Senior Consultants from Sankara Nethralaya win high recognitions at nation’s major ophthalmic meet.
A critical study and findings on the impact of Foveal depression/thickness in Age Related Macular Diseases(ARMD), by Dr. Tarun Sharma, Director, Bhagwan Mahaveer Vitro-retinal Services, Sankara Nethralaya, titled “Foveal slope measurements in subjects with high risk of age related macular degeneration” was awarded the ‘1st Silver Award’ by the ‘Indian Journal of Ophthalmology’ and a paper titled “Polymerase chain reaction of intraocular fluid for mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB)” a ground breaking work on effective leveraging of the advanced Polymerase Chain Reaction Process (PCR) to detect or rule out the presence of tuberculosis bacterium in the intraocular fluid, by Dr. Jyotirmay Biswas, Director, Uveitis and Ophthamic Pathology Department, Sankara Nethralaya was awarded the “The best paper read at the UVEA session” and a paper titled “Diffusion weighted imaging- A predictor of visual outcome in acute optic neuritis” an in-depth work and observation on greater leveraging of ‘imaging technology’ to effectively asses visual outcome in patients with Neuro -optic problems, by Dr S.Ambika, Senior Consultant, Department of Neuro-Ophthalmology and Head of Neuro- Ophthalmology services, Sankara Nethralaya was awarded the “D.Athawale Award” by the scientific committee at the 73rd All India Ophthalmic Conference (AIOC) the annual meet of the All India Ophthalmic Society (AIOS) held between 5th and 8th of February 2015 at New Delhi. The Sankara Nethralaya family heartily congratulates the winners for the high honour bestowed on them and the impact of their study and findings in better understanding and treatment of eye ailments.
‘You can make the difference in society’ implores senior Sankara Nethralaya member to student outreach community of leading City College
As an institution with the firm belief that the disturbingly high gap between the need and availability of cornea for transplant can be bridged not by an individual or institution but only by creating awareness on eye donation at the ground level and by making it a ‘mass movement,’ Sankara Nethralaya conducts several eye donation awareness programs. Srimathi Akila Ganesan, Senior General Manager addressed a large gathering of students belonging to the Loyola Outreach Department, formed to make students experience and express concern for the society especially the poor and needy, at the historic Bertram Hall on 30th of January 2015, as part of this ongoing initiative. Highlighting that the UNESCO has declared year 2015 as the ‘Year of Light’ she made an emphatic appeal to the students to make it as the ‘Year of Light and Vision’ by bringing the light of vision into the life of the visually impaired. She gave a real time feel of the despair undergone by the visually challenged by engaging the audience in an interesting exercise of holding their badges with just one of their eyes closed, a simple act which they found difficult to do and asking them to try and take a walk within their own homes with their eyes closed to experience the suffering that the visually challenged underwent all their lives.
Explaining that one of the reasons why the dear and near ones of the deceased person were apprehensive of donating the eyes is fear of disfigurement or mutilation of the face, she clarified that it was not the entire eye that was removed but only the cornea as it is only the cornea which is replaced to bring back vision, she highlighted that corneal blindness accounted for a staggering 5 million and it needs eye donation on a massive scale to overcome the situation. Srimathi Akila Ganesan made a spirited appeal to the students gathered to be the foot soldiers in the battle against blindness with each one of them taking a firm resolve that ‘the problem of India’s blindness is my problem’. She emphasized that each one of them could contribute to the upliftment of society, their locality and the neighbourhood which in turn will change the nation into a better place to live in all respects, She explained that their individual involvement in combating blindness will have a ripple effect which would ultimately crescendo into a mighty movement which would eradicate blindness from the face of the earth. The address drew great applause and appreciation and won many young hearts to the cause of eye donation.
This was followed by an address on the current eye donation scenario, various steps being taken for creating awareness and how students and the youth of the country could play a major role in this noble endeavour, by Shri S.V.G.Subramanian, Deputy Manager, CU Shah Eye Bank, Sankara Nethralaya
School children vision testing- A new trend A unique model
Like most health ailments the best period to test, prevent/treat and cure eye ailments is during its early stages, hence regular eye examination during childhood becomes an imperative part of lifelong eye health. It is also a fact that children in their playfulness fail to share vision discomforts they may be experiencing and would open up only when specific questions are asked. Bearing these points in mind the National Programme for control of Blindness conducts eye examination camps for children at least twice a year. Sankara Nethralaya’s Elite School of Optometry (ESO) also specializes in conducting eye screening camps for children.
