Sankara Nethralaya News
Dr.Rajeswari Mahadevan Memorial Scientific Session – First Physical Conference, 2023
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 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.
The 4th Dr. Rajeswari Mahadevan Memorial Scientific Session was held on September 9th and 10th, 2023. On the 9th of September, an online quiz competition was conducted exclusively for optometry undergraduate students. On the 10th of September, the event transitioned to the first physical conference in the last 4 years, showcasing the keynote speeches and research presentations centered on the field of contact lenses. We have received around 145 registrants, out of which 83 were external registrants and 62 were in-house registrants.
We had 10 optometry Colleges who had enthusiastically participated in an online Quiz contest which was engaging for the students. We had 12 oral scientific papers and case reports from various optometry colleges and contact lens practitioners.
This time, we had eminent international and national speakers addressing in a hybrid mode – “Unveiling the advancements in scleral lens practice by Ms Daddi Fadel, Clinical Scientist –Centre for Ocular Research and Education, University of Waterloo, Canada. Independence Contact lens practice by Mr. Yeshwant Saoji, Senior Optometrist, Saoji Vision Care Nagpur and the Research opportunities in Contact lens by Dr. Jaya Sowjanya Siddireddy, Lecturer, University of Canberra, Australia and by Dr. Pradipta Bhattacharya, Postdoctoral fellow at University of Houston, Australia. 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. All the contests were judged by judges from India including Mr. Yeshwant Saoji, Dr. Anuradha N, Dr. Krishna Kumar R, Mr. Nilesh Thite Executive Manager of Educations programs at IACLE, Optom Irene Sophia, who evaluated the entries. This year’s panel discussion was newly initiated and moderated by Mr. Yeshwant Saoji, Senior optometrist, Ms. Vandana Kamath, HOD and Assistant Professor Sankara college of Optometry Bengaluru, Ms. B S Savita Consultant Optometrist Eyeful Optometry clinic and Ms. Madhumathi S Deputy Manager, Contact lens department, Sankara Nethralaya. 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. R Krishna Kumar, Advisor-Optometry, Sankara Nethralaya, Medical Research Foundation.Also, we had an informative session on Orthokeratology and GOV products by one of the sponsors of the event Mr. Swastik from Vsquare Pvt. Ltd.
Cash prizes were announced to the award winners for the following categories –Best Oral presentation was awarded to Ms. Vanessa Barnes from Vision Care Lab, Mumbai, Best E -poster was awarded to Ms.Keerthana, Intern -Elite School of Optometry, the best scientific Review was awarded to Mr. Krishna Shah –CL optometrist, Sankara Nethralaya, the best photography by Ms. Varsa Harinya, CL optometrist, Sankara Nethralaya and the Best Quiz Winning Team was Manipal College of Health Professionals, Manipal, Karnataka.
Overall the session well on well with lots of brainstorming discussions and appreciation from all the delegates.
BD India Awards Sankara Nethralaya Main Lab
Becton Dickinson India Pvt Ltd, BD LIFE SCIENCES (BD) awarded Main Laboratory SNSC Clinical Laboratory as the top performer in the National level pre –analytical quality check on 26.06.23.
BD National level Phlebotomy Championship Quiz
Ms.Rajalakshmi from Main laboratory was announced as the winner and received the award for the year 2022-23.
Sankara Nethralaya hosts the 5th Annual Retina Summit 2023
The 5th Annual Retina Summit 2023 was held on 30th June and 1st July at the Taj Coromandel. The theme focused on “Macular Surgery.” This year’s Retina Summit was special as it was conducted after a hiatus of three years.
The eyes are a window to the universe, and the power to see this universe is concentrated in a small specialized central area of the retina called as the Macula. Several maladies that affect this macula can instantly rob the vision resulting in central blindness. Thus, it is extremely important to restore and repair the macular area.
Macular surgery is among the most intricate, delicate and skillful surgery. It requires training, hard work and concentration to perform these surgeries. Surgery for a macular hole is the most commonly performed surgery among the various macular surgeries. With the advances in techniques, the success rate of this surgery has improved to nearly 98%. A patient who has lost central vision due to a macular hole can have a very good chance of recovering full vision with this surgery. Other macular surgeries are removal of epiretinal membrane, surgery for macular schisis associated with high myopia, etc.
