Sankara Nethralaya Alumni congregate over a dynamic session
The Alumni ensemble at Sankara Nethralaya symbolizes a unique feature unlike other meets, for it encompasses a gathering for a scientific know- how exchange, the opening statement by Dr. Mohan Rajan, Secretary, Sankara Nethralaya Alumni Association captured the spirit of the 27th Sankara Nethralaya Alumni meet on 19th July 2016. Extending his warm welcome to the more than 190 enthusiastic participants from across the country and the world, renowned eye surgeon and CEO of Rajan Eye Care expressed his deep thanks to Dr. Jyotirmay Biswas, Director of Uvea and Ocular Pathology for his tremendous support for the event through the Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, expressing a high word of praise for his academic excellence he remarked that he had brought great pride to his mentor by surpassing him in the number of international publications and journal contributions. Dr Jyotirmay Biswas dedicated the day’s proceedings in memory of Dr. Surbhit Choudhry, Director, Eye Health Centre, Noida, a Vitreo Retinal expert groomed by Sankara Nethralaya, recalling his glorious career and versatile personality.
The day’s sessions, themed “Debates and Discussions in Ophthalmology” started on a vibrant note with discussions and presentations on challenging topics like “Globe Rupture precedence over orbital fracture”, “Vitrectomy – therapeutic role in Uveitis disease control”, “Dry Eyes and artificial tears”, “Diabetic macular edema and its treatment” by a host of specialists on a platform for knowledge transfer.
Delivering the SN Alumni Oration Dr. Anita Agarwal, Professor of ophthalmology at the Vanderbilt Eye Institute and the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, the proud author of the Fifth Edition of the Gass Atlas of Macular Disease and recipient of 2014 J. Donald M. Gass Medal for outstanding contributions in understanding Macular diseases awarded by the Macula Society and the 2015 Optic (UK) Lecture Medal awarded by the Royal college of Ophthalmology UK, paid rich encomiums to her mentor Dr Prof J Donald M Gass – through a talk ‘A Genius and traversal through his journey’. She recalled how the genius immaculately and meticulously handcrafted each diagnosis by preparing sketches prior to the advent of high end ophthalmic equipments, which captured miniscule information. She remarked that her mentor was one amongst the ten most influential ophthalmologists’ of the century and co-authoring landmark research papers with him on the genetics of macular degeneration was a learning curve in her career.
Congratulating Dr. Anita Agarwal on the stupendous journey of the genius, Dr SS Badrinath, Chairman Emeritus hailed praises on the consultants for the RETINA summit, embracing the theme “Guru Dhevo Bhava”. He used the platform to invite all the Alumni to the forthcoming music concerts in the USA being performed in memory of the legendary music icon Dr. M S Subbulakshmi, whose charity shows raised huge funds for Sankara Nethralaya.
The day’s witnessed interesting talks by members participating in the “Nataraja Pillai free paper session”, the prize for the best talk was bagged by Dr Mohamed Shahid Alam, Associate Consultant, Department of Oculoplasty, Sankara Nethralaya for his exciting lecture on “3-D ocular prosthesis fabrication”. The event also witnessed felicitation to Dr. D. Ramamurthy, AIOS President and concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Mohan Rajan.
The crusaders against blindness adulate the champions of light and hope
Helen Keller Remembrance Day was observed with reverence on Tuesday, 7th June 2016, from 5.30.PM at the Sri. V.D. Swami Auditorium, Sankara Nethralaya, 18, College Road, Chennai 600006 by the Lions Club of Central Madras in association with Sankara Nethralaya.
The function being held as a honour to the indomitable courage and hope of a person who had over the years become an iconic figure for the vision impaired and crusaders against blindness started aptly with a quote from her talk “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. The highest result of education is tolerance’, ‘the only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision” – quoted the Chief guest of the day MJF Lion S. Rajendran, President, Lions Club of Central Madras in his welcome address adding that the Lions Club International was proud to observe Helen Keller day every year for over 17 years.
Lion Senguttuvan presented the genesis of the awards, following which Ms. Renjini Madhavan, Manager – Training, Department of Optometry praised Dr. G Sitalakshmi as the “Alice in wonderland – Sankara Nethralaya” with innumerable credits as a corneal surgeon and expertise in osteo odonto keratoprosthesis.