A comprehensive vision testing for children studying in 29 schools located in Chennai Corporation Zone – 1 comprising of Ennore, Thiruvotriyur and Manali was carried out on February 4th 2015.The students underwent examination for refractive errors and also their binocular vision status and the general health of their eyes. The vision testing involved a three-phased structured protocol consisting of basic vision screening, detection of refractive errors and referral for other ocular problems.
The highlights of this event was the screening of 4604 children belonging mainly to the economically backward sections of society spread over 29 different schools for eye and vision problems in a single day. In 2012 the Elite School of Optometry, Sankara Nethralaya created a national record for eye screening of School children by testing 8469 children in a day. 19 Teams comprising 150 members performed vision testing in the school premises between 8.30 am and 4.30 pm.
In the recently concluded camp 171 children totaling to (3.71%) were identified with refractive errors. These children were given an option of choosing their own frames, which were trendy and stylish. This is to improve the compliance of spectacle wear, as cosmetic appearance is one of the major reasons for children not wearing their spectacles. Lenses for these spectacles would be made of plastic material, considering the safety of children’s eyes. Previous survey done by Elite School of Optometry showed that only 18% of children use the prescribed spectacles because of various reasons like teasing by friends, cosmetic factors and difficulty during sports. 117 (2.54%) children identified with ocular problems like squint, ptosis and cataract were referred to Sankara Nethralaya for free treatment. Parents of children with vision problems will be informed of their children’s vision status and counseled. Spectacles will be distributed in 10 days time in the school premises itself and parents will also be invited to collect the spectacles.
Lack of information to parents about their child’s condition in the conventional school screening is one of the main reasons for poor compliance to spectacles and other treatment options.The Elite School’s of optometry’s aim is to eliminate all these barriers and create a unique model in the school children vision testing henceforth said Ms. N. Anuradha, Vision Screening Coordinator, Elite School of Optometry.
Creating awareness among all the stakeholders especially parents and teachers and involving them as part of the screening would create an impact on the school vision screening models” added Dr. R Krishna Kumar, Principal, Elite School of Optometry.
For more details contact Dr. R. Krishna Kumar- 044 2234 6023
The Sankara Nethralaya Academy’s 1st batch of Healthcare Quality Management program receives enthusiastic response.
The Sankara Nethralaya Academy (TSNA), the academic arm of its illustrious parent institution and world class eye care provider is committed to sharing the knowledge and experience of its parent institution to enhance the overall functioning of the Medicare industry, by improving every one of its multiple facets.
Shri C S Ramakrishan, Chief Operating Officer, ACME Consulting, addressing the Session
The need for better and more professional management of hospitals and better healthcare delivery became imperative in view of greater awareness levels and rising expectations of patients and their families, entry of Indian and overseas players into the health care industry, India especially South India becoming a preferred healthcare destination of patients from all over the world and the disturbing increase and complexity of ailments.
This is a first of its kind in the country Certificate Course dedicated to the area of Healthcare Quality, a key concern in Hospitals today. The spurt in medical errors, accidents and high profile cases of negligence has brought the entire healthcare sector under a cloud, negating the tremendous amount of good work actually being done.
This situation can be addressed only by professionalizing Hospital services and making quality as the very basis and crux in every aspect of the healthcare delivery, thereby ensuring Hospitals are safe and patient centric and the treatment provided is effective, producing the desired outcomes.
Realising this most critical need, The Sankara Nethralaya Academy, an academic wing of Sankara Nethralaya, the epitome of healthcare quality in the country, ACME Consulting, India’s largest Healthcare Quality Advisory and Association of Healthcare Providers of India (AHPI), the only countrywide association of Hospitals in the country have joined hands to develop this Certificate Course that will help all categories of hospital staff right from Doctors, Nurses and Administrators to Radiographers, Lab Technicians and other Support Staff to become active participants in the Quality Improvement of their respective Hospitals.
This course was conducted at the Sankara Nethralaya main campus every Saturday afternoon, between 3pm and 6pm over the next 12 weeks.
