Sankara Nethralaya, headquartered in Chennai, India, is a renowned non-profit missionary institution dedicated to providing exceptional ophthalmic care. With a name that translates to “The Temple of the Eye,” Sankara Nethralaya embodies its mission to serve the community with compassion and expertise.
Established in 1978, Sankara Nethralaya has grown to become a leading institution in the field of ophthalmology. Its team of over 1000 dedicated employees serves approximately 1500 patients daily, performing more than 100 surgeries each day. This commitment to excellence has earned Sankara Nethralaya recognition as one of the top four ophthalmic institutions worldwide in 2020, as ranked by Newsweek.
At the heart of Sankara Nethralaya’s success is its unwavering dedication to providing high-quality care to all, regardless of their ability to pay. As a charitable organization, it strives to make ophthalmic care accessible to everyone, particularly the underprivileged sections of society.
Under the visionary leadership of Sengamedu Srinivasa Badrinath, a group of philanthropists came together to establish Sankara Nethralaya. Inspired by the words of Sri Jayendra Saraswathi, the Sankaracharya of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, they recognized the need for a specialized eye hospital. On September 6, 1978, which coincided with Vinayaka Chaturthi, an auspicious day, Sankara Nethralaya officially opened its doors.
Sankara Nethralaya’s commitment to excellence extends beyond its main facility in Chennai. It has expanded its services to multiple locations, including Mukundapur in Kolkata, Rameshwaram and Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh, and Guwahati in Assam. With plans to further expand its reach, Sankara Nethralaya aims to make quality eye care accessible to more people in different states and possibly even other countries.
One of the key strengths of Sankara Nethralaya is its focus on education and research. The institution offers various fellowships in ophthalmology, including vitreo retina, glaucoma, and cornea. It also provides fellowships and certificate courses in optometry, covering areas such as binocular vision, vision therapy, contact lens, and low vision. Additionally, Sankara Nethralaya collaborates with esteemed universities like SASTRA University, Tanjavur, to offer Bachelor of Optometry (B.Optom) courses. It also runs B.Sc. and M.Sc. programs in Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) and a Master of Optometry (M.Optom) course affiliated with Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, Chennai.
As a testament to its commitment to excellence, Sankara Nethralaya has received accolades from various quarters. Nani A. Palkivala, former Indian ambassador to the United States, described it as the “Best managed charitable organization in India.” Such recognition reflects the institution’s tireless efforts in providing exceptional care, conducting groundbreaking research, and nurturing the next generation of eye care professionals.
With its compassionate approach, state-of-the-art facilities, and a team of highly skilled professionals, Sankara Nethralaya continues to make a significant impact in the field of ophthalmic care. Its commitment to serving the community and providing accessible eye care has touched the lives of countless individuals, making it a beacon of hope for those in need.
Whether it’s restoring sight, conducting vital research, or empowering the next generation of eye care professionals, Sankara Nethralaya remains steadfast in its mission to be the guiding light in the world of ophthalmic care.
