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December 2nd,2007 – Workshop on Eye Banking, Goa |
As a part of the initiative of the Rotary Club of Panaji Eye Bank Trust , to establish and popularize eye banking in the state of Goa, a symposium on eye banking was hosted at the Hotel Madovi.
Dr RV Ramani, introduced the concept of eye banking. This was followed by a talk by Dr JK Reddy, on the usage of donor cornea and the technique of corneal transplantation. Dr Ameet Kaisare, former fellow at Sankara Coimbatore walked the delegates through the steps of harvesting the donor eye.
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November 24th -25th,2007 - 1st National Symposium of COSI, Coimbatore. |
The first annual symposium of the confederation of Community eye care institutions in India, under the banner of Community Ophthalmology Society of India was hosted by Sankara.
The 2 day deliberation saw the convergence of grassroots organization involved in primary heath, curative and rehabilitative agencies. There was also representation from the INGO’s and the National Programme for Control of Blindness, Government of India.The participants were able to gain from the knowledge of pioneers in the field of community eye care.
The second Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Oration, instituted by Sankara was delivered by Chairman Emeritus, Sankara Nethralaya, Dr SS Badrinath. He spoke on the public-private partnership in eye care.
 Health Secretary of Tamilnadu V.K. Subburaj delivered the valedictory address and appreciated the role played by community eye care organizations in the crusade against avoidable blindness. The Health Secretary gave away two awards instituted by COSI for NGOs involved in community eye care. The Dr. G. Venkataswamy Memorial Award for exemplary individual contribution in community eye care in the country was given to N.P. Pandya, president of the Pune-based Blind People’s Association. The Dr. R.K. Seth Memorial Award for excellence in community eye care for an institution went to Sadguru Seva Sangh at Chithrakoot.
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November 10th -13th ,2007 - American Academy of Ophthalmology, New Orleans. |
It has been our endeavor at Sankara to modify and innovate in the field of curative eye care. Our clinical research has led us to file for 3 patents over the past 3 years. This year at the prestigious annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Dr JK Reddy was invited to present his original research on the management of subluxated lens, with the modified iris claw lens.
The panelists who included doyens of ophthalmology appreciated the results and hoped for this innovation to be made available for patients across the world.
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October 27th, 2007 - Charity Dandia Event Helps Sankara Raise Over $200K |
Fourth year running the Sankara Eye Foundation “Dandiya 2007”, was a sold out event. The Santa Clara Convention Center came alive on October 27th, with thousands of eager Indian Americans dressed in their finest and holding pairs of brightly colored dandia sticks. The previous Saturday night at the San Jose Convention Center, the first of the two Dandia events by SEF, was no different either.
This event alone helped SEF raise over $200,000 for the upcoming hospital at Anand. A non-profit organization CLIPS and Harshad Uka, a California-based industrialist, donated $100,000 each.
The event not only helped spread awareness about the activities of Sankara in India and America, but also introduced new donors and volunteers to the movement.
On behalf of Sankara India, Shri S V Balasubramaniam, Chairman of the trust and Dr RV Ramani, Managing Trustee participated. They along with the Mr Srivatsan, Hon Director Vision 2020 and doctors from Sankara, participated in the SEF board deliberations on strategic initiatives needed to achieve the goal of Vision 20/20 by the year 2020.
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14th October 2007 – i-Press CME on Glaucoma, Coimbatore |
The last decade has seen an immense improvement in the diagnostic techniques and management protocols of Glaucoma. Recognizing this and understanding the need of both general ophthalmologists and glaucoma specialists, the institution organized an update on the topic.
  
The content spanned new diagnostic testing modalities, reviewed emerging medical therapies and enabled the delegated develop a practice management model that improves efficiency and quality of care for the glaucoma patient.
Faculty with immense experience in the speciality from Coimbatore, Guntur, Cochin, Vellore, Tirunelveli and Chennai helped improve understanding of glaucoma. Over 100 delegates from Tamilnadu and Kerala benefitted from the continuing medical education initiative.
