Dr Agarwal's Eye Hospital, Chennai

What started in 1957 by Dr J Agarwal and his wife, as an eye-care center later grew up to become a listed eye-care Hospital in the country— Dr Agarwal's Eye Hospital. This five decade old Hospital today has 27 centers in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan, with over 1000 staff including more than 100 doctors. This 50 bedded Hospital attracts around 500 people daily for preliminary check-ups.

Significant Achievements in the Last Year

The Hospital is credited with 12 inventions over the years and last year it has developed microphakonit surgery for cataract that uses just 0.7 mm incision and requires no suture. It received American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) International Award for glued Intra Ocular Lensfull (IOL) surgery. The Hospital has developed mirror telescopic intra-ocular lens, a special lens for retinal damage. It attends about 50,000 patients and 2500 eye surgeries every year.

New Initiatives

The Hospital has recently started an exclusive retinal clinic, named Agarwal Retina Foundation. It plans to set up a separate block for retinal treatment in 10,000 sq ft. The clinic will soon move to a separate premise near the main Hospital. The Hospital also intends to start a new facility for plastic surgery and cosmetic treatment for face. It has opened its branches in Velachery, Thiruvallur, Hosur and Dharmapuri in Tamil Nadu and plans to start its first overseas center in Mauritius this year. As a part of its major expansion plans, the Hospital aims to have 100 centers by 2010.

Adopting New Technologies

"We want to screen three million patients in the next two years" - Dr Amar Agarwal Joint Managing Director Dr Agarwal's Eye Hospital, Chennai

The Hospital has never hesitated to invest in latest technologies and research. It has pioneered laser aided eye transplantation using 'intralase laser equipment.' The equipment enables bladeless vision correction in LASIK procedures. Cataract operations are performed without anesthesia in the Hospital.

Patient Friendliness

"We have a dedicated team of professionals who provide the best service in eye-care," says Dr Amar Agarwal, Joint Managing Director, Dr Agarwal's Eye Hospital. "We are particular about the manpower, since they are the foremost reason for patients' satisfaction," he adds. Staff is available to assist the patients throughout the patient's treatment.

CSR

The Hospital provides free treatment to all kinds to ophthalmic ailments for the poor, under the name 'Eye Research Centre'. A separate team of specialist, medical practitioners and staff take care of this free treatment. The Hospital also conducts four screening camps daily on an average. These camps are conducted in various corporate houses, educational institutions and in rural areas across Tamil Nadu. "We want to screen three million patients in the next two years," says Dr Agarwal.

Long-term Vision

Dr Agarwal Eye Hospital wants to be known as one stop shop for eye-care. The Hospital already provides solution from prescribing spectacles to transplantation, retinal and corneal treatments and eye related trauma care.