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Nethralaya’s CORPUS FUND Medical Research Foundation is a charitable, not-for-profit organization Sankara Nethralaya OM Trust Inc., committed to Community Ophthalmology, providing comprehensive free DONATION SCHEME AMOUNT IN USD* eye care to the urban and rural poor. 1. One time on a designated date Single Cataract Surgery 50 $ !""AIM : To create a Corpus Fund. Single Major Surgery such as Retina, Glaucoma 175 $ !"AMOUNT : 120 million Rupees (US$ 2.7 million) in Phase 1. 2. Single day free service 40 Surgeries per day 2,000 $ !"PLAN : To provide high quality inpatient free eye care surgery to the economically 3. Year after year on a designated date poor in , out of the interest earned. Single Free Cataract Surgery 500 $ November 2005 Sankara Nethralaya Number 40 GOOD NEWS : Sir Trust, has evaluated our program to Single major Surgery (Retina, Glaucoma) 1,750 $ !" perform 10,000 such free surgeries every year perennially, found it acceptable and 4. Dedication scheme A bed in General ward 2,200 $ is considering to part fund of the corpus. The first and second contribution to the fund A Room 6,500 $ to 11,000 $ came from Sankara Nethralaya consultants and employees. The Alumni of Nethralaya An Operation theater 35,000 $ have also made a contribution. 5. Tele-ophthalmology A single day screening How You Can Help Us of 200 rural poor for vision care 250 $ Donation of USD 1000/- to Medical Research Foundation 6. Corpus Fund For Community outreach program Any amount !"TAX EXEMPT : Donations are now 100% tax Exempt as per Section 35 AC of the *100% IRS Tax exempted in US IRS Registered 501 (C)(3) Income Tax Act, India. In USA, donations to SN OM Trust are 100% IRS tax exempt. A scheme for every occasion Contribution Details Share and Celebrate with us For questions about tax exempt status and contributions, please contact : USA CANADA Mr S V Acharya Dr. Sivarama Dandamudi Treasurer email:[email protected] Sankara Nethralaya OM Trust Inc. 14613, Pommel Drive, Rockville, Hindu Society of MD 20850, U.S.A. Ottawa - Carleton, Inc. Phone:301-251-0378 P.O. Box No. 72017, Kanata, email: [email protected] Ontario, K2K 2P4, Canada. Donate online:www.omtrust.org Phone: 613-592-8978 email: [email protected] www.hindusocietyottawa.com UK OTHER COUNTRIES His Excellency Shri Triloki Nath Chaturvedi, Governor of Karnataka inaugurating the Karnataka Diabetic Retinopathy Project at Bangalore Editorial Board Charity Correspondent Dr. S.S. Badrinath Gopala Krishnan Ravi Chairman, Sankara Nethralaya Editor : Dr. Rajiv Raman R Chatru & Co. Ltd. (UNIT OF MEDICAL RESEARCH Spreading wings FOUNDATION) Associate Editor : Mr. V. Murali York House, Sankara Nethralaya, Bangalore Diabetic Retinopathy Project and Nethralaya. Dr K. Ravishankar, CEO, Sankara Nethralaya made Empire Way, Wembley, 18, College Road, Karnataka Teleophthalmology Network was inaugurated on 7th a presentation about Sankara Nethralaya. Dr. Rajiv Raman, Assistant Editor : Dr Seshadri Mahajan Middlesex, HA9 0PA. UK. Chennai 600 006. INDIA. October 2005. SN Diabetic Retinopathy Project was inaugurated Incharge-Diabetic Retinopathy Project made a presentation about Editorial Assistant: Mr. Sampath Kumar V Phone: 0208 795 1651 Phone: 2826 1265, 2827 1616 Fax: 0208 795 1652 Fax: 2825 4180, 2821 0117 by His Excellency Shri Triloki Nath Chaturvedi, Governor of SN-WDF project. He stressed the fact that the project aims to Administrative Assistants : Mr. V. Suresh email: [email protected] email: Karnataka and Karnataka Teleophthalmology Network was benefit 17 million population in 6 districts of Karnataka. Estimated Mr. Jyothi Srinivasan V [email protected] inaugurated by Shri A Bhaskara Narayana, Director, Satellite 34 lakh diabetics & about 31 thousand sight threatening diabetic [email protected] Typeset by : Mr. A L Senthilkumar Communication Project, ISRO,HQ, Bangalore. The function was retinopathy patients live in these areas. Dr. Sanjeev Kelkar of Website:www.sankaranethralaya.org Printed at : Gnanodaya Press held at Sathya Sai Samskruta Sadanam, 20, Hosur Road, Near World Diabetes Foundation, Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty of Narayana Acropolis Apartments, Bangalore - 560 029. Welcome address Hrudayalaya and Dr. Chandrasekhar Shetty of Lions Club The issue of Eyelights is sponsored by : M/s. Alcon Laboratories, Bangalore Micro Vision, Bangalore was given by Dr. S S Badrinath, Chairman, Sankara International Foundation offered felicitations on the occasion. Warren Pharmaceuticals, Mumbai M/s. Apex Laboratories Pvt. Ltd., Chennai

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Dadabhai Memorial Award for Quality Eye Care Assured Dr. S.S.Badrinath Nethralaya News Sankara Nethralaya, the Our Chairman, S.S. Badrinath, is hospital wing of Medical the recipient of the Dadabhai Research Foundation was International Vision Science and Optometry Conference Naoroji Memorial Award for 2004. the first ophthalmic institution The award, comprising Rs. 1 lakh in Asia to get ISO quality certification. The patients who and a silver plaque, was given to visit the outpatient area or the operating theatres are Dr. S.S.Badrinath for advancing the indeed aware of the stringent quality systems in all interests of the country in the field aspects of the institution’s operations. The Inspecting of medical biotechnology related to agency - BVQI - surveyed the hospital in January 2005 eye diseases, according to a and found that it continues to conform fully to those very release from the Dadabhai Naoroji high standards. Memorial Prize Fund. The earlier awardees include J.R.D. Tata, Nani A. Palkhivala, Graduation Ceremony , M.S. Subbulakshmi, Salim Ali and R.A. Mashelkar.