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11th October 2007 – Sankara Celebrates World Sight Day 2007 |
World Sight Day (WSD) is an annual day of awareness held on the second Thursday of October to draw the world's attention to the problem of blindness and vision impairment. The focus this year was on visual impairment and blindness among some of the world's most vulnerable citizens - children.
 On the occasion of the World Sight Day,2007 we conducted a symposium on various aspects of diagnostic and curative techniques for various eye ailments. The symposium was held at the Dr. N Mahalingam Auditorium where our Postgraduates, Consultants, Paramedical Staff and Administrators attended.
The hospital also participated in a public education initiative organized by the District Blindness Control Society under the aegis of the District Collector, Coimbatore.
At our sister institution at Guntur in line with the theme a preventive eye care screening programme was organized for the underprivileged children from the Yanadi Colony and Suddapalli Donka slums. After a preliminary survey and screening our team of optometrists and ophthalmologist screened and identified 45 children with undetected refractive errors who were given.jpg) prescription glasses.
IEC initiatives were also instituted as posters in the area. In the evening Dr Sairani , Paediatric Ophthalmologist participated in an interactive multimedia session on the importance of Paediatric eye diseases and the significance of World Sight Day.
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20-22 of September, 2007 - XVI Annual Conference of Vitreoretinal Society of India , Mussoorie |
XVI Annual Conference of Vitreoretinal Society of India , Mussoorie was attended by more than 400 Vitreo Rentinal Surgeons across the country. Dr B Koshal Ram, Vitreo Retinal Surgeon, Sankara Eye Centre, Coimbatore presented his research on  "NON RESPONDER TO AVASTIN".
The paper was appreciated by the likes of professor H.K.Tiwari & Prof. Lalit Varma. Dr.Baruch D Kuppermann Irvine, USA interacted with the author on the paper.
Dr.K.Chandramohan, & Dr.Ravishanker, Vitreo Retinal Surgeon, Sankara Eye Hospital , Guntur along with 400 Vitreo Retinal Surgeons across the country attened the conference. |
1st of September, 2007 - Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro for Vision 2020
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Rohit Sthalekar is leading a team of young, passionate visionaries on a trek to climb Mount Kili!, via Machame route. At just under 6000m/20,000 ft Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa.
 They would begin the trek on the 3rd September. A midnight wake-up call on Friday, 7th of September will be the start of a treacherous 12-17 hours trek from the aptly named Barafu camp. The temperatures would range from just below freezing at midnight, to between -12 deg C to -23 deg C just before dawn at the summit.
To support this noble initiative visit www.justgiving.com/rohit2007 |
10th – 12th August 2007 Erovision 07 – TNOA conference Erode |
The 55th annual meeting of the Tamilnadu Ophthalmological Society is a formal periodic meeting of eye care professionals interested in basic science and clinical research, diagnosis, and management of diseases of the eye. This year the conference was held between August 10 - 12, 2007 at Erode.
Sankara has been invited to share its expertise in community eye care and high volume cataract surgery by conducting an instruction course on small incision cataract surgery. Faculty included our Director Dr JK Reddy, Senior Consultant and Head of Glaucoma Services Dr Ajita S and our Senior Consultant in charge of the Community Eye Services Dr Y Umesh.
Free papers on various aspects in Retinal Diseases, Low vision and Paediatric Ophthalmology were presented.
On the concluding day a special capsule – “cocktail” was organized which was to incorporate talks on various aspects of eye care – with emphasis on emerging concepts in diagnosis and management. Dr JK Reddy was invited to deliver his talk on Keratoconus. |
6th August 2007 - Diabetic Retinopathy Programme for the tribal population of Annamalais. |
The diabetic retinopathy programme for rural India was started in March 07. The programme goal was to prevent avoidable blindness due to Diabetic Retinopathy and to raise awareness.
The project hopes to cover a population of over 15, 00,000.
In the past 3 months over 82000 from across 70 villages have benefited. A systematic survey of 26000 households led to 1500 diabetics being identified.
90 patients were brought to the base hospital for tertiary care including digital angiography, retinal lasers and for surgical evaluation. Apart from this, patients identified from the ongoing rural outreach screening programme, “Gift of Vision programme” have benefited. 69 lasers and 33 FFA’s were provided for patients were done during this period. All these procedures were done totally free of cost.