Felicitating Vice Chairman Sankara Nethralaya Dr T. S. Surendran for his remarkable achievement of being conferred the FRCS, the Chief guest of the day, gave away the “I” (EYE) care awards to the Mobile Eye Surgical Unit, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai and Lions Sight First Eye Hospital, Loresho, Nairobi, Kenya for their institutional contribution in serving the downtrodden and the under privileged. The ‘Knight of the Blind award’ was presented to Mrs. Sudha Srinivasan, a visually impaired bank official with several international certifications to her credit and a motivational speaker, ‘Dr. G.Sitalakshmi Gift of Sight” Award in memory of Dr. Sitalakshmi, a phenomenal cornea surgeon, was presented to Dr.Jyotee Trivedy, Lions Sight First Hospital, Loresho, Nairobi, Kenya by Lion Andal Rajaram who paid rich laurels to the yeoman service rendered by the young doctor with over 45000 successful cataract surgeries to her credit, at remote corners of the dark continent, bringing light of vision to the poor and needy through her 100 odd outreach programs and being an inspiration to women.
Chief Guest of the day, PMJF Lion. N.S.Sankar, International Director, Lions Clubs International, showered encomiums on the great work being carried out by Sankara Nethralaya in alleviating the suffering of the blind and visually impaired for nearly four decades now. He extended an invitation to Sankara Nethralaya to set up a Lions Sankara Nethralaya centre at Pondicherry in their newly constructed building under the Tsunami Reconstruction program, to serve patients in the neighbourhood.
To make the occasion more significant, the Lions club extended their helping hands by giving Two Digital Magnifier Devices, NICCI, CC TV to two visually impaired persons, Mr. George Cooper and Mrs. Kasturi Priyadharshini to help them in pursuing their studies to qualify for the Banking profession.
PMJF Lion G.M. Balaji Rathnam, Dist. Governor, Dist.324A1, and PMJF Lion Dr. S.S. Badrinath, Chairman Emeritus, Sankara Nethralaya, MJF Lion G.V.Raman Lion Dr. K.S.Lakshmi, PDG .District.. Governors, Dist. 324A1, Lion B.R.Rao, PMC, MD316, Hyderabad, and Lion Dr. K.S. Lakshmi, Past Dist. Governor, MJF Lion SR Muruganandham, MJF Lion K.Jayaraman, Lion H.Raghothaman graced the occasion. MJF Lion S.N. Harinarayanan, Chairman Sight First and Manager –Projects, Sankara Nethralaya coordinated the program and Lion Abirami Rajendran proposed the Vote of Thanks.
Launch of critical children’s eye care initiative marks 70th Independence Day celebrations at Sankara Nethralaya
The ophthalmic institution passionately committed to providing physical and financial independence by bringing back the ‘light of vision’ into the life of the visually impaired especially the indigent, observed the nation’s 70th Independence Day with customary patriotic fervour and launching of a critical eye care initiative to benefit rural children. The day’s proceedings started with a warm welcome to the Chief Guest of the Day, Justice S.Jagadeesan and the distinguished dignitaries from ORBIS the institution’s partner in service for more than 2 decades by Dr.T.S.Surendran, vice-chairman of Sankara Nethralaya. He gave an interesting account of the legal giant’s brilliance in his field and his many achievements and had a high word of praise to the service partner with whom ORBIS Reach the new initiative targeted at screening children in Kanchipuram district was being launched, he underlined that the SN-ORBIS partnership had successfully trained 72 professionals comprising paediatric anaesthetists, nurses and optometrists.
Speaking on the occasion Shri Rahul, Ali, India Country Director, ORBIS gave an insight on its activities in Latin America, Africa and Asia, he recalled the advent of ORBIS in India via the enchanting hospital in the air. He stunned the audience with the startling revelation that a child was going blind in some part of the globe every minute and underlined that it was the primary responsibility of every ophthalmologist to ensure the eye health of children to fulfil their ‘Right to Education’ he had a high word of praise for the Qatar Development Fund, the funding agency of the project being launched, which through the ‘Qatar Creating Vision’ project supported cost free eye camps across the world. He explained that ORBIS-Reach project being launched would not only be involved in correcting refractive errors but pave way for better medical management for children with complications in their vision. The India Country Director, ORBIS finished his interesting talk with a high word of praise for the Sankara Nethralaya-ORBIS team for developing a project on ‘Indian preferred Practice Pattern’ for paediatric ophthalmology and competency based assessment rubrics applied to multiple cadres at Sankara Nethralaya and his dream of a world where no child will go needlessly blind.