The Retina Summit was inaugurated on Friday, 30th June 2023 at the Hotel Taj Coromandel. Chief guests for the function, Shri N Ram, Head of The Hindu Group and Shri N Kumar, Vice Chairman of the Sanmar Group lit the lamp and commented on several sociological insights in connection with healthcare sector and gave their unique perspectives. This was followed by a musical performance by ‘Madhan’s Band” led by Sri Madhan Prakash, and a Gala dinner.
The Retina Summit 2023 brought together the niche circle of vitreoretinal specialists who shared their experiences and insights to enrich the knowledge of the participants. The sessions were an interactive blend of keynote talks, panel discussions, case presentations and videos. Many well-known and preeminent national and international experts, along with Sankara Nethralaya’s in-house faculty contributed to make it a collaborative and enjoyable experience.
Sankara Nethralaya has always been at the forefront of innovation, constantly questioning the conventional and pushing boundaries to develop newer insights. This 5th Retina Summit conference is the only unique conference being held in a highly specialized niche field of macular surgery. It stands testament to Sankara Nethralaya’s endeavor to bring together renowned experts both national and international who will pave the way for innovations, and collaborations. This is also a great opportunity for the young generation of Retinal surgeons in the country to learn special tips and tricks from the experts in the field.
The Retina Summit brought together 250 delegates from all corners of India and international delegates from Kenya, Singapore, etc.
Press Coverage:
Fifth retina summit inaugurated – Times of India
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/fifth-retina-summit-inaugurated/articleshow/101407811.cms
Doctors and journalists must work to dispel medical misinformation, says N. Ram – The Hindu
https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/doctors-and-journalists-must-work-to-dispel-medical-misinformation/article67028137.ece
Tamil Press coverage of Retina Summit held on 30th June and 1st July 2023.at Taj Coromandel
http://omlog.org/header/retina-summit-2023-media-news.pdf
Outlook Health ranks Sankara Nethralaya as No 1 Eye Hospital – All India
Sankara Nethralaya is proud to be ranked No.1 eye hospital in India by Outlook Health. We thank all our ophthalmologists, nurses, healthcare providers, and employees for their dedication, compassion, and hard work in making us No. 1.
Sankara Nethralaya Receives the Single Specialty Award at the 13th MT India Healthcare Awards 2023
India’s largest healthcare magazine, Medgate Today, announced Sankara Nethralaya as the winner of the Single Speciality Hospital Award of the Year at the most prestigious 13th edition of MT India Healthcare Awards at Medical Fair India, India’s No. 1 trade fair for hospitals, health centers and clinics at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
This much awaited honor recognized the achievements of outstanding individuals, hospitals, and organizations in the healthcare industry.
Sankara Nethralaya Signs MOU for Retinoblastoma management during Retinoblastoma Awareness Week.
Sankara Nethralaya and Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Friday, 19th May 2023 for collaborative initiatives in the management of Retinoblastoma (childhood eye cancer). The MoU signing ceremony coincided with the Retinoblastoma Awareness program held on May 15th, 2023 to observe World Retinoblastoma Week from 14th May – 20th May 2023.
Dr. Girish S. Rao, President (MRF) and Dr Sudagar Singh, MD, SRIHER, signed this historic MoU, which will pave the way for the joint management of Retinoblastoma by a multidisciplinary team, including ocular brachetherapy, facilitation of multidisciplinary team meetings and the sharing of medical expertise, such as a medical physicist, etc. With this collaboration, ocular oncologists from Sankara Nethralaya will be able to work routinely with radiologists, radiation oncologists and pediatric oncologists from SRIHER in a concentrated effort to save more human lives, preserve vision and globe salvage.
Present at the signing of the MoU were Dr. K. Balaji Singh, Dean, Dr Uma Shekar, Vice Chancellor, Dr. Mahesh Vakamudi Pro Chancellor, Dr. K. V. Somasundaram, Academic Officer, Dr. Sudhagar Singh, Medical Director, Dr. Radha Annamalai HOD – Ophthalmology, Dr. Julius Scott, HOD – Pediatric Oncology, and Dr. Satish Srinivas, HOD – Radiation Oncology from SRIHER.