From August 07 onwards the Diabetic Retinopathy Programme will be reach out to the underserved Anamalai Panchayat. The region has a predominantly tribal population. The project was launched by Smt Selja Kumari , Union Minister of State for Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation.
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5th August 2007 - CME on Ophthalmology Update at Sankara Eye Hospital ,Guntur |
Sankara Eye Hospital, Guntur has a carved a name in the region in not only offering the very best in eye care but also innovating. In association with ORBIS international since inception it has been our endeavor to introduce postgraduates and general ophthalmologists from the region to the very latest in eye care.
As a continuation to this philosophy, an Ophthalmology Update was conduced at Hotel Grand Nagarjuna, Guntur.
Dr A Venkateswara Rao, HOD, Govt General Hospital, & Dist. Program Manager; DBCS Guntur, lit the lamp and inaugurated the meeting. On behalf of Sankara, Dr S Mahesha welcomed the gathering.
Dr J K Reddy, Director, Sankara Eye Care Institutions presented the ever changing concepts in cataract surgery especially posterior capsule opacification . He also introduced to the audience his innovation of modified posterior chamber fixated lens for subluxated cataracts. Dr Y Umesh, Consultant Occuloplasty Services, Coimbatore has been among the first in Southern India to use LASER for lacrimal sac surgery. With a video of the procedure his presentation was well appreciated.
Over 30 Ophthalmologists, including postgraduates from Guntur Medical College and ophthalmologists from Guntur, Ongole, Ponnuru, Narsaraopet & West Godavari Disttrict participated.
The interactive format of the update allowed interaction between the faculty and the participants and this was followed by a lunch hosted by the hospital. session was very engrossing and it spilled over to the sumptuous lunch that followed. |
1st July 2007 - K.S. Sanjivi awards , Chennai. |
The fourth edition of K.S. Sanjivi awards presentation was held on 1st July 2007. Instituted by Confederation of Indian Organisations for Service and Advocacy and “Udhavum Ullangal”, the award included a laser-etched trophy with the figure of Dr. Sanjivi and a citation detailing the awardees contribution. CIOSA founder trustee K. Pandiarajan said the awardees were selected for their social work and contribution to society at large.
 Our Managing trustee Dr RV Ramani was recognized for the community eye care provided by the Sankara Eye Care Institutions. It was twice as pleasurable as our sister organization, Sankara Eye Hospital, Pammal was also recognized for the yeomen service being provided. The institutions has conducted over 90,000 specialized eye surgeries and through nearly 3,000 camps reached out to a population of over 80 lakh people in the Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur and Chittoor districts.
This year’s award went to eight doctors from across the country. Two institutions were also honoured for their work in the area of healthcare. |
7th June 2007 - Bhoomi pooja - Sankara Eye Hospital, Anand |
In line with a broader mission of enabling Vision 20/20 by year 2020, the first step for building a state of the art eye hospital in Gujarat was taken on Thursday the 7th of June '07 between 7.30 am and 9.00 am. , with the Bhoomi Pooja for the Sankara Eye Hospital, Anand.
Mr Srivatsan our Honorary Director, Project Vision 2020, attended the function on behalf of the Sankara Eye Care Institution.
The hospital is being established mainly through the fundraising efforts of SEF, USA and with support from philanthropists and international and national NGO’s involved in community health care.
The hospital once functional would play a large role in alleviating the more than 500,000 blind population.
It is indeed yet another landmark for our Movement.
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11th May 2007 -Diabetic Retinopathy Programme for Rural India |
ROTARY COIMBATORE CENTRAL JOINS HANDS WITH SANKARA EYE CENTRE, COIMBATORE
Diabetes is a growing menace and assuming alarming proportions with every passing day. By the year 2010, WHO has estimates that there will be 5 Crore diabetics in India alone. Diabetes also affects the various organs of the body. Eye is the most important of them. In rural areas ignorance about diabetes also adds to the problem.