The Course was well received with senior management Personnel like Directors, Medical Professionals, Management Executives from reputed healthcare institutions both domestic enrolling in it.
A few testimonials on the course from successful candidates
Dear Sir,
Thank you so much for the coordination you have given to me during the course.
Ms Metilda,
Nursing Supdt,
PES Institute of Medical Science & Research, Kuppam, Andra Pradesh
Dear Mr. Mahalingam, Good Morning!
I really appreciate the idea and commitment in conducting such courses. I should agree that doctors besides being clinicians must undergo training on quality, hospital management, etc . The course content and time scheduling was very good. Integrating project work has really added value.
Once again appreciate and complement that I and my colleagues have been benefited. Please do keep us updated about other programmes for us to enroll
Regards
Dr. Santa MD, Basavatarakam cancer Hospital, Hydrabad, AP
Many thank Mr. Mahalingam. We enjoyed the course very much. Being an online candidate, few suggestions:1) Speakers to stand in one place – ovement and hand movements gave lot of artefacts on video and diverted attention a bit.
2) Slides and contents were very good. Narratives/Examples given were very good by some speakers but standardisation of these examples for future may be beneficial.
All in all, excellent and would recommend to others.
Thank you.
Dr. Suma,PES Institute of Medical Science & Research, Kuppam, Andra Pradesh
Dear Mahalingam Sir,
My sincere appreciation and gratitude to you, Sir, for all your efforts in making the program as successful as it was. Effective communication is not easy, but you have managed it so well with not just me, but with our whole group. Never once during the entire course of study did I have to send you any reminder or query. It was all well answered even before a doubt could develop in our minds! The course content was also extremely well structured. It was a privilege for me to be able to listen to and learn from stalwarts in the quality field. A special word of appreciation for your organizing skills in arranging the sessions without any delay or interruption, every Saturday, at the pre-planned hours, without fail, throughout the course duration.
The course is over, but I cherish our friendship and hope it will last a life time.
Thanking you
Yours Sincerely
Ms.Sandhya Mahadevan
GM, PRS Hospital Pvt. Ltd.
(Student of SN Academy, CCHQM course )
The Sankara Nethralaya Academy adds “affiliation on mentoring skills” feather to its cap
The Sankara Nethralaya Academy(TSNA) a unit of Medical Research Foundation, Chennai has been affiliated to Healthcare Sector Skill Council, a unit of National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), Govt. of India, as an authorized Vocational Training Provider for the job role REFRACTIONIST and MEDICAL LAB TECHNICIAN.
Consequently, we can train all our students for final assessment & certification by NSDC and the successful students will get a cash reward of Rs.10,000 from them. TSNA is planning to offer such training modules to outsiders and go in for affiliation for additional job roles, enhancing employability.
High level recognition, participation and discussions mark the 2nd Annual Convention by the Sankara Nethralaya ONGC Genetics & Molecular Biology Department
The Sankara Nethralaya ONGC Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology a key research department in the Kamalnayan Bajaj Institute for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, the research arm of Sankara Nethralaya, engaged in the in-depth study of genes and their influence, for better diagnosis of ocular ailments by providing preventive/curative Medicare through gene mapping and candidate screen screening conducted its 2nd annual convention, as a symposium on ‘Sanger to Next Generation Sequencing- The Genomics Era”. The two day symposium enlightened students, research scholars, scientists, clinicians and counselors involved in healthcare on why ‘genome analysis’ as a process is vital in clinical decision making, prognosis and personalized medicine. The symposium offered an in-depth coverage of the areas of mapping and candidate gene screening, current trends of molecular diagnosis and the clinical significance of gene testing, through the gold standard ‘Sanger sequencing’ to the most robust Next Generation Sequencing platforms, through in-depth lectures by eminent scholars and experts in the field.
The significance of this high power event could be gauged by the fact that it was sponsored by the nation’s major research regulating bodies namely the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR), Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and was attended by legends from the scientific and research community like Professor T.Ramasami, Former Secretary, Department of Science and Technology and Professor Samir. K.Brahmachari, Founder- Director, CSIR Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology.