AWARDS Elite school of Optometry celebrated its 20th anniversary with an All the topics deliberated on were appreciated by the delegates International Vision Science and Optometry Conference (EIVOC for the scientific contents, clinical relevance and latest information 2005) at Le Royal Meridien, Chennai. The conference that took in vision science and optometry. The distinguished faculty who place from August 13-15, 2005, was an attempt to bring the latest attended and presented in the conference included Prof Jay M. Dr. Rajiv Raman : Ruby Banik Memorial Award & Dr. in optometric knowledge and practice to India. Enoch, Dr. Larry Thibos, Dr. Jim Sheedy, Dr. Jan Lovie-Kitchin, Dr. Christine Dickenson, Dr. Susanna Chung, Dr. John Ang, Mr. T L K Row Memorial Endowment Award for Best Featuring 18 internationally renowned scholars and 6 Indian Tim Thurn, Dr. Kenneth Ciuffreda, Dr. V. Lakshminarayanan, and Research in Clinical Sciences in Ophthalmology and Best speakers, all of whom were stalwarts in their field of vision science Dr. Suresh Viswanathan among others. Junior Consultant / Associate Consultant in and optometry, EIVOC provided a great opportunity for eye care Ophthalmology respectively. Elite School of Optometry organised 17th Graduation ceremony on 16th september 2005 in its premises at St.Thomas Mount.”Tomorrow’s professionals and researchers in India and abroad to establish The conference had several ‘firsts’ to its credit. It was perhaps Dr. M R Sriram Gopal : Dr. V T Doshi Memorial Award Technology : The Future of Health Care In India” Convocation Address and update collaborations. for the first time that, scientific approaches of Indian tradition yoga were considered in relation to the eyes or that the concept of tele- for Best Outgoing Vitreo Retinal Fellow. was Delivered By Prof. S.P. THYAGARAJAN, VICE-CHANCELLOR, EIVOC was attended by more than 500 delegates from all over optometry was discussed in such detail during an optometry Dr. Aarti Rapulia : Indian Society for Prevention of UNIVERSITY OF MADRAS. The Chief guest gave away the awards India, some from countries like UK, USA, New Zealand, Canada, conference. Blindness Endowment Award for Best Lady Fellow in and certificate to all the graduands of undergraduate and postgraduate SriLanka, Malaysia and Australia. There were about 45 scientific Vitreo-Retinal Sub-Speciality. programmes. The chief guest highlighted our President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul papers including many free papers, and about 49 scientific posters The conference was inaugurated by Dr H R Nagendra, Vice Kalam’s quotation: “As the world transforms into a knowledge society, were presented. Chancellor of VYASA university Bangalore and Prof.Enoch, Dean Dr. Seema Sanpatroa Jagdale : Jayaben Chamanlal India has the tremendous advantage due to its core competence in Emeritus, University of California, Berkeley gave Plenary address Shah Endowment Award” for Best General Ophthalmology certain technologies including I.T, vast natural resources and above all, Conference at a glance on “Archeological optics : The Very first known Mirrors and Fellow. 300 million ignited youth. This strength must be harnessed fully for the There was a Pre-conference symposia for academicians from all Lenses” Dr. Himanshu Satish Deshmukh : Dr. S Ramakrishnan transformation of the society.” His speech was inspiring and thought over the country on August 12th 2005 at Elite School of Optometry. Awards Endowment Award” for Best Post-Graduate Student of provoking. He expressed the wish to the Elite School and Medical The experts from Essilor, France, Dr. Tim Thurn lectured on “The Diploma in Ophthalmology (DO). Research Foundation to contribute immensely to our country’s medical criteria for the selection of Spectacles lens materials”, Dr. Sarita As part of the celebrations, several awards were distributed during supremacy and wished all the young graduands the very best in life. Dr. Sheshadri V Mahajan : Swarnalata Punshi award Soni, Contact lens specialist from Indiana University, USA, gave the conference. These included the Dr E Vaithilingam memorial He also gave away Dr Major Srinivasan Memorial best Senior and for Best Research Fellow. a talk on “Overnight Orthokeratology” and Dr. Christine Dickinson, award for Students category and Kamala Raghavan Sajeesh Junior awards to Dr P.P Santanam and Dr L S Varadharajan Low Vision Specialist, from University of Manchester, UK, made Kumar ESO award was bagged by the Final year students R Ms. R. Bagayalakshmi : Swarnalata Punshi Prize award respectively. Ms.Rashima bagged the Best Outgoing Undergaduate a presentation on “Predicting Magnification