Rotary Coimbatore Central, a premier service organization and Sankara Eye Centre, jointly with Bruce Davis Trust, UK, Savitry Waney Charitable Trust, UK, Seerangammal Hospital, Sangampalayam launched a major project – “Diabetic Retinopathy Programme for Rural India” on 11/5/07 at a cost of 1.5 crores.
Under this programme, Diabetic patients would be systematically identified through a door to door survey in Pollachi, Udumalpet, Avinashi and Palladam taluks of Coimbatore district covering a total population of 15,78,952. The time frame will be approx 3 years. The identified diabetics will be screened for Diabetic Retinopathy every Saturday at a nearby base camp by a team of doctors and paramedics.
Microsoft Research, India in association with Sankara Eye Centre, Coimbatore has developed a software to educate the semi and illiterate population on common eye diseases with special emphasis on diabetic eye diseases.
Patients requiring laser treatment or other investigations will be brought to the base hospital at Coimbatore for further evaluation and treatment. All these procedures are totally free for economically backward sections of the society.A van donated by Seerangammal Hospital, Sangampalayam is being utilized for this programme. This air-conditioned van is equipped with a fundus camera capable of taking minute images of the retina and other ophthalmic equipments.. The programme was launched on 11th May by Rtn. Wilfrid J. Wilkinson – Rotary International President Elect.
INAUGURATION OF THE DR.N.MAHALINGAM AUDITORIUM
A modern 250 seater air-conditioned auditorium constructed within our campus at a cost of Rs.20 lakhs and named “Dr.N.Mahalingam Auditorium” was inaugurated by Dr.Neeraj Mittal, District Collector on 11/5/07. This Auditorium will be a boon for continuing Medical Education Programmes, conferences, seminars and workshops being periodically organized by Sankara Eye Centre.
INAUGURATION OF THE EXPANDED FACILITY OF SANKARA EYE BANK
Sankara Eye Bank, started in the year 1985 has become a model Eye Bank for the Nation and receives a pair of eyes every day. Sankara Eye Bank has been expanded to International standards with state of the art equipments and infrastructure at a cost of Rs.15 lakhs Dr.V.Ramadoss, Special Advisor to Ministry of Health and Social Service, Government of Seychelles has supported this venture. This expanded facility was inaugurated by Padmabhushan Dr.N.Mahalingam on 11.05.2007
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9th May 2007 - USAID-Microsoft Workshop on Information Technology Interventions in Health in India |
As a part of the corporate social responsibility initiative, Microsoft India is partnering Sankara in developing a computer based health education initiative for semi literates and the visually impaired, to whom we reach out through our initiatives.
To share our experiences in the use of information technology in eye care , Dr R V Ramani has been invited as a resource person for the USAID-Microsoft Workshop on Information Technology Interventions in Health in India , conducted on 9th May 2007. He shared experiences on – “Health information dissemination for blind/semi/non-literates – Can this be extended to other diseases”. This was a part of the session on Innovation & Emerging Solutions. |
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1st March 2007 - Sankara Eye Hospital Guntur proudly celebrated 3 years of service to the Community. |
On the 1st of March 2007, Sankara Eye Hospital Guntur proudly celebrated 3 years of service to the community. Over the past 3years the institution has grown in repute. From a modest out patient load of 30 patients a day the center today reaches out and treats over 4000 outpatients a month.
We have carved a name in community eye care and have earned a very good name in Guntur, Prakasham & Krishna districts for the efficient and systematic camps organized .We have covered a large population in our camps and school screening services and provided state of the art surgeries to over 27000 poor patients and screened over 2 lakh children, provided over 5000 spectacles and performed 240 intricate vision restoring procedures among the children detected.
The day began with prayers to the Acharyas and the Almighty. The religious ceremony was attended by the doctors, staff and among the invitees were the Chief Patron and our Honorary Advisers.
The fun filled function in the evening had a cultural show by the staff. The talent pool on show was literally an eye opener for all. A kaleidoscope of events from musinc, song and dance to a Yoga demonstration were a part of the gala event coordinated by the doctors and staff. The pleasant duty of recognition of the trainees who graduated the courses of Eye Care Management & Vision care technicians followed.
The annual day celebrations started a week prior and included a wide range of competitive events from sports,fine arts to culinary skills. The winners in the various events were presented with awards.
