The month of October at Aravind is always packed with significant events, as it marks the celebration of its founder, Dr. G. Venkataswamy’s birth anniversary. Along with this year’s celebrations, several notable occasions get coincided, beginning with the Dr. G. Venkataswamy Memorial Oration Award ceremony and followed by the inauguration of a new building, among other key happenings.

This year, the Memorial Oration Award was presented to Dr. Martin Spencer, a Canadian ophthalmologist and inventor, recognising his remarkable contributions to cataract surgery, which have transformed the lives of visually impaired individuals, particularly in developing countries.

Another major highlight was the inauguration of a new building at Aravind-Coimbatore. This state-of-the-art facility, spanning 440 thousand square feet, addresses the hospital’s growing need to accommodate increasing patient flow, representing the institution’s continuous dynamic growth and dedication to fulfilling Dr. V’s mission.

Additionally, the opening of the Aranthangi Vision Centre in Madurai brings the total number of vision centres to 117, reflecting a steady expansion of services to the doorsteps, month after month.

Besides, the Auroutsav programme, held across Aravind Eye Hospitals in Madurai, Theni, Tirupati, Tirunelveli, Salem, Chennai and Pondicherry, made the month more engaging, fostering creativity among employees and offering both a fun and team-building experience.

More detailed news about these events and others from 15th September to 15th October are featured in this edition.

Mumbai, 4-5 October 2024

Dr. R. Kim, Chief Medical Officer, Aravind-Madurai, was honoured with the Global Innovator Award 2024, at the Global Digital Health summit 2024, held at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai. During the occasion, he delivered a talk on, AI first healthcare: Healthcare in the age of Generative AI.

Jakarta, Indonesia, 26-28 September 2024

Dr. N. Venkatesh Prajna, Chief, Cornea Services, Aravind-Madurai, was honoured with the Asia Cornea Foundation Saiichi Mishima Award 2024, in recognition of his lifelong contribution and achievements in Corneal Research work performed in Asia, at the 9th Asia Cornea Society Biennial Scientific Meeting (ACS 2024), held at Jakarta, Indonesia

Pondicherry, 27-29 September 2024

Dr. Megha G, Medical Consultant, Glaucoma Services, Aravind-Salem
First Prize – Video Diagnostic Category
Title: One tap for a brighter world

Dr. Shivam Gupta, Medical Consultant, Glaucoma Services, Aravind-Tirunelveli
Best Glaucoma Pitch Innovator Award for the “Slit Lamp Gonio Holder”

Dr. Annamalai Odayappan, Medical Consultant, Glaucoma Services, Aravind-Pondicherry
Winner – Dr. Sridhar B Rao Award – Free Paper
Title: Enhancing early glaucoma detection through family screening to reduce glaucoma-related blindness

Dr. Swati Upadhyaya, Medical Consultant, Glaucoma Services, Aravind-Pondicherry
Runner-up – Video Management Competitive Section
Title: TTT – Touch Tear Thread the canal

Dr. Devendra Maheshwari, Medical Consultant, Glaucoma Services, Aravind-Tirunelveli
Second Prize – Video Diagnostic Category|
Title: Anterior segment OCT: A holster for MIGS surgery

Aravind-Salem, 13^th October 2024

Organised by Aravind-Salem, the Continuous Medical Education (CME) programme featured various events, including 12 talks, two case presentations, a quiz programme, exhibitions, and Observed Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). Speakers from other Aravind centres and leading eye hospitals participated, with 57 attendees and 16 faculty members from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. Six trade stalls were represented by Aurolab, Essilor, Hoya, Zeiss, Zivira, and Sun Pharma. The participants gave positive feedback, praising the event for being informative and covering all aspects of paediatric ophthalmology comprehensively.

