharya. Performance is only possible when you are satisfied with any task.”
Shri S. V. Acharya’s wife, Smt. Nirmala Acharya, accompanied by their son and daughter-in-law, Shri Acharya’s sister and husband were present at the occasion.
Watch here: – https://youtu.be/CqsXj5ZZbvc
Madhu Gulati donates $130,000 to Sankara Nethralaya in memory of her in-laws
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.
Sankara Nethralaya has recently received a whopping Rs. 1 crore ($130,000) donation from Madhu Gulatiji in memory of her in-laws. Her generous donation would help to care for 2000 deserving blind patients in India.
Jagdish Chander Gulati, Ms. Gulati’s husband who preferred to be addressed as JC, was born in 1938 to Bhisham Ji and Padma Vati Gulati in a town named Bannu which was part of Northwest Frontier during the Pre Independence-Era. Gulati’s were a simple Punjabi family and could trace their roots back to four generations in the same town.
JC’s father Bhishamji, born in 1906 to Manna Ram and Ganga Vati Gulati was named Bhisham because in Mahabharata Bhisham was Ganga’s son. He was the oldest of the three siblings. He was very enthusiastic about studies because he knew that hard work and education would get him somewhere in life. He did his Master of Science from The University of Punjab, Lahore in 1929 in the First Division and was appointed as Chief Engineer of All India Radio, Lahore.
While studying for his Masters, in 1927 he got married to a local Punjabi girl, Padma Vati Narula, born in 1911 to Roop Chand and Binni Vati Narula, oldest of the six siblings. She was a simple girl endowed with high values and dignity. She supported her husband in all his ventures and took care of the family and was blessed with seven children (five sons and two daughters).
In 1942, Bhisham Ji Gulati was posted to All India Radio, Madras (present day Chennai) as Chief Engineer. He moved to Madras with his family, with a heavy heart because he was leaving behind the whole clan of Gulati’s and Narula’s in Bannu where the political conditions were very unstable.
When the Migration took place in 1947 and 1948, all the Gulati’s and Narula’s moved back to India. It became a mission for Bhisham Ji and Padma Vati Gulati to make sure that each member of the extended family got settled quickly. Bhisham ji instilled in nieces and nephews his two solid principles – hard work and education is the key to success. They both sacrificed their own comforts to pay for the school and college tuition for the children of the extended families. Their home was an open house with warm, simple and nutritious food on the table for any visitor.
Bhisham Ji Gulati did so well as Chief Engineer that he was admitted as a member to The Institution of Electrical Engineers in England, UK in 1957 which was considered as a very high honor in those days. In 1958, he was posted to All India Radio, Delhi as Chief Engineer and that’s where he worked until his retirement in 1963. He passed away in 1970 leaving behind his wife Padma Vati Gulati as the head of the family and she carried on until her death in 1989. They are survived by five daughters-in-law, fourteen grand-children, twenty five great grand-children and one great grand, grand-child. All the children are doing very well in their chosen field in three countries, India, USA, and Singapore.
This donation is a humble tribute to Bhisham Ji Gulati and Padma Vati Gulati from each and every member of the Gulati and Narula Families. OM SHANTI
Both Sankara Nethralaya USA and the Sankara Nehralaya India teams, thank Ms. Madhu Gulatiji for her generous donation and shared the following appreciations.
Dr. Girish Rao, President of Sankara Nethralaya: Sincere gratitude to Madhuji for the generous donation and to Balaji for his tireless services.
Sankara Netharalaya USA Executive Committee & Board of Trustees appreciation:
S.V. Acharya, President Emeritus, Sankara Nethralaya USA: Mrs. Madhu Gulati Ji – We greatly appreciate your generous contribution of $ 130,000 for naming a floor at our Chennai hospital in memory of your late in-laws Bhishamji and Padmavati. This kind gesture of yours will go a long way in materializing our Founder Living Legend, Padmabhushan Dr. S. S. Badrinath’s vision of providing free eyesight to indigent patients and eradicating blindness in the Indian sub-continent.
Bala Reddy Indurti, President, Sankara Netharalaya USA: Dear Ms Madhuji, I am truly honored to be the receiver of your generosity $130,000 (one hundred thirty thousand US dollars) on behalf of Sankara Nethralaya to support 2000 indigent blind patients in India. “The highest of distinction is service to others” – your magnanimity & selflessness is unparalleled, and it would bring hope and ray of light into many unfortunate lives. Thank you heart fully, and I am sure your in-laws would be delighted watching from above. Glad to know you during my tenure as Sankara Nethralaya USA president. I am also very thankful to your son Vishal for supporting these noble deeds.