Delivering the Chief Guest’s address Chief Justice S.Jagadeesan expressed his anguish that ‘Freedom’ and ‘Liberty’ secured at great sacrifice by the freedom fighters and national leaders was being interpreted as being self centred, intolerant and impatient, he added that we have failed to imbibe the qualities of great leaders like Bhagat Singh, Lokmanya Balgangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, Kappal ottiya Thamizhan VOC Chidambaranar and Thiruppur Kumaran, he rued that negative factors like population explosion, terrorism and unemployment have also grown along with the nation’s growth in positive areas and fervently appealed to own responsibility as citizens for a better society and better human welfare. The chief guest hailed Sankara Nethralaya for fostering integration among its employees to extend better patient care, hospitality and exemplary coordination to achieve its global position.
The momentous occasion ended with the distribution of meritorious, annual performance awards for employees and departments of Sankara Nethralaya by the Chief Guest.
A well researched illustration on the critical impact of the most dangerous form of malaria, on the retina receives high recognition
An insightful poster on post malarial impact on the retina, titled “Demonstration of microemboli with FFA (Fundus fluoresceine Angiogram) in a case of proliferative retinopathy secondary to falciparum Malaria” by Dr. Aditya Verma, Consultant at the Vitreo-retinal department of Sankara Nethralaya was awarded the ‘Best Poster’ award at the recently concluded Retina Summit- 2016, held at Chennai.
The Sankara Nethralaya family convey its hearty Congratulations!! to Dr Aditya Verma for this path breaking finding and wishes him many more great achievements in his professional and academic career.
International summit on the ‘Retina’ starts on a note of deference to the providers of ‘Light’
The retina is commonly understood as a part of the eye that transmits the light to the brain as images or information, even by those uninitiated into the science of ophthalmology or optometry. Retina Summit 2016 the annual topical seminar on this most critical part of the eye started quite aptly with great deference to the ‘Gurus’ or Teachers/Mentors who just like the retina let the ‘Light’ of knowledge and wisdom into our lives. The institution which came into being as the fulfilment of the holy command of a ‘Guru’ and the institution with great deference to the centuries old glorious ‘Guru-Sishya’ Parampara, held the three day ‘Retina Summit 2016’ on the week of Guru Purnima, a period marked by reverence, adulation and acknowledgement of Teachers, with the theme ‘Guru Devo Bhava’ which exalts the Guru to the status of the creator.
The day’s proceedings got off at the packed Rajendra Hall of the ITC Grand Chola, Chennai with the lighting of the lamp by the distinguished dignitaries and the hosts Dr. SS.Badrinath, Chairman Emeritus and Dr. Vasanthi Badrinath, Director-Clinical Services, Sankara Nethralaya and a soulful invocation to Saraswathi, the Goddess of learning and knowledge, by Dr.Pradeep, Senior Vitreo-Retinal Consultant. This was followed by a most spirited introductory talk, touching topics as diverse as the retina being an electro physical wonder, his mentor Dr. SS.Badrinath, the unique financial model of his institution and how it was a shining example of public-private partnership beneficial to both, his institution’s impact on research, academics and patient care, by Dr.Pramod Bhende, Director, Medical Affairs, Sankara Nethralaya and Program Director-Retina Summit-2016. Dr. Bhende underlined that a meeting on the retina assumed great significance as retinal and vitreo-retinal care accounted for the highest percent of patients treated at the institution, he added that the Bhagwan Mahaveer Vitreo Retinal services performed 200 cost free retinal surgeries on an average per month, has 566 publications to its credit and offered long and short term Fellowships on the specialty, it accounted for 1/3rd of all activity at the institution and touched on all the 4 founding pillars of Sankara Nethralaya. Following the in-depth introductory speech Dr. Tarun Sharma, Director, Bhagan Mahaveer Vitreo Retinal services gave a wonderful note on the qualities that made the ‘Guru’ the most important person in one’s life, he underlined that as the Teacher he taught and as the mentor he brought out the best in his Sishyas. He followed his definition of a true Guru with a query to the audience in general if they knew a Guru who met all these parameters, which was answered with a thunderous one voice response resounding the name ‘Dr. S.S.Badrinath!!