The two day symposium got off to an auspicious start with an invocation by Dr. Srividya. Extending a warm welcome to the dignitaries and participants Dr Sripriya of the SN ONGC Department observed that the field of genetics may be classified into three defined time frames namely ‘Classic Era’ ‘DNA Era’ and the ‘Transition to genomics era’. She hailed the advent of newer technologies in the form of Next Generation Sequencing platform and described that the two day symposium would be a feast on genomics impact. Giving an overview of the symposium Dr A.Jayamuruga Pandian, Reader & Head SN ONGC Dept. of Genetics and Molecular Biology started off by reading a felicitation and greeting message from Prof. Vishwa Mohan Khatoch, Secretary, Department of Health and Director General of ICMR who was unable to attend the function owing to unavoidable and pressing commitments. Dr. Pandian highlighted the relevance and progress made by the SN ONGC department through its role in pre and post genetic rehabilitation, counseling/Diagnosis and migration to Sanger to Next generation sequencing the gold standard in genetic research. He listed the milestone publications from the dept, collaborations with leading educational universities and affiliations. Dr. Pandian ended his talk with the observation that the future plan of the department is to start a Post Graduate course in genetic counseling and Gene Therapy.
Dr. Ronnie George, Director Research, Kamalnayan Bajaj Institute for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology gave a most absorbing account of the in-depth research being carried out in each of the eight research departments in the premises including the enchanting basic and clinical research using MOOKP which enabled tissues from the tooth to be used to treat ocular surface disorders. Speaking on the occasion Dr. SS.Badrinath, Founder & Chairman Emeritus, Sankara Nethralaya expressed that he is a clinician and not a basic scientist, he welcomed and thanked Dr. S.Ramasami, Prof. Samir Brahmachari, Shri. Arul Ramanathan from ONGC, Shri. Muthu Karuppan from Singapore and all the distinguished participants gathered on the occasion, he gave a brief overview of the activities of the KNBIRVO and how the support from the government, NGO’s and philanthropic individuals and corporate bodies helped to carry out its research activities in a sustained and focused manner.
Guest of Honour Professor Ramasami, a long time friend and well wisher of Sankara Nethralaya started his address on a lighter vein that he had to cancel his scheduled engagement at the Leather Exhibition being organized in the city on the same day, to be present at the function with his comment ‘You cannot say no when Dr. SS.Badrinath invites you’ a fact which the hosts of the function, the organizers of the leather fair agreed too, he added. He observed that his presence along with Prof. Samir Brahmachari symbolized the title of the symposium ‘from Sanger to NGS’ as he belonged to the Sanger era and Prof Brahmachari belonged to the New Generation Sequencing era, he credited the latter with not only ushering the NGS era but better research and clinical care through it. Dr. Ramasami observed that India with a very diverse gene pool, population density and a high number of health ailments provided the ideal platform for genetic study; he closed his talk with best wishes for the success of the two day symposium, adding that every year the event should aim towards bringing people together, working together and finding solutions together.
The two day symposium witnessed in-depth and well researched speeches on the various facets of genetics and what it holds for the future by experts in the field. A highlight of the session was a most touching and entertaining cultural program by ‘Comaganin Ragapriya’ an orchestra by the differently abled which helped participants to unwind and relax in the midst of the hectic proceedings.
Noted rationalist and social activist makes a clarion call for social democracy at Sankara Nethralaya’s R-Day celebration.
The Nation’s Republic day was celebrated with great fervor by Sankara Nethralaya, a huge gathering comprising Consultants, Researchers, Fellows and staff members their families, including jubilant kids selected for recognition for their good academic performance dressed in their best, had gathered in good number at the Sankara Nethralaya Main campus for the grand celebration. If the oratory and chaste Tamil evident in the presentation of the day’s proceedings by Ms. Gayathri Karthikeyan, Junior Research Fellow CSIR project and welcome address and introduction of the Chief Guest by Ms. Sivasankari, Senior Research Fellow, ICMR Project at the RS Mehta Jain Department of Bio- Chemistry&Cell Biology, Kamalnayan Bajaj Institute for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology had a wonderful chemistry with the Chief Guest’s well known mastery over the language, the soulful rendering of the National Poet’s immortal lines ‘Aaduvome Palli Paduvome’ by Shruthi Meenakshi, Aishwarya and Swathi students of the Elite School of Optometry underlined that talent at the ESO extended beyond optometry.