Dr. T. S. Surendran, Chairman & Director – Pediatric Ophthalmology, Dr. Pramod Bhende, Director, Shri Bhagwan Mahavir Department of Vitreo Retinal Services and Dr. Suganeswari Ganesan, Senior consultant, (Vitreoretina and Ocular Oncologist) represented Sankara Nethralaya’s Retinoblastoma team of doctors on this occasion.
Sankara Nethralaya Fights Retinoblastoma – A Rare & Curable Childhood Cancer
Retinoblastoma is the most common primary intraocular malignancy occurring in children. World Retinoblastoma Week from 14th May – 20th May 2023 helps to raise awareness and garner support for patients affected by retinoblastoma. Fifteen children are born every year with this disease in India. This is curable if disease is identified early with a cure rate of 90 to 95%.
The Retinoblastoma team led by Dr. Suganeswari Ganesan, Senior Consultant, Vitreoretina and Oncology Services organised an awareness program revolving around the Retinoblastoma Warriors – survivors of the curable childhood cancer on May 15th, 2023 from 2:00 pm onwards.
Art and recreational activities were organized by Golden Butterflies for the child patients visiting Sankara Nethralaya for treatment and follow- ups. The children were delighted to participate and have fun in the midst of their ongoing treatments.
Mrs. Aparna Guhan Shyam, Founder & CEO, Tiara Haemophilia and Cancer Foundation, and Dr. K. Balaji Singh MS, FRCS, Dean, Sri Ramachandra Medical College & Research Institute were present to support the Retinoblastoma survivors along with the medical and non-medical teams. Dr. Ravi Kumar, Dr Pritam Chatterjee, Interventional Radiologist from Apollo hospitals, Dr. J. Julius Scott, Paediatric oncologist, Dr. Radha Annamalai, Ophthalmologist, Dr. Satish Srinivasan, Dr. Christopher John, Radiation Therapist, Dr. Dharani, Hematologist, Dr. Latha, Paediatric oncologist, Dr. Gokulakrishnan, Radiologist, and many other from Sri Ramachandra Medical College & Research Institute have collaborated with Sankara Nethralaya to provide care and save the lives of these children. Sankara Nethralaya has identified and treated 250 children with retinoblastoma in 2022.
Several Retinoblastoma warriors showed off their talents both onstage and in the virtual mode to much applause.
In India, around 1,500-2,000 children are diagnosed with retinoblastoma each year. Retinoblastoma can be cured, especially if the disease is confined to the eyes. If left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body and becomes much harder to treat. There are two types of Retinoblastoma 1) Sporadic (not passed down in families); and 2) Hereditary (can be passed down in families).
Treatment is mainly in the form of chemotherapy followed by laser. At this stage, the eye and some vision can be saved. Advanced stages of retinoblastoma can spread commonly to the brain and then to the other structures leading to loss of life. “Treat early save life, save eye and save vision”.
Children belonging to families having Retinoblastoma patients should undergo genetic evaluation and should be followed up at frequent intervals for any development of tumours. This type of childhood cancer is commonly seen in children less than 3 years of age. Ideally, all the children should undergo yearly eye evaluation starting from birth.
The event drew to a close with the children and their parents being called on stage and presented with participation gifts to cheer them and recognize their courage in fighting this painful disease.
World Day on Health and Safety at Work
Guest Lecture by: Dr Sivaraman B, Senior Orthopedic Consultant, Apollo Hospitals
Date: 28th April, 2023, Friday
The International Labor Organization (ILO), initiated the World Day for Health and Safety At Work, in order to emphasize and promote the global prevention of accidents and disease at work, on 28th April every year. This year, the day is celebrated with the theme of “A safe and healthy working environment is a fundamental principle and right at work”. On this day, the Department of Occupational Optometry Services invited Dr Sivaraman, Senior Orthopedic Consultant, Apollo Hospitals, to deliver a lecture on “Musculo-Skeletal Disorders – What everyone should know for their healthy living?” Musculo-Skeletal Disorders are among the leading occupational morbidities, with the reported prevalence ranging from 6% to 75% in various occupational settings across the country. To understand the Musculo-Skeletal Disorders symptoms experienced by the employees of the Sankara Nethralaya, a quick survey was conducted across various departments and about 181 responses were received.
