20th January 2008 - Khumbhabhshekam of Sri Sudharshana Vinayaka Temple – Sankara Eye Hospital , Bangalore

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. We celebrated the occasion at our various institutions.

In Coimbatore, on the occasion of the World Sight Day,2007 a symposium on various aspects of diagnostic and curative techniques for various eye ailments was held for the postgraduates. The symposium was held at the Dr. N Mahalingam Auditorium where our Postgraduates, Consultants, Paramedical Staff and Administrators attended. Various aspects from Amblyopia, paediatric cataract management to Keratoconus and the new imaging modality of OCT and ROP were covered.

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 prescription glasses.

IEC initiatives were also instituted by means of public information posters in our target area. In the evening Dr Sairani, Paediatric Ophthalmologist participated in an interactive multimedia session where she addressed the general public on the importance of screening for Paediatric eye diseases and the significance of World Sight Day.

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.

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.

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

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.”

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.”

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.

Sankara Eye Centre, Coimbatore has been recognised as the best community eye care institution in the Country by the renowned Venu Eye Institute of New Delhi. Dr. R K Seth Memorial Award for the “Outstanding performance in Community Ophthalmology in India” has been conferred on Sankara Eye Centre on 8th October 2006 at New Delhi.

A Panel of Jury comprising of eminent leaders in Ophthalmology in the country and abroad including the Deputy Director General of Ophthalmology – Government of India have meticulously evaluated a host of eye care institutions spread throughout India and identified Sankara Eye Centre, Coimbatore as the best.

Three decades of dedicated service, exemplary facilities in modern eye care, an involved and committed team of Doctors and paramedics focused on the “Cause”, over 3 lakhs eye surgeries to its credit, presently performing over 1250 eye surgeries every week, involved in teaching and training of medical and paramedical personnel, made a mark in research, a leader in Eye Banking and Corneal Transplants, it is little wonder that this Mission for Vision has been duly recognised at the National level.

It is indeed a recognition to the city of Coimbatore and the surrounding regions. All of us can feel proud of the achievement of this great Institution.

Photo :  Dr. R.V. Ramani, Managing Trustee of Sankara Eye Centre receiving the National Award from Prof. Gorden Johnson from UK. Others in the Picture are Dr. Jose, Deputy Director General of Ophthalmology – Government of India, Dr. Tanuja Joshi, Managing Director – Venu Eye Institute, New Delhi, Prof. G V S Murthy from AIIMS – New Delhi and Dr. Nelson Jesudasan.

The three-year project started in August 2004with an aim to reduce avoidable childhood blindness in three Districts of Andhra Pradesh State, India. Smt JayaLakshmi, I.A.S., Dist Collector,was the Chief Guest for the function. Other dignitaries included Jyothi Nagpal, ORBIS Country Office, New Delhi and Dr S Satish Kumar Secretary, Indian Medical Association.

The Paediatric Department, the consultation room and play area and the specially equipped paediatric recovery room were inaugurated by the collector. Special services offered to children in the age group of 0-16 and the opening of the Paediatric Ophthalmic Department, came in for a lot of appreciation, by the Collector. She promised her whole hearted support to the hospital for it activities through her personal capacity and through the governmental agencies.

She expressed her immense pleasure in being associated with the opening of the Paediatric Ophthalmic Department on Teachers’ Day as the  services rendered by the teachers towards this program was immense.

Ms Jyothi Nagpal, Programme Manager, Country Office, New Delhi, ORBIS INTERNATIONAL, USA shared with the audience the philosophy of ORBIS, and appreciated the work being carried out at Guntur. She remarked that in association with local organizations ORBIS was helping in the fight to eradicate curable blindness in the society.  Among the centres operational in the state the Sankara Eye hospital was audited to have the best outcome.

Under the Project a full-fledged paediatric unit has been established, school-screening activities initiated and public education for teachers, parents and children enhanced.

Dr Vivekanada Raja , patron for Sankara Rural Eye Hospital was recognised by the Tamil Nadu Ophthalmic Association at its 54th annual conference held at JIPMER Pondicherry between the 11th and 13th August 2006.

Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss who was the chief guest at the function awarded the medal and recognised the contribution of Dr Raja in combating curable blindness in rural Tamilnadu. Dr Raja was recognised for serving the rural poor in virudhunagar district by establishing the Krishnan Kovil Rural Eye Hospital. His desire to serve the poor was evident in that he had handed over the entire infrastructure in place to our trust. Since februrary 2004 the number of free/subsidised surgical eye care for the needy has increased more than 15 fold.

We on behalf of the Sankara Family salute this pioneer in rural eye care whose selfless service is only mathced by his simplicity and humility.

Dr R V Ramani, Managing Trustee and Dr Radha Ramani, Director –HR were invited as guests of the state at the National Day celebrations, Government of Seychelles. This was in appreciation of the work done by our surgeons during their surgical expedition there.

The government has evinced interest in a formal agreement wherein doctors and paramedics from Sankara would run the eye care programme in the nation. Sankara would provide protocols and would also help in sourcing appropriate pharmaceutical products and surgical equipments.

Seychelles is a tourists paradise with immaculate, uncrowded beaches of powder soft white sands. Unfortunately it has a very high percentage of its population with curable blindness. A large proportion of the visually impaired suffer from cataract, glaucoma and diabetic eye disease.

Sankara deputed a team of 2 eye surgeons who during the course of their stay there performed 107 surgeries, dispensed over 350 prescription glasses and completed over 950 consultations.

A variety of eye diseases from refractive errors to cataracts and glaucoma were diagnosed and treated. A few rare conditions, like a patient suffering from sarcoidoses was also diagnosed.

President His Excellency James Michel, appreciated the gesture of Sankara Eye Care Institutions India and commended the work of our surgeons. He hoped for a permanent relationship with the Sankara Eye Care Institutions.