Aravind-Madurai, 10^th October 2024

In commemoration of World Sight Day 2024, Aravind Eye Hospitals in Madurai and Tirunelveli organised various programmes to promote eye care awareness.
Aravind-Madurai conducted two notable events: a human chain cum awareness rally, and an eye care awareness exhibition, aimed at raising public awareness. The rally, which began at Anna Bus Stand and concluded at Aravind Eye Hospital, was flagged off by the Inspector of Mathichiyam Police Station, Madurai, in the presence of Dr. R.D. Ravindran, Chairman, Aravind Eye Care System (AECS), along with Dr. S.R. Krishnadas, HR Director, AECS, and Dr. Usha Kim, Regional HR Director for Aravind-Madurai, Theni, and Dindigul. The eye care awareness exhibition, inaugurated by chief guest R. Sakthivel, District Revenue Officer, Madurai, showcased various eye-related issues and procedures. Approximately 1,200 individuals attended the event, including staff from all clinical departments and children from five schools in and around Madurai: TVS Lakshmi School, TVS Primary School, Velammal School, Mahatma School, and Queen Mira School. Several fun activities, along with drawing and essay writing competitions, were organised for schoolchildren from grades 5 to 8, and the winners were awarded prizes. Additionally, a temporary vision centre was set up at AMRF, where visitors were screened and consulted with doctors online.

Aravind-Tirunelveli, 10^th October 2024

The awareness programme at Aravind-Tirunelveli was conducted on the theme, “Love Your Eyes, Kids,” through the SEVA-SPECSSS Project for children and parents who visited the paediatric clinic. Dr. A. Fathima, Consultant, Paediatric Services, Aravind-Tirunelveli, explained paediatric eye diseases and preventive measures to avoid eye problems and injuries, especially during Deepavali celebrations. She also conducted a quiz for children, asking interesting questions. As a token of appreciation, small gifts were given to children who answered correctly. Dr. Ramakrishnan, Advisor, Aravind-Tirunelveli, Dr. Meenakshi, Chief Medical Officer, Aravind-Tirunelveli, staff from the Paediatric Department, and SEVA-SPECSSS Project members also joined the programme. A total of 40 children and their parents participated in the programme. Refreshments were provided to all participants at the end.

Aravind-Madurai, 1^st October 2024

Aravind Eye Care System conferred the Dr. G. Venkataswamy Memorial Award 2024 upon Dr. Martin Henry Spencer in appreciation of his significant contributions to revolutionising cataract surgical practices worldwide and improving the lives of the visually impaired in developing countries, enabling them to experience the world without constraints. The grand ceremony was held at the LAICO auditorium. Dr. R.D. Ravindran delivered the welcome address, and Dr. R. Ramakrishnan introduced the awardee. Dr. S.R. Krishnadas read the citation. Dr. P. Namperumalsamy, Chairman Emeritus, AECS, and Dr. G. Natchiar, Director Emeritus, AECS, presented the citation and award to Dr. Spencer. Following that, Dr. Spencer delivered the Dr. G. Venkataswamy Memorial Oration on the topic, “Riding the wave of Dr. Venkataswamy’s Vision: A personal journey with Seva and Aravind.” The programme concluded with a dance performance by PG Doctors, followed by a vote of thanks by Dr. R. Kim.

Dr. Martin Henry Spencer, an ophthalmologist and humanitarian from Saskatchewan, Canada, is well known for his contributions to enhancing ophthalmic practices in developing countries. He has played a key role in simplifying modern cataract surgical techniques and inventing surgical equipment to be performed in challenging settings, making them more accessible and relevant. In addition to his clinical expertise, Dr. Spencer mentors the next generation of ophthalmologists by sharing his knowledge and skills.

As a long-time member of the Seva Foundation’s board, he regularly travels to regions in need, including India, Nepal, Tibet, Malawi, Guatemala, and Cambodia. In areas with limited or no access to eye care, he works in eye camps, performing cataract surgeries and training local professionals. Dr. Spencer has also significantly contributed to enhancing surgical care at Aravind Eye Hospitals by transferring technical knowledge and introducing modern practices. He has trained residents at Aravind in microsurgery and intraocular lens implantation, further strengthening the institution’s capacity to deliver high-quality eye care

Aravind-Coimbatore, 29^th September 2024

Aravind-Coimbatore opened a new facility to accommodate its growing patient volume. The new state-of-the-art eye care facility, spanning 440 thousand square feet, was inaugurated by the chief guest, Dr. B.K. Krishnaraj Vanavarayar, Chairman, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan & Educationist, in the presence of other guests of honour, Dr. Ganapathy P. Rajkumar, Member of Parliament, Coimbatore, Vanitha Mohan, Chairperson, Pricol Ltd & Managing Trustee, Siruthuli, and Sanjay Jayavarthanavelu, Chairman & Managing Director, Lakshmi Machine Works.