Speaking on the occasion the man whom the gathering adulated as the perfect Guru gave a profound interpretation to the word ‘Guru’ he explained that a Guru is not a person who had influence only on the knowledge and learning of his sishyas but a person whose ideals, philosophy and personal example had a significant impact on their beliefs, values and moulded their life. Underlining the fact that the Guru will always take care of his disciple he gave a most touching and poignant example of how his Guru Chandrasekerandra Saraswathi Swamigal sacrificed a 2,500 year custom, by refraining from a head bath after Amavasya as this could jeopardize his post operative recovery and have an adverse impact on the reputation of his Sishya who had performed the eye surgery on him. He explained that Sankara Nethralaya was founded as an ‘Alaya’ on the principles inspired by his Guru who is also the Jagadguru and treats 40% of its patients totally cost free.
A magnificent highlight of the day was the recollection of the Gurus who moulded their life by the veritable Gurus of the retina, assembled on the day, they shared their experiences with their guru, the impact they had on them and the values for life they imbibed from them. It was most heart warming to note that some of them recalled their teachers who taught them back in elementary school. Introducing his Guru to the audience Dr. Lingam Gopal, Senior Consultant and Member of the Board, Medical Research Foundation started his talk with the statement that he was taking the liberty of assuming the role of a self appointed representative for a large number of people who had gathered at the venue as his Guru was also the Guru for all of them. He described his Guru as an exceptional teacher who moulded their knowledge and character, a teacher who held their hands, a teacher who was meticulous, unwilling to compromise and a teacher who was also their philosopher and guide. Dr. Lingam Gopal observed that one of the essential qualities of a Guru was being an example to emulate but the Guru he was referring to was too multifaceted, a man who was a philosopher, disciple, doctor par excellence, adept fund raiser, institution builder, administrator and visionary, a mixture of virtues which made it very difficult for anyone to emulate him. He added that his Guru’s success which reflected in the Saga of Sankara Nethralaya was too big an achievement to replicate and he was happy that he could emulate just a part of him; he added in lighter vein that the man who remains the Guru to a large number of people in the gathering including himself, Dr. SS.Badrinath can be emulated only if he lowered his expectations on his sishyas.
The organizers had a most novel and pleasant surprise for the senior dignitaries in the form of portrait specialist Shri Vilas Nayak, whose magic strokes with the painting brush brought their adorable Gurus right before them just as each of them finished their heart warming account of them. The joy and tears in the eyes of the men and women who had reached great heights and glory in their careers, as they stood gazing with respect, love and a strong sense of nostalgia at the portrait of their Gurus, was the ‘moment of the day’ and captured the saying ‘Guru Devo Bhava’ in its true spirit!
The following two days witnessed high level exchanges, real time knowledge exchanges, debates and discussions on the latest research findings and processes in the field of vitro-retina by participants from across the nation and the globe.
Key advancements mark colloquium on Laboratory Diagnostics
‘Emerging trends in Laboratory Diagnostics’ Sankara Nethralaya’s initiative to discuss the latest developments in diagnostic practice proved to be a mindboggling knowledge exchange for its participants comprising Students from various institutions, Research Scientists, Lab Professionals at the packed hall at Sri V D Swami Auditorium on Saturday, 25th June 2016.
Welcoming the gathering, Director – Administration, Ms. Akila Ganesan pointed that it was critical for one to be open to “Learn, Relearn and Unlearn” while paying rich encomiums to the stalwart Dr H N Madhavan, who remained a backbone and guiding light to the Vision Research Foundation and its developments in critical areas of Micro Biology, Genetics, Bio-Chemistry and Nano Technology.
After the formal lighting of the Kuthuvillaku to mark the beginning of the session, Prof S Ramani, Prinicipal, the Sankara Nethralaya Academy (TSNA) briefed the gathering on the objectives of his institution and how it stood as a pillar of Sankara Nethralaya by imparting education on Clinical courses.
In his Presidential address, Dr C N Srinivas, Director of Laboratory Medicine, MIOT Hospitals elaborated on the Journey to quality “I to ISO”, elaborately highlighting essential inputs for Quality, he underlined the need for a Management System that included Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Improvement and Quality Cost and how NABL accreditation endorsed the overall competence and operations of the system in place.
