Aravind-Tirunelveli/Kovilpatti, 10^th and 16^th August

As part of the Employee Welfare Activity, motivational sessions were conducted for new and senior MLOPs at Kovilpatti and Tirunelveli on 10^th and 16^th August, respectively.  In both events, R. Ganesh, Founder – LIME, delivered an inspiring speech on “Urchagamai uyarvom” (உற்சாகமாய் உயர்வோம்) emphasising stepping out of one’s comfort zone for success in both professional and personal life.   The sessions provided a morale boost for the attendees.

Aravind-Madurai, 8^th August

The postgraduate students from Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai, offered educational kits, including uniforms, and school bags, to the students of Govt. Girls High School, Mahaboopalayam. This initiative was carried out through the RSR Programme, with the aim of extending service beyond eye care. The event was led by Dr. Venkatesh Prajna, Director, Academics.

Aravind-Tirupati on 30^th July

As part of Employee Welfare Activity, Aravind-Tirupati organised a soft skills training programme for MLOPs. This was prompted by the realisation that many third-year employees either get married or sometimes leave their jobs after completing three years of service. The objective was to equip them for life beyond Aravind and away from their parents’ support.

The one-day workshop, led by Anupama, a behavioral therapist, included a range of activities such as games, interactive sessions, and storytelling. The topics covered were essential for life skills, managing criticism, problem-solving techniques, the four pillars of life, and time management. The event was attended by 34 MLOPs, all of whom enjoyed and gained valuable insights that will serve them well in their future endeavors.

Aravind-Pondicherry, 5^th August

Dr. G. Natchiar, Director Emeritus, inaugurated a new array of solar panels at Aravind-Pondicherry. The hospital’s existing 340 kW solar setup was enhanced with an additional 200kW system. This sustainable initiative benefits the environment and generates 828,280 units of electricity, covering 50% of total consumption.

Aravind – Tirunelveli, 3^rd August

On the auspicious occasion of Aadi Perukku, the inauguration of the operation theatre in the new building took place at Aravind – Tirunelveli. Subsequently, surgeries were performed later on the day.  Dr. R. Ramakrishnan, Advisor, inaugurated the operation theatre complex in the presence of Dr. R. Meenakshi, Chief Medical Officer, MLOPs, and administrative staff.

Aravind – Tirunelveli, 2^nd August

A cultural evening marked the celebration of Aadi Kondattam, organised for the new MLOP recruits. The event began with a welcome address by Gayathri, MRD Trainee. The event was graced by special guests, including Dr. R. Ramakrishnan, Saradha, Volunteer, Dr. Meenakshi, Dr. Padmavathy, Medical Consultant and Dr. Fathima, Medical Consultant. They were presented with heartfelt gifts prepared by Kalaivani, Facility Coordinator Trainee.

During the event, Dr. R. Meenakshi, Dr. Padmavathy, Regional HR Director, and V. Arumugam, Nursing Superintendent, delivered inspiring speeches encouraging the enthusiastic participation of the MLOPs. The newly joined trainees showcased their talents through a variety of cultural performance, including folk dances, singing film songs, and two informative talks about the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru. Kamarajar.  The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Tanya, Counselling Trainee.

Aravind-Tirupati, 22-23 July

A CME programme on “NeuroInsight” was organised by Aravind-Tirupati, focusing on the latest developments in Neuro-Ophthalmology in 2023. The external faculty members Dr. Prem Subramanian, Professor, Division Head, Neuro-Ophthalmology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, USA, Dr. Umapathi N Thirugnanam, Senior Consultant, Singapore National Eye Center and National Neuroscience Institute and a team of doctors from various Aravind eye hospitals, led by Dr. Mahesh Kumar and Dr. Preethi Mohanty, shared their expertise. The event brought together a diverse group of experts, including neurologists, radiologists, neurosurgeons, and Aravind’s Neuro-Ophthalmologists at one place.