The programme commenced with a welcome address by Dr. V. Narendran, CMO, Aravind-Coimbatore. Dr. R.D. Ravindran provided an overview of Aravind’s operations, followed by Dr. S. Aravind, Director-Projects, who gave an update on various on-going projects. Dr. P. Namperumalsamy delivered a felicitation speech. The chief guests further highlighted the positive qualities of Aravind.  During the occasion, the construction team was honoured with a memento and gift­, in recognition of their effort. Dr. Kalpana Narendran, Chief, Cataract & Paediatric Ophthalmology Services, Aravind-Coimbatore, concluded the event with a vote of thanks.

Aravind-Chennai/ Dindigul/Tirupati, 22-27, and 29^th September 2024

Aravind Eye Hospitals in Chennai, Dindigul, and Tirupati, organised Graduation Day at the respective centre to honour MLOP trainees who have successfully completed their two years of training and promoting from trainee positions to full-time employees. A candlelight ceremony and the recitation of the Florence Nightingale pledge were special highlights of these events. Several second-year MLOPs shared their experiences, and prizes were awarded to the top scorers in the final exam. The programmes also featured dance performance by MLOPs, and inspiring speeches by doctors and tutors, congratulating the graduates and reaffirming the vision and mission of Dr. V. The event was also attended by the parents of the graduating MLOPs.

Aravind-Madurai, 20^th September 2024

Aravind-Madurai celebrated its 48th Hospital Day. The programme began with a prayer song, followed by a video presentation of the hospital’s one year report by Dr. R. Kim. Dr. P. Namperumalsamy presented the service awards to staff members, recognising their dedicated service completing 10, 20, and 30 years of experience. The programme also featured cultural performances by the Auroutsav team, including doctors, MLOPs, and admin staff.

Aravind-Madurai, 16^th September 2024

Aravind-Madurai opened a new vision centre in Aranthangi, Madurai, totalling 117 centres of Aravind Eye Care System. Dr. Sharmila, Medical Consultant, Glaucoma Services, Aravind – Madurai, inaugurated the centre, in the presence of Dr. Tamilarasi, Medical Officer, Aravind-Madurai, camp sponsors, camp organisers, and several esteemed members from the local community. Mohammed Gowth, Senior Faculty, LAICO, and the vision centre team, including Jhansi, Pitchaimeena, and Aathi Parasakthi organised the event. The vision centre field staff, Nagalingam, and Raman, coordinated the proceedings. Rajananthana, VC Coordinator, Alankudi Vision Centre, provided mentorship and support to the new VC staff during the initial week. On the first day of the inauguration, the centre examined 80 patients, with 19 patients recommended for cataract surgery and 14 patients for eyeglasses among 7 patients placing orders for glasses.

Aravind-Salem, 17-18 September 2024

Aravind-Salem commemorated World Patient Safety Day by organising a series of events under the theme ‘Improving Diagnosis for Patient Safety’ with the slogan ‘Get it Right, Make it Safe!’ As part of the observance, a session on the role of incident reporting, reviewing, and patient safety meetings in enhancing safety within Aravind was conducted. The Auroutsav team organised a Treasure Hunt activity to raise awareness about patient safety. Patient safety-related videos were displayed on all televisions to spread awareness, and public address announcements emphasised key safety points. Staff members were given badges promoting patient safety, and a banner highlighting the role of patients in ensuring their own safety was placed at the entrance. Additionally, a patient safety quiz was conducted for all MLOPs. Department heads also reinforced patient safety protocols through training sessions, followed by pre- and post-assessments conducted by senior staff.