Dr V K Ramadesikan, a pioneer Bio-Chemist, Professor and Head of Bio-Chemistry Department at the Tagore Medical College and Hospital, in his lecture on “Sample collection in Clinical Bio-Chemistry – common errors and pitfalls” indicated on the critical role of labs in patient care and how to bring in zero level cognitive and non cognitive errors and differences in lab diagnosis.
The brain storming sessions included a wide range of topics including “Recent advances in Laboratory Hematology”, “Urine Automation”, “Basics of Molecular Microbial techniques”, “Advances in Immunohistochemistry” by stalwarts in the field, along with poster presentations by students of Medical Laboratory technology.
The most invigorating session concluded with a prize distribution and vote of thanks by Dr. Vandana, Lecturer at the Sankara Nethralaya Academy.
VIBS – Valedictory function of Hands-on Summer Training programme (11th – 31st May 2016)
The annual Hands-on-summer training programme conducted by the Vidyasagar Institute of Bio-Medical Science (VIBS) a Unit of Medical Research Foundation, with an objective of imparting real time knowledge and experience to post graduate students in their chosen fields, was held this year between 11th May and 31st May 2016. A total of 9 PG students from all over the country including one overseas student participated in this year’s hands on training program. They were assigned to various research labs at the Kamalnayan Bajaj Institute for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (KNBIRVO Block),
1. 3 in R.S. Mehta Jain Department of Biochemistry & Cell Biology
2. 2 in SN ONGC Genetics & Molecular Biology
3. 4 in L & T Microbiology Research Centre (4).
The participants were from the B.P.Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal (1), Saveetha Medical College & Hospital, Chennai (2), The American College, Madurai (1), Bharathiyar University, Coimbatore (2), Central Research Lab, IMS & SUM Hospital, Odisha (1), MGM Medical College, Navi Mumbai(1) & A.C.Tech.Campus, Anna University, Chennai (1).
All the participants performed well in the evaluation conducted at the end of the programme by the three departments where the training was imparted. Dr. K. Lily Therese, coordinator, VIBS conducted the valedictory function on 31st May 2016 after the successful conclusion of the program, she requested the participants and faculty from all three departments to give their feedback. The students gave a good feedback on the training imparted to them, while the faculty from the respective departments appreciated the enthusiasm and involvement with which they learnt the new techniques. The participants were requested to share the acquired knowledge and impart the skills to their juniors and colleagues in their respective colleges, in keeping with Sankara Nethralaya’s philosophy of disseminating knowledge for the common good. All the faculty members and the Scientists involved in conducting the programme shared their experience with the students. The certificates were distributed to the students by the respective HODs/Faculty.
The function came to an end with a warm Vote of Thanks by Dr. N.Angayarkanni, HOD, R.S.Mehta Jain Department of Biochemistry & Cell Biology. She expressed her gratitude to the faculty scientists and technical staff involved in training the students, the management of Vision Research Foundation & Medical Research Foundation for providing the facility and the founder of VIBS, Padmashri Iravatham Mahadevan, I.A.S. for providing the wonderful opportunity to train Post graduate students from various Science & Arts Colleges & Research Institutions.
SANKARA NETHRALAYA PAYS GLORIOUS TRIBUTES TO SRI MAHA PERIYAVA
With jubilations all around, Jagadguru “Maha Periyava’s”, 123rd Jayanthi Utsava was celebrated with reverence at the Sri VD Swami Auditorium, Sankara Nethralaya main campus on 26th May 2016.
Sri N Vijay Siva, the seasoned vocalist of the DKJ music lineage, in his mellifluous rendition, invoked the blessings of Lord Shiva, through the composition of Manikavasagar.
Introducing the Chief Guest of the day, Col Raghavan, Advisor – Projects, remarked that he felt proud to have Brahmasri B Sundar Kumar, an erudite scholar on Advaita philosophy and scriptures, exponent of Srimad Ramayanam and the first doctorate awardee from Sastras to be addressing the gathering.
Humbly offering his salutations to the Saint of the Era, Sri Maha Periyava, Sri Sundar Kumar started his presidential address as a torrential downpour, eloquently quoting verses from the Ramayana whose essence was reflected in Maha Periyava’s spiritual life.