The CME commenced with a prayer song by Dr. Vivek Nandini. Dr. Ashok Vardhan, Chief Medical Officer, Aravind-Tirunelveli, extended a warm welcome to all attendees, and the keynote address was delivered by the chief guest, Dr. Alladi Mohan, Dean, Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences, Tirupati. Dr. G. Natchiar, Director-Emeritus, delivered an inspiring speech highlighting the vital role of Ophthalmologists in diagnosing and managing neurological disorders.

The session comprised a comprehensive overview of basic neuro-ophthalmic examination techniques and advanced investigative modalities. Several topics including, optic disc edema, optic atrophy, cranial nerve palsies, supranuclear disorders, and nystagmus, were discussed in detail, providing valuable insights and updates to the participants.

An engaging quiz session was held, and Dr. Niranjana won the first prize. Furthermore, a book sale was organised, with over 50 books being sold.

In addition to the main CME, a workshop was conducted, featuring various specialised topics, including:

• Dr. Likitha – Hess & Diplopia charting
• Dr. Sudheer & Dr. Preethy – Visual fields in Neuro-Ophthalmology
• Dr. Bhuvan & Dr. Joash – OCT and FFA
• Dr. Umapathi – Neurological evaluation

The internal faculty members and post-graduate students actively participated in these interactive sessions, engaging with the delegates, and fostering a fruitful learning environment. Further, Low Vision Aids were displayed by Dr. Divya and the MLOPs during the workshop.

A total of 214 delegates from various regions of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu participated in the event. The programme was awarded with 4 credit hour points.

Aravind-Tirunelveli, 24^th July

The inauguration of new equipment occurred at Aravind-Tirunelveli. Dr. R. Ramakrishnan, and Dr. Meenakshi inaugurated the new equipment in the retina unit in the presence of Dr. Syed Mohideen Abdul Kadar, HOD – Retina, Dr. Ram Sudarshan, Medical Consultant, and a few MLOPs and Admin staff. The new equipment, which includes the “CLARUS 700 – FFA Machine & Fundus Photo” and “PASCAL Laser” machines, was dedicated for use.

Aravind – Chennai 20-21 July 

The workshop organised by Aravind-Chennai, aimed to provide valuable insights into the science, preoperative evaluation, surgical factors, and postoperative evaluation of toric, multifocal, and extended depth of focus IOLs. Around 50 medical officers from Tertiary and Secondary Aravind Eye Hospitals participated in the workshop.

Aravind-Tirunelveli, 16^th July

Aravind-Tirunelveli organised the CME programme in collaboration with Tamil Nadu Ophthalmic Association (TNOA). Dr. Meenakshi R welcomed the participants, and Dr. R. Ramkrishnan, President – TNOA and Advisor, Aravind -Tirunelveli, delivered the Presidential address. Dr. Atheek Shaik, Chairman ARC gave an overview of the CME. TNOA office bearers Dr. Mohan Rajan, the previous president, Dr. Nirmal Fredrick – President-elect, Dr. Sriram Gopal, Secretary, Dr. Ravishankar, Joint Secretary participated as guest faculty.

Dr. Ramalakshmi, HOD, Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital (TVMCH), Dr. Anandhi, Associate Professor, TVMCH, Dr. Praveen Kumar, Dr Anil Kumar Eye Hospital, Dr. Kasinathan, Director, Klarity Eye Hospital, Dr. Rajendran, Padma Hospital, Dr. Vigneswar R, Aravind-Dindigul were the invited external speakers.  Dr. Syed Mohideen Abdul Kader, Dr. Aarthy, Dr. Anitha Venugopal, Dr. Maneksha, and Dr. Padmavathy were the internal speakers and moderators of the session. Senior ophthalmologist, Dr. John Abraham, Dr. Chokkanathan, Dr. P.T. Balasingh, and Dr. Rajendran were felicitated by TNOA president during the event. The hospitality, topics, food, and overall arrangements by Aravind-Tirunelveli were highly appreciated by everyone who attended the event.