Moorthy Rekapalli, Vice President: Madhuji’s generous contribution will restore vision for thousands of indigent patients every year. That is a great service to humanity and nation.
Banu Ramakrishnan, Treasurer: It is really a bid donation Ms Madhuji. We the SNOM Trust family thank you for your kindness and generosity.
Prasad Rani, Jt Secretary: Great news!
Krishnaraj Bhat, Jt Treasurer: Through your donation we will be able to restore vision and provide essential vision surgery to countless people in need. You truly make the difference for us, and we are extremely grateful!
Leela Krishnamurthy, Past President: Huge Dear Madhuji and Vishal, what an extremely charity minded family our deepest gratitude to you Ms Madhuji and Vishal for identifying Sankara Nethralaya as a recipient of your huge donation. Your generous donation will restore the eyesight of 2000 patients. We are sure that you will receive the blessings of these very grateful people who have received the gift of sight Gods blessings to you and your family. With deep appreciation.
Dr. Raj Modi, BOT: Dear Madhu ji and family. Thank you very much for this very generous donation for this very important cause. Your contribution will help thousands of poor people, I assure you the amount you have donated will be used properly for the intended purpose. I have been associated with Sankara Nethralaya for the last 35 years. We really thank you and your family for this generous donation.
Srini Vangimalla, BOT: Madhuji and family, thank you for your great generosity and thoughtful donation to Sankara Nethralaya. Your support helps to further our mission of eradicating preventable blindness and providing free access to eye care in rural India.
Shankar Setty, BOT: Dear Madhu ji, your contribution speaks volumes about your values towards society, particularly the community who needs help to get their eyes fixed and your donation goes a long way!! God bless you & your family. We are very thankful!!
Upendra Rachupally, BOT: Amazing, Awesome, and motivational.
Meher Lanka, BOT: Dear Madhu ji, we are highly indebted to you and have tremendous appreciation for your magnanimous contribution to Sankara Nethralaya. Providing eyesight to the needy is indeed a very noble deed. Thank you so much, our sincere Pranams to you!
Anand Dasari, BOT: Dear Madhu ji and family, thank you for your generous contributions for the people in need. Service to humanity is service to God. May God continually bless your family with abundance of health, happiness, and wealth.
Ravi Maraka, BOT: Dear Madhuji & family, Thank you very much for your generous donation to Sankara Nethralaya. Your donation not only helps underprivileged people in India, and it also inspires many people to follow your footsteps. I am truly blessed to witness this kind of generous donation from you.
Jagannath Vedula. BOT: Thank you Balaji for sharing the inspiring news about Smt. MadhuJi. It is great to see their faith in Sankara Nethralaya and its mission. This donation will provide vision to many people in need and will stay as an icon of inspiration. Lord bless Madhuji and family with abundance and a big heart.
Piram Manickavasagam, BOT: Thanks, and may God bless in abundance for generous donation.
Shyam Appali, BOT: Thank you for your generous donation, Madhu Ji. Your donation will enable us to provide much-needed services to India’s thousands of indigent blind people. Our programs could not exist without the generosity of individuals like you. Thank you for making a difference with your donation.
Bhaskar Ganti, BOT: Dear MadhuJi, through your donation we will be able to restore vision and provide essential vision surgery to countless people in need. You truly make the difference for us, and we are extremely grateful!
Vamsi Eruvaram, BOT: Wow! Thanks, Madhuji.
To read the article on Great Andhra.com, please click here:- https://www.greatandhra.com/articles/special-articles/gulatis-donated-rs-1-crore-to-sankara-nethralaya-121175
To read the article on NRI Pulse.com, please click here:- https://nripulse.com/madhu-gulati-donates-to-sankara-nethralaya-in-honor-of-inlaws/
To read the article on Atlanta Dunia.com, please click here:- https://atlantadunia.com/Dunia/Newsdetail.aspx?q=1390
Raising Awareness during World Retinoblastoma Week
World Retinoblastoma Awareness Week was observed by the Retinoblastoma team at Sankara Nethralaya between May 8th and May 14th 2022. From arranging a press meet to setting up a white board at the entrance to the MAHYCO block for the young retinoblastoma survivors to place their hand – stamps. The Retinoblastoma team poured their hearts and souls into highlighting this curable childhood cancer, its prevention, and cure, and to spread awareness about this disease to the general public. Over 150 children with childhood eye cancers are treated by Sankara Nethralaya each year – one of the highest treatment rates in the world. This institution is also one of the few eye care facilities in India to specialise in childhood eye cancer (Retinoblastoma). Sankara Nethralaya offers cost-free treatment to the children from disadvantaged backgrounds and does not discriminate on the treatment.