He spoke of the greatness of Aadhi Kavya Srimad Ramayana stating that all scholarly wisdom brewed with it and hence it was a repository of knowledge that needed to be studied with all humility.
Sri Maha Periyava had a subtle way of pointing to errors said he, when a historian who had chanted Ramayana 107 times and sought blessings for the 108th Chanting from Periyava, with a grandly printed invite that had a larger font for the “Printer’s address”, Maha Periyava, glancing this, queried if the historian had a faint idea about the spokes on Sri Rama’s umbrella, to which Sri Periyava himself answered quoting Ayodhya Kanda, that spoke of Sri Rama’s radiant face under the umbrella with 100 ribs that glittered like the rain water froth.
न ते शत शलाकेन जल फेन निभेन च |
आवृतम् वदनम् वल्गु चत्रेण अभिविराजते || २-२६-१०
This downsized the historian’s pride after which he prostrated before Maha Periyava seeking pardon.
Maha Periyava was the very epitome of compassion, said Sri Sundar Kumar, quoting an instance when a scholar who was in distress and penury was advised to chant Ramayana to his Mother, “नूनम् नन्दति ते माता”, to be blessed by her.
Sri Sundar Kumar indicated that Maha Periyava emphatically reiterated that भारत was कर्म भूमि and all our rituals/ offerings to Devatas or ancestors bore fruit in this divine land while living in foreign lands only helped in enjoying material comforts and luxury. Justice Ismail, former Chief Justice of the Madras High Court, was an authority on Kamba Ramayana, whose verstality, Maha Periyava admired and discussed elaborately about the “Illusions” of the materialistic world, remarked Sri Sundar Kumar.
Sanskrit knowledge would fortify reading Ramayana, remarked Periyava in a sadhas when he spoke of the आनन्द शब्द grammar as quoted in Ramayana in the verse
कल्याणि बत गातेयम् लौकीकि प्रतिभति मा
एति जीवन्तम् आनन्दो वषर्म् शतदपि
In his concluding remarks, Sri Sundar Kumar quoting Saint Composer Sadasiva Brahmendrar,
खेलति मम हृदये श्रीरामः
मोहमहार्णव-तारणकारी
रागद्वेष-मुखासुरमारी
शान्ति-विदेहसुता-सहचारी
दहरायोध्या-नगर-विहारी
परमहंस-साम्राज्योद्धारी
सत्य-ज्ञाना-नन्द-शरीरी
Chanting Rama Nama, one would easily cross the ocean of passion and suffering that would make one detach oneself from desire and hatred and lead into the path of salvation.
Sri Sundar Kumar highlighted that Paramacharya in his Shookshma shareera was the phenomenal guiding light to one and all.
The next agenda on the day’s function was the “Honouring of Dr. T S Surendran, Vice Chairman, Sankara Nethralaya for his glorious achievement of being conferred the Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS), by the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh, UK, earlier this year.
Sharing their experiences with the ever smiling and unassuming Dr. TSS as he is fondly referred to, Senior Consultant Dr. Smita Praveen, Dr. Rajeshwari Mahadevan, Head, Contact Lens Department and Smt Latha Suresh hailed encomiums on the veteran paediatric ophthalmologist and deft surgeon, cherished by all for his mammoth contribution in the making of Elite School of Optometry, to what it stands today.
In his acceptance speech, Dr T S Surendran, expressed his deep gratitude to the institution and its ‘Periyava’, in a reverential reference to Dr. SS Badrinath, Chairman Emeritus, for the golden opportunity to serve.
What followed was a most absorbing presentation of the community eye care services dispensed by the Kolkata Sankara Nethralaya through a poignant short film titled ‘Sankara Nethralaya – The Kolkata Chapter’ highlighting the need for continuing the institution’s’ Mission for Vision’ and the state of art facilities offering tertiary ophthalmic care at Kolkata, serving millions in the neighbourhood, shot by Shri Badri Surendran and team. The film was released by long time friend and supporter of Sankara Nethralaya Lion Shri M V Raghunathan.
The grand function concluded with “Aarthi” to Maha Periyava and floral tributes by devotees.