The esteemed Chief guest of the day, noted rationalist, social thinker and orator Shri Suba Veerapandian unfurled the national tricolor which was followed by the rendering of the national anthem by the entire gathering. The star speaker started his address on a humble note that he felt honoured to be the Chief guest of an institution of the high stature of Sankara Nethralaya, run by a highly revered personality like Dr SS.Badrinath, adding in lighter vein that he had always believed that one day he would enter the premises of the Sankara Nethralaya as a patient but never dreamt that he would grace the place as a Chief Guest on such an August occasion. Shri Subaveera Pandian is known as a historian, strong advocate for social causes and upliftment of the downtrodden and a rationalist and all these facets in him exemplified themselves as he held the audience spell-bound with rapt attention with his legendary oratory. Sharing interesting snippets on the national flag he had just unfurled he observed that it was the image of the ‘Spinning Wheel’ the Mahathma’s symbol of self reliance which was originally planned to be in the centre of the national flag but it was replaced by the ‘Ashoka Chakra’ the national emblem to differentiate it from the congress flag, adding that interestingly the place where India’s tricolor was first hoisted by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru is currently outside India (Lahore, Pakistan). The eminent speaker observed that while the nation can be justifiably proud of achieving a high degree of political democracy, what the founding fathers of the constitution termed as ‘Social Democracy’ or equality still remained elusive after so many years of independence. He emphasized his point by highlighting that while every citizen is welcomed with great zest and vigour to the polling booth to exercise his democratic right/duty of casting his vote, places of worship still remain out of bounds to a large section of the citizenry comprising of downtrodden classes and no one welcomes them here. He emphasized the need for pluralism, tolerance and respect for each other’s views capturing the spirit of ‘Unity in diversity’ rather than an attempt to bring about uniformity of thoughts and ideologies as an initiative towards unity. Shri Pandian recalled the rich tradition of political stalwarts of yesteryears who were strongly opposed in ideology and beliefs, not letting the same to hinder the personal equation with each other and exhibiting great warmth, respect and courtesy to each other when they met in person, wondering if the country would witness such exemplary public conduct ever again. A sentiment expressed by Shri Gopal Krishna Gandhi at the recently held centenary celebration of Shri Kamalnayan Bajaj. He shared the concern and anxiety expressed by Rashtrapathi Shri Pranab Mukherje in the Republic Day speech made earlier in the day, at the nation’s capital on the issue of women safety and rising crime against women; in his characteristic style he remarked that even the mother’s womb was not a safe place for the female child in the country, referring to the inhuman practice of female foeticide.
Shri Subaveera Pandian closed his speech with the rich compliment that the real greatness of Sankara Nethralaya did not lie in the long years of its service or in the large number of patients that it had treated successfully during this period but in the fact that it had treated 1/3 of the total patients, belonging to the socially/economically backward sections totally cost free, to the thunderous applause of the audience. The day witnessed the honouring of staff members who had competed long years of service with the institution and distribution of merit certificates and scholarships to wards of staff members who had excelled in their academics.
TSNA conducts an informative session on effective medical governance
Sankara Nethralaya Academy’s Certificate program on Health care quality management, both offline and online that included a session on a critical topic “Medical Governance”, got off to a vibrant start at the Sankara Nethralaya main campus on 17th Jan 2015 by Dr. B. Krishnamurthy, Director, Quality Management Services, PES Institute of Medical Sciences Research, Kuppam, […]
Sankara Nethralaya rings true! Exults the Mahatma’s grandson at the centenary celebration of a Gandhian
The imposing edifice housing the Kamalnayan Bajaj Institute for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology came alive to a steady flow of visitors right from the early evening of Friday the 23rd of January 2015. The Sankara Nethralaya family was paying its homage to the memory of the great man after whose name its research facility […]
Sankara Nethralaya opens new horizons in specialized ophthalmic care!
In a major rehabilitation initiative to the neuro-visually challenged patients, the departments of Binocular vision clinic and neuro ophthal services at Sankara nethralaya came together to combine and leverage their knowledge in their respective fields to find novel techniques that offer remedial solutions through the Neuro- Optometry Clinic. Delivering the welcome address, Dr. S.Ambika, Director, […]