Aravind-Tirunelveli, 24^th September 2024

Aravind – Tirunelveli commemorated World Patient Safety Day by organising a conference on, Diagnosis matters: Promoting patient safety in health facilities and beyond, in association with Empower India.   Dr. Arul Prakash Rajadurai, a leading diabetologist from Tuticorin, was the chief guest.  Shankar, Member-Lawyer of Consumer Forum and Empower India, doctors, MLOPs, and a few admin staff attended the conference.

The programme commenced with a prayer song followed by Dr. R. Meenakshi welcoming the gathering.  Shankar gave a brief introduction about the chief guest and also appreciated the noble service provided at AECS.  Dr. Arulprakash Rajadurai delivered an interesting talk on the theme ‘Improving diagnosis for patient safety.’ Dr. Shivkumar proposed the vote of thanks.  Lakshmi R, Manager HR was the master of ceremony.

Aravind-Tirunelveli, 21^st September 2024

Organised by Aravind-Tirunelveli, the workshop featured comprehensive training, including PowerPoint presentations, instructional videos, and live demonstrations on maintaining, cleaning, and repairing various ophthalmic instruments.  Over 88 skilled optometrists and biomedical engineers attended the workshop from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Uttar Pradesh.

Aravind-Salem, 17-21 September 2024

In observation of World Drivers’ Day, Aravind-Salem organised five drivers’ camps as part of the Eicher Truck Drivers Screening Project. Drivers who were screened received a badge symbolising their commitment to road safety. A selfie booth with the tagline “I pledge to drive safely” was also set up, where drivers took selfies. The first screening camp, held at Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Salem, was inaugurated by the plant head in the presence of Dr. Manohar Babu, Chief Medical Officer, Aravind-Salem.

Aravind-Chennai, 19-20 September 2024

Aravind-Chennai organised a two-day Aravind Advanced Cataract programme at the ARCORE training centre, in collaboration with the ALCON team for all Aravind doctors to enhance their cataract surgical skills.

The programme included lectures, live surgery telecasts, and hands on experience in the wet lab. There was a guest lecture by Dr. Richard Packard, Ophthalmology Consultant, speaking on, The history of IOLs and dealing with unhappy multifocal patients, from the UK through the Zoom platform. The programme was attended by 28 participants from all Aravind Tertiary Eye Care Centres.

Aravind-Madurai, Tirunelveli, Tirupati, Salem, Theni, Chennai and Pondicherry, September 2024

Aravind Eye Hospitals in Madurai, Tirunelveli, Tirupati, Salem, Theni, Chennai and Pondicherry organised their annual Auroutsav in a grand manner this year, with each centre adopting unique themes. This vibrant week-long celebration, held at different times across the centres, featured a wide variety of events, performances, and activities that fostered teamwork among Aravind employees. Staff members were divided into teams, showcasing their special talents in various competitions. Events such as poetry contests, story writing, dance, rangoli, art from waste, photography, turncoat, no-fire cooking, and singing kindled their creativity, while outdoor games like kabaddi, tug of war, and others added excitement, making the occasion memorable. Each performance was judged by external members from various institutions and fields, with prizes awarded to winners in each competition. The overall winning team was awarded the trophy.

New Delhi, 28-29 September 2024

Scientists, faculty members, and research scholars from Aravind Medical Research Foundation (AMRF) participated in the 30th Annual Meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO)-India 2024, held at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. They contributed through lectures, talks, and presentations. The programme centred on this year’s theme, “Evolving Dimensions in Eye Research.” During the event, Dr. P. Sundaresan, Scientist, AMRF, delivered the Dr. D. Balasubramanian Oration Lecture on the topic, Molecular genetics in ocular diseases: Laneways for personalised medicine, while Dr. S. Senthilkumari, Scientist, Ocular Pharmacology, AMRF, delivered a keynote lecture on, MicroRNA-based therapeutics for steroid-induced ocular hypertension/glaucoma: Insights from Ex Vivo studies of human eyes.