The Art and Science of Vision and Visual systems take a giant step
The establishment of the Elite School of Optometry Sankara Nethralaya’s exclusive academic arm on the subject, several decades ago marked the beginning of a most important chapter in a rather less known field of eye care in the country. The institution which has over the years carved a place of pride for itself in terms of being a globally acknowledged institution in its field took a giant step forward with the ‘Bhumi Puja’ for its ‘Institute of Occupational Optometry and Visual Sciences’ at the Sri City Special Economic Zone in Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh. The auspicious beginning was made with great religious fervour under the auspices of Professor PP.Santanam, hailed as the ‘Father of Occupational Optometry’ in India and Srimathi Santanam. Dr. SS.Badrinath the Chief architect of the project used the opportunity to have an informal interaction with the local villagers gathered on the occasion, he explained the difference between ophthalmology and optometry and underlined that all of Sankara Nethrlaya’s endeavours at Sri City were for the welfare of the locals. Extending a warm welcome to the dignitaries and participants Dr. K.S.Vasan, MD Sankara Nethralaya emphasized the institution’s strong India centric research, the need for developing Optometry and the objectives of the proposed institution, he had a high word of praise for Shri Ravi Sanna Reddy, CEO, Sri City for providing a large extent of land for the research and clinical care initiative. Dr. Eesh Nigam, Senior Consultant, Sri City Sankara Nethralaya summed up the inception and growth of the unit and its service to the locals, he added with pride that 40% of its patients were treated cost free; it had a zero infection record and was empanelled with the Satish Dhawan Space Research Centre at Sriharikota. This was followed by a touching first person account of an indigent patient who benefited from the cost free care dispensed by the Sri City Sankara Nethralaya and an audio visual presentation of the proposed facility.
Addressing the gathering Shri S.Krishna Kumar, Principal, Elite School of Optometry underlined that the proposed facility would provide the much needed occupational optometry support to the workers from diverse industries located in the zone, he thanked Shri Ravi Sanna Reddy for his noble gesture of providing cost free land, for Sankara Nethralaya’s research initiatives. Shri Krishna Kumar introduced Dr. PP. Santanam the first Principal of the Elite School of Optometry and a great well wisher of the institution gracing the occassion, highlighting his academic achievements, dedication and philanthropy. Professor Santanam described the Bhumi Puja as the first proud step of a child, underlining that 80% of all sensory perception is through vision he proclaimed that Sankara Nethralaya as an institution would do everything needed in this field of vision. Speaking on the occasion Dr SS.Badrinath thanked Shri Ravi Sanna Reddy wholeheartedly, describing him as a man who has kept his word, he also had a word of thanks for Shri Chandrasekhar a great friend and well wisher of Sankara Nethralaya who was formerly with L&T for his role in bringing Shri Ravi Reddy close to Sankara Nethralaya, he lauded the role of Dr PP.Santanam and Dr KS.Varadarajan the two stalwarts for their role in the inception of the ESO and Shri Krishna Kumar, Principal of the institute for proving the critical need for developing occupational optometry through research initiatives, he also had a high word of praise for Shri Suresh Kumar, DGM Projects, Sankara Nethralaya for the speedy completion of the Sri City project. Shri Chandrasekhar commended Dr. SS.Badrinath for his commitment to his ideals adding that Shri Ravi Sanna Reddy and Dr. SS.Badrinath symbolized the physical and social infrastructure of the proposed institution. Acknowledging the thanks note by the senior members of Sankara Nethralaya, Shri Ravi Sanna Reddy underlined that the allocation of land to the institution was not an act of philanthropy but an act to meet the need for eye care in the local region by facilitating world class eye care by Sankara Nethralaya. Delivering the chief guest’s address Shri B.Santhanam, President& MD, Flat Glass, Saint Gobain, South Asia, Egypt and Malaysia highlighted the huge need for research in occupational optometry in the country, he observed that setting up of the institute will help in bridging the gap in this critical area.
Critical reviews and a differing view point mark prestigious endowment lecture at Sankara Nethralaya
The 13th edition of the annual Dr. Nagamani Dharmapuri Endowment Lecture held recently at the Sri V.D.Swami Auditorium assumed great significance on account of 3 factors, the August presence of Dr. Vidyasagar Dharmapuri the founder of the endowment and his wife Dr. Nagamani Beligere Dharmapuri, in whose honour it was created, an interesting curtain raiser on the topic of the evening, titled ‘Nystagmus Decoded’ by Dr. Sumitha Agarkar, Deputy Director, Paediatric Ophthalmology and her team and a thought provoking lecture by Professor Richard W. Hertle, Chief, Paediatric Ophthalmology, Director, Children’s Vision Centre, Akron Children’s Hospital, Akron, Ohio, known for his radically different views and revolutionary approach to the subject. The lecture organized by the Paediatric Ophthalmology Department of Sankara Nethralaya and Madras Ophthalmological Association (MOA) opened to a full capacity audience awaiting the guest lecture on a most critical field of ophthalmology.