Dr Sivaraman B, Orthopedic Surgeon, started the session by mentioning the frequent symptoms reported by the health care workers, mostly the neck and back pain, due to improper posture adopted by the employees while at work. He also mentioned that despite following the proper ergonomics, the MSD symptoms can manifest due to muscle weakness. This needs to be prevented by practicing stretching/exercise and drinking adequate water – minimum 3 liters, unless you are diagnosed with any heart or kidney problems. The symptoms can also be due to vitamin D and B12 deficiency. He also discussed proper ergonomics while carrying a load and while working on the computer.
He discussed extensively about the reasons for neck /shoulder pain/back pain. These issues can be managed with posture correction, proper hydration and exercise. He concluded the session with preventive orthopedics, where he discussed on how to go about managing the wear and tear of muscles. Vitamin D and B12 deficiency can be one of the leading cause of the MSD’s, which needs to be monitored and adequate supplements should be taken. People who experience a tingling sensation in the legs/extremities may need vitamin B12 injection. He emphasized the need for correct posture adaptation, preventive exercises and adequate hydration. In case of persistent pain, he advised: “Do not ignore – get yourself consulted and treated”.
Dr. Sivaraman also shared his YouTube and web pages: Prime Ortho and Shoulder Care, https://www.youtube.com/@drbsiva/about, and http://preventiveorthopaedics.com/ for demonstration videos on exercise/stretches and preventive strategies for various orthopedic conditions.
The full session can be video can be watched in this YouTube link: https://youtu.be/11Ur3P80J-w
Sankara Nethralaya Mourns the Passing of Dr. Ian Sundararaj
Dr. Ian Sundararaj, Department Of Anaesthesiology, passed away on 21st April 2023. He was born on 18th March 1934. Dr. ISR as he was known joined SN in 1983 as the Chief Anaesthetist until 1992. He later became Advisor, Anaesthesiology in 1993 until his retirement on September 2017 after 33 years of glorious service.
A condolence meeting was held to remember Dr. ISR on April 24th, 2023 at Sri V. D. Swami Auditorium, Sri T. S. Santhanam floor (7th floor) at KN BIRVO Block. It was attended by his
He was an iconic figure at Sankara Nethralaya for over three decades and was an inspiration for his patients and colleagues. His colleagues remember him as a man who personified dedication, sincerity and humility. They recalled fondly that if any difficult case turned up, it was always, “ISRa kooppidingae” (Call ISR). He was the 7th oldest employee to retire after 33 years of glorious service.
Dr. Girish Shiva Rao, President, Dr. T. S. Surendran, Chairman, and many of Dr ISR’s colleagues from the Department of Anaesthesiology came on stages to share their tributes to the dear departed soul.
Dr. T. S. Surendran spoke of Dr. Ian Sundrarajan’s many innovations and took a trip down memory lane and shared many fond anecdotes of Dr. Ian Sundaraj. He also announded that the Surgeon’s Changing Room will be named in memory of Dr. Ian Sundararaj.
Dr. Nirmala Subramaniam, Emeritus Professor, Department of Oculoplasty, shared her vivid memories of her times in the OT with Dr. ISR. Dr. Jyotirmay Biswas, Director of Uvea Services, too said a few words too.
Dr. V. V. Jaichandran, Deputy Director of Anesthesiology, recalled that many of his innovations for ophthalmic anesthesiology were still being used. He said that Dr. ISR gave his colleagues the confidence to perform many high risk pediatric cases He presented a slide show of Dr. ISR’s innovations for the comfort and safety of the patients, his achievements.
Dr. Sujatha V, Anaesthetist, recalled that ISR Sir always gave confidence to his colleagues and said, “Everything will be alright” even for the most difficult cases.
The family members of Dr. Ian Sundararaj, Dr. Anita Chopra and Dr. Sunil Chopra – his daughter and son-in-law; Mr. Arjun Chopra – his grandson; Mr. Anand Charles and Mr. Arul Deepak – his sons also joined the SN family in paying homage to their father’s life.
The vote of thanks was given by Dr. Ronnie George, with a touching eulogy about his memories of Dr. ISR.