Dr. Anwar Azad (Designation) gave an invited talk at the Symposium cum Workshop on “Advanced Techniques to Augment Innovations in Vision Sciences” on the topic, Challenges in retinal organoids and potential advancements.

Prof. K. Dharmalingam, Director, Research, AMRF, delivered an invited talk at the Symposium on “HRMS using Orbitrap Technology” on the topic, Proteomics of ocular extracellular vesicles. Iswarya and R. Sethu Nagarajan received travel fellowships, with Sethu Nagarajan also receiving the Young Investigator Award for Best Poster. Additionally, other participants from AMRF presented posters and papers, as follows:

Oral Presentations:

• Saraswathi – Genomic and transcriptomic profiling identifies distinct molecular signatures in Recurrent Ocular Adnexal B-Cell Lymphoma
• Dr. Swagata Ghosh – Corneal transcriptomic signatures in fusarium keratitis patients with distinct disease trajectories: Deciphering protective and pathogenic host responses
• Dr. Daipayan Banerjee – Epigenetic alterations in pterygium: Genome-wide methylation profiling reveals potential oncogenic pathways

Poster Presentations:

• Sethu Nagarajan – Patient-derived three-dimensional spheroid culture: a promising model for drug screening in retinoblastoma
• Kanthimathi – Integrative metadata analysis and validation of putative markers for adult retinal pigment epithelial stem cells
• Thusmitha – Decline in YAP nuclear expression in lens epithelium of cataractous donors compared to healthy donor lenses
• Iswarya – Trabecular meshwork stem cell exosomes: Identifying the cargo and functional efficacy for a cell-free therapy for glaucoma
• Keerthana – Characterisation of pearl/regeneratory posterior capsular opacification
• Praveen Kumar – Identification of human corneal miRNAs in the disease severity of pseudomonas aeruginosa keratitis
• Shiva Shankari – Clinical profile of neuro-ophthalmological conditions at a tertiary eye care centre:  A six-year retrospective study
• Hariharan – Proteomic analysis of extracellular vesicles from saprophytic and clinical isolates of Aspergillus Flavus: A comparative study
• Aadhithiya T. G. served as an observer.

Ghana, 25-27 September 2024

As part of the capacity-building programme, Dr. Vigneshwar, Medical Consultant, Aravind-Madurai, and Syed Ali, Senior Faculty, LAICO, conducted a needs assessment visit to the Northern Community Eye Hospital in Tamale, Ghana. The main objective of this visit was to gain an understanding of the hospital and identify potential focus areas for improvement.

Chandigarh, 4-6 October 2024

Dr. Rathinam, Chief, Uvea Services, Aravind-Madurai, served as a speaker at the 25^th Annual Conference of the Uveitis Soceity of India (USICON) held in Chandigarh. She spoke on topics such as “Are the infections new or the manifestations new?”, “How can I forget these cases?”, and a video presentation titled “25 years of USI.” Additionally, she chaired the Dr. G.V. Endowment Award & Prof. Amod Gupta Young Researcher Award ceremonies and the Silver Jubilee Symposium II: Presidents’ Symposium.

Chennai, 21^st September 2024

Dr. Usha Kim was an invited faculty at Kalpavriksha 2024, the 17th edition of the two-day postgraduate CME programme for ophthalmology students, organised annually by Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital and Eye Research Centre, held at Hotel Savera, Chennai. She presented a talk on, “Ectropion & Entropion.”

Indonesia, 24^th September 2024

D. Saravanan, Manager, Eye Bank, Aravind-Madurai, handled a session on, “Setting up an eye bank and how to maintain productivity” at the RSCM Kirana Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia, during his visit to Indonesia. The session was attended by 125 attendees, including doctors, nurses, organ donation coordinators, and admin staff from different hospitals in Indonesia, both online and offline. Additionally, he handled a roundtable discussion on, How to do ideal training for eye bank technicians & counsellors.