Extending a warm welcome to the gathering, Senior Consultant, Paediatric Ophthalmology Department, Dr.R.Srikanth, paid glowing tributes to the selfless service rendered to the field of Neo-Natal care in the country by Dr. Vidyasagar Dharmapuri and Dr. Nagamani Dharmapuri whom he described as good friends of Dr.SS.Badrinath, Founder and Chairman Emeritus, Sankara Nethralaya, he had a high word of praise for the commendable work being done by the Paediatric Ophthalmology department at Sankara Nethralaya. Introducing the distinguished Chief Guest of the evening Dr.S.Geethalakshmi, Vice-Chancellor, Tamil Nadu Dr.MGR Medical University, Dr.S.Meenakshi, Senior Consultant Paediatric Ophthalmology Department and Director, Academics, Sankara Nethalaya described her as an academician par excellence, a wonderful guide to young researchers and an inspiring role model.
Speaking on an emotional note Dr. Vidyasagar Dharmapuri expressed that the uniqueness of Sankara Nethralaya never failed to inspire him and his wife, adding that it was not only in terms of medical excellence but an exclusive spiritual quality, thanks to the vibrations of Sankara felt through his ardent disciples Dr. SS.Badrinath and Dr.Vasanthi Badrinath. He gave a brief on what inspired him to establish the endowment and Dr. Nagamani’s critical contributions to the field of pre and post natal care. He highlighted that the objective of the Dr. Nagamani Dharmapuri Endowment was to disseminate knowledge on paediatric ophthalmology which he felt could be best achieved by supporting an institution like Sankara Nethralaya which does great work in the field. He referred to the Sanskrit quote ‘Vidyartham Maha Dhaanam’ which translates as ‘providing knowledge is the greatest of all charity’ adding that it was his small token of support towards supporting paediatric ophthalmology, the globally renowned paediatrician and philanthropist closed his talk with a hearty thanks to his friend Dr. SS..Badrinath for ‘Keeping up the glorious tradition’.
Recalling her visit to Dr. Professor Richard W. Hertle’s clinic at Ohio several years ago, Dr. Sumitha Agarkar, described the speaker of the day as a slightly controversial but highly acclaimed doctor and researcher who has done groundbreaking work in the field of Nystagmus, she also highlighted his association with the teaching and training initiatives with a community hospital at Rajahmundry. Speaking on the occasion Dr S.Geethalakshmi, Vice-Chancellor, the Tamil Nadu Dr.MGR Medical University described Sankara Nethralaya as a premium ophthalmic institution; she expressed her deep respects to Dr SS.Badrinath for serving the poor and needy of the State and his service in the field of education. She described Nystagmus and paediatric ophthalmology as the most relevant fields of study to prevent congenital blindness especially in a country with a high prevalence of consanguineous marriages. She expressed that a collaborative study is the need of the hour to prevent neo-natal blindness; she underlined the need for special training in paediatric ophthalmology and encouraged Sankara Nethralaya to go ahead with a new course in the field.
Delivering the endowment lecture on the title ‘How and what we learned from studying Nystagmus in infancy and early childhood’ Dr. Richard W.Hertle expressed that he was humbled by the compassion that he saw all around him. What followed was an interesting exposition of his radically different views, tracing the history of Nystagmus he expressed his surprise on how even ‘Science’ a rational subject found it difficult to break old beliefs, he gave an in-depth account of the subject, touching on the different manifestation of Nystagmus namely pathological and physiological, 11 broad types of the ailment, ambylopia, inflammation etc. He also touched upon Nystagmus in the womb. The veteran doctor cited interesting illustrations and real-time case studies to question generally accepted norms in the subject and present his own interpretations.
The most engaging and informative event came to an end with a vote of thanks by Dr.Akila Ramkumar.