Dr Charanya C, Associate Consultant, Viteoretinal services gave a short introduction, titled “Retinoblastoma – an eye opener,” focusing on the fact that fighting Retinoblastoma in children is a team effort. She explained that familial or heredity contributed to several cases, in which instance, the disease can even be prevented in the womb.
The press meet included a panel of doctors who are involved in treating children with childhood eye cancer, alongside Sankara Nethralaya’s well-experienced retinoblastoma specialists to field the questions from the press. The panel included Dr Veena Noronha, Senior Radiologist; V. R. R Scans; Dr. K. Satish Srinivas and Dr. Christopher John, Radiation Oncology, Ramachandra Medical Centre, Dr Pritam Chatterjee, and Dr. (Prof) S. Krishna Kumar, Chief Scientist, Laboratory Services – Histo Pathology Lab, among others. Dr. Lingam Gopal, Distinguished Senior Consultant and Dr. G. Suganeswari, Senior Consultant, Department of Vitreo Retinal Services were present to moderate and field questions from the press.
The panel of doctors stressed the fact that this disease was not just managed by a single ocular oncologist but many people such as a paediatrician, paediatric oncologist, an anaesthetist, a radiologist, an intervention radiologist. The priority for the Retinoblastoma team at Sankara Nethralaya is to first try and save the life of the children, the second priority is to save the eye and thirdly, save the vision, if possible.
Dr. G. Suganeswari, Senior Consultant, Vitreoretina and Oncology Services, said, “Retinoblastoma is a curable childhood cancer and it is a very common cancer in the childhood period. In India, every year, 2000 children are born with the disease, which means one in eighteen thousand children are born with a retinoblastoma and these children belong to the lower social economic strata.”
The parents find it difficult to afford the expensive and prolonged treatment. The Retinoblastoma team helps these children with the most advanced treatment for different stages of retinoblastoma, from intraocular tumours, to tumours which have already spread away from the eye (extraocular tumours), and tumours which have already spread to the organs- distant metastasis.
A few of the patients and their guardians were also present to tell their stories and contribute towards raising awareness about the disease. Two of the patients had familial retinoblastoma, while the cause of the disease was unknown (sporadic) for one patient. The families of the child survivors were very appreciative of the chance to speak about this disease and how their children were lucky to be treated cost-free as even the middle class families cannot afford the cost of lengthy treatments.
Dr. G. Suganeswari reiterated that the patients she had treated were all bright and had great futures – with the support of their families these cancer survivors could go on to achieve greater things. She also cautioned everyone present that the survivors of childhood eye cancer had to come back for regular follow-ups as they had a chance of developing other cancers later in life.
Sankara Nethralaya is one of the few hospitals where the chemotherapy is an in-house facility to make it easier for the patients to get all treatments under one single roof. Housing a chemotherapy ward involves a lot of commitment from many people and requires collaboration with other fraternity hospitals to manage the child patients.
The gathering was reassured that there were many NGOs and charities who are coming forward to help these child patients get cost-free life and vision saving treatment. The press meet closed on a positive note with the doctors assuring everyone that it was possible to save the life of every child, if timely treatment was given.
Indian Society of Anaesthesiologists (ISA) honours Dr. Jaichandran V. V.
On the occasion of the Platinum Jubilee Celebration of the Indian Society of Anaesthesiologists (ISA), held at Chennai on 14-05-2022, ISA National President Dr. Venkatgiri K.M., Vice-President Dr. Anjali Rakesh Bhure, Secretary Dr. Naveen Malthora, and other office bearers honoured our anaesthesiologist Dr. Jaichandran V. V. for his contributions in the field of Ophthalmic Anaesthesia.
Sankara Nethralaya family congratulates Dr. Jaichandran V. V. on this momentous occasion and thanks him for his dedication and enthusiastic contributions.
Dr. TSS receives Charaka Award in recognition of his dedication to Pediatric Opthalmology
Dr. T. S. Surendran received the Charaka Award conferred on him by the Rotary Club of Guindy acknowledging his long years of dedicated service in the field of pediatric ophthalmology. Our beloved Chief, Dr. S. S. Badrinath, conveyed his blessings to Dr. T. S. Surendran on this memorable occasion.
The awards ceremony was held at the Hyatt Regency, Teynampet, on 11th May 2022.