Jakarta, Indonesia, 25^th September 2024

D. Saravanan conducted a session on “Managing the New Generation of Eye Banking Staff” at the World Eye Bank Symposium 2024, organized by the Global Alliance of Eye Bank Associations and the Association of Eye Banks of Asia. The event took place in the Warhol Room at Pullman Central Park, Jakarta, Indonesia, and was attended by 70 international eye bankers.

Jaipur, 27-29 September 2024

Aravind doctors took part in the 34th Annual Conference of the Oculoplastics Association of India (OPAI), held at Hotel Clarks Amer, Jaipur.

Dr. Usha Kim served as a chairperson for the session on Orbit and spoke on, Optic nerve sheath decompression. Additionally, she chaired a session on Oncology and served as a speaker, presenting a topic on, Genetics in Ocular Oncology. Dr. Rama Vadapalli presented a topic on “Our approach to Orbital wall Fractures” while, Dr. Bharadwaj Lakkimsetty on, A sail through Retinoblastoma: Challenging cases.

Pondicherry, 27-29 September 2024

Dr. S.R. Krishnadas 

• Mitomycin C Injectable Vs Sponge Application (Presentation)
• Session on Glaucoma Medley (Chairperson)
• Session on Glaucoma Pitch (Judge)

Dr. George Varghese Puthuran

• All About Tubes (Chairman of Instruction Course)
• Preventing & Managing Tube Retraction & Tube Exposure (Talk)
• Surgical Treatment In Glaucoma (Co-Chairman in Plenary VI)
• How to Conduct a Safe AADI Surgery? (Talk)
• 10 Tips for Glaucoma Implant Surgery (Talk)

Dr. Manju R. Pillai

• Paediatric Glaucoma for Comprehensive Ophthalmologists  (Co-Instructor)
• Glaucoma Medley (Talk at Glaucoma Screening & Telemedicine” in Plenary VIII)

Dr. R. Sharmila
Short eyes and glaucoma (Talk)
Winner – Best paper of the session
Title: NPDS phaco -surgical outcomes
MPTPSC in paediatric (glaucoma poster)
Wetlab instructor for tubes

Dr. Vijayalakshmi A.
Title: Incidence etiology and risk factors for tube explantation in patients undergoing patch: Free glaucoma drainage device (Free Paper)
Wetlab instructor for tubes

Chennai, 21-22nd September 2024

Aravind doctors participated and presented papers and posters at the 6th Annual Conference of the Indian Neuro-Ophthalmology Society (INOS) 2024, held at Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai.

Poster Podium

• Dr. Aparajitha Bondili: Etiology of Acute Loss of Vision in Patients Presenting to the Neuro-Ophthalmology Department at a Tertiary Eye Care Centre.
  Co-authors: Dr. Kowsalya A., Dr. Mahesh Kumar, Dr. Smrithi Sony Thampi.

Physical Posters

• Priyadharshini P.V., Dr. Mahesh Kumar, Dr. Kowsalya A.:
  A Rare Manifestation of Third Nerve Palsy.
• S. Sangeetha, Dr. Mahesh Kumar, Dr. Kowsalya A.:
  An Unusual Case of Pituitary Macroadenoma Presenting with Unilateral Disc Edema.
• Nivetha A., Dr. Mahesh Kumar, Dr. Kowsalya A.:
  An Unusual Presentation of Cortical Visual Impairment.
  A Variant of Chronic Progressive External Ophthalmoplegia
  
• Naveena M., Dr. Mahesh Kumar, Dr. Jayasri K.N.:
  Unraveling the Unusual: Colloid Cyst Manifesting as Third Nerve Palsy.
  WEBINO Exposed: A Classic Case of Brainstem Infarct with Distinctive Ocular Manifestations.

Tirupati, 13-15 September 2024

Dr. Bharadwaj Lakkimsetty presented a topic on Keep an eye on these eyes, at the AP State Ophthalmic Conference, Tirupathi EYECON 2024, organised by the Andhra Pradesh Ophthalmic Society (APOS) at Shree Convention, Tirupati.