Dr Mohan Chander our CEO in his keynote formally announced the commencement of the Phase 2 of Sankara, Guntur. This on completion would see a virtual doubling of the facility. The immense support from SEF, USA and other well wishers was acknowledged. He
He concluded his inspiring speech with, “We are now on a rising curve and have a challenging task to reach our goal - VISION 20/20 by the year 2020. With the team we have we will be able to make it.”
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25th February 2007 – “Paedi- Sight”, CME on Paediatric Ophthalmology, Coimbatore |
 India shoulders the largest burden of global blindness, with 320,000 children blind. Fifty percent of childhood blindness in India is preventable or treatable, but progress is stymied by a lack of trained pediatric ophthalmic professionals, which are as important as essential equipment.
Sankara wishes to promote clinical and scientific paediatric ophthalmology and in particular to attract young clinicians and researchers in the field. In this spirit a day long CME on Paediatric Ophthalmology and Stabismus was held on 25th February ,2007.
The meet included leading ophthalmologists from South India involved in different aspects of paediatric eye care. Dr Namita Jacob provided an insight into the vision assessment and rehabilitation of preverbal and special children. Refracting children is as much an art as a science. Dr Umesh , consultant with interest in Cornea and Aesthetic surgery and coordinator of surgical training spoke on this very practical topic.
Amblyopia is the most common cause of poor vision in children affecting between 1-4% of the population. To elucidate the methods of treatment of amblyopia and to improve compliance Dr Meenakshi , Consultant at Sankar Netralaya, Chennai gave a crisp talk.
 It has been said: "Every human has the right to look like a human." The subsequent talks on Esotropia, Exotropia and surgical decision making were by Dr Kavitha , Consultant Paediaatric Ophthalmology at Sankara; Dr Kalpana N, Consultant at Aravind Coimbatore and Dr Santhan Gopal from Bangalore gave talks interspersed with videos.
Retinoblastoma is the commonest intraocular neoplasm in childhood. 90% of all children who develop retinoblastoma are the first one in their family to have eye cancer.fortunately complete blindness is unsual in children who have been successfully treated for retinoblastoma.Dr Mahesh P Shanmugam gave his keynote address on this important topic.
 The meet also saw Sankara showcase some of its innovations in managing vernal catarrah and subluxated lenses. Dr Srinivas K Rao spoke on managing peadiatric cataracts.
The meet saw extensive interactions between the delegates who had come from places as far as Mangalore,Bangalore, Pondicherrry and Calicut.
This conference saw participation from a wide audience comprising optometrists, postgraduates to general ophthalmologists and paediatric ophthalmologists
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4th February 2007 - Workshop on Preventing Childhood Blindness in Rotary Dist 3200, Coimbatore. |
It is estimated that there are 1.4 million blind children in the world, two thirds of whom live in the developing countries. Childhood blindness is one of the priorities in Vision 2020: the right to sight.
Sankara Eye Centre, on behalf of Rotary conducted a half a day workshop at the hospital campus, on the 4th of February, on childhood blindness and, “Rainbow”, our preventive eye care programme for school children.
The delegates included office bearers from various Rotary Clubs under the Rotary District 3200. At the culmination of this seminar it with a better understanding of childhood blindness and the organization of preventive eye care programmes, the Rotarians have taken upon themselves to implement good Eye Care projects and also ensure those requiring treatment for curable blindness are not denied due to ignorance or poverty. |
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February 1-4, 2007 - "Sunayana 2007", the 65th Annual Meeting of the All India Ophthalmological Society. |
The annual meeting of the All India Ophthalmological Society today is the second largest congregation of eye care professionals in the world. "Sunayana 2007", the 65th Annual Meeting of the All India Ophthalmological Society, February 1-4, 2007 was held in the southern city of Hyderabad.
It of immense pride to our institute that our research on keratoprosthesis was recognized for its innovation and was one of the few research invited to be presented at the awards session. Apart from this, our surgeons, were also been invited as panelists to share from their vast experience. |
| 31st January 2007 - MRS. P. PATTANAYAK MEMORIAL AWARD, 2006 conferred on Dr R V Ramani by Indian Alumni Group of ICEH, London. |
The International Centre for Eye Health, is among the premier organizations involved in strategy planning, needs assessment and training in the field of community eye care. The Indian Alumni Group of International Centre For Eye Health (ICEH), London honored our Managing Trustee Dr R V Ramani, with the MRS. P. PATTANAYAK MEMORIAL AWARD, for the year 2006 as mark of recognition towards his life long self less devoted Community Eye Health Care Services through the Sankara Eye Care Institutions around India.
The award was presented during the VIII ANNUAL MEET at the Sarojini Devi Eye hospital, Hyderabad, on 31st January 2007. |
26th January 2007 – “RUN for SIGHT”, Guntur. |
As the sun shone on yet another grand celebration of India's cultural diversity, military might and its traditions of peace as millions around the country; Sankara Eye hospital , Guntur organised the , “RUN for SIGHT”, a mini marathon for school children.
The inaugural run ended on a positive note on the republic day.An unexpected  field of over 500 runners signed up to compete in the race that kicked of from the NTR Stadium. The run was flagged off by Mr Marreddy, Principal Oxford School. Meandering through the streets of Guntur , the Mother Theresa statue was an apt half way point. The participants drawn from the Oxford, St Ignatius Girls High School, & South Indian Public School were handed Certificate of appreciation. The Run focused on creating awareness among the residents of Guntur, on the need of preventive eye care and the importance of timely checkups.
Refreshments were served to all the participants and the Maj Gen Mohan Chander, CEO Sankara Eye Hospital acknowledged the support from the children and the schools who made the run successful.
As India entered the 59th year as a Republic it was an occasion to redouble our efforts to reduce the burden of curable blindness along with our partners at Guntur – DBCS, Orbis International, TANA foundation and Sankara Eye Foundation U.S.A.
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| 11th January 2007 – Long Service Awards, Sankara Coimbatore |
The annual long service awards function was held at hospital campus on 11th January. For the past 9 years each year we hold a special recognition ceremony to honor employees who have completed anywhere from five years or more of service to the Hospital.
 The awards were introduced to recognize and congratulate staff for their commitment and to instill a feeling of being a part of our hospital family. 22 STAFF from a wide range of departments from housekeeping, transport, nursing to doctors, administrators and other support staff at Sankara stepped into the limelight at the awards evening and received the recognition from our Trustees.
 The evening began with an invocation, followed by the welcome address by our Honorary Director Dr S Balasubramanian. In his presidential address by our chairman, S V Balasubramanaiam, emphasized the national importance Sankara was getting with the establishment of centers in 4 states by the end of 2008. Dr R V Ramani delved into the history of the inception of the awards and fondly recollected the humble beginning and the exponential growth. Dr Leela Meenakshi inspired the staff to achieve loftier goals in the years to come.
 This was followed by felicitations by our Honorary Advisor Shri P Balasubramaniam, who recognized the large number of people who have made this movement possible. Shri T S Ramani Sankar, quoted the words of the great Tamil poet Subramanya Bharathi encouraged the staff not to swerve from the ideals with which the center had been established.
Skits, dances and the orchestra lead by Shri Kumar lent ample colour and made the evening truly memorable.
 The strength of our hospital is in the dedication of our employees. No one person can provide that strength alone - it takes a concerted team effort. Everyone at Sankara is an important and integral part of this movement and Sankara looks forward to the continued contribution of employees to the Hospital and to health care, especially as everyone sets their sights towards achieving the goals of an expanded Hospital to better serve our patients and their families. |
January 2007 – Surgical Expedition to Shimoga-Bhadravathi. |
Doctors from Sankara Coimbatore, organized a screening camp and surgical care with intra ocular lens implants to 200 patients suffering from cataract in the Shimoga Bhadravathi region.
The camp had been organized with support from the Core members of the upcoming Sankara Eye Hospital, Shimoga and other service organizations. Organized over 2 days , over 350 patients had been screened and intricate eye surgery with IOL was performed in 200 benificairies. The team from Sankara included 2 doctors and 4 nurses. They were assisted by local ophthalmologists and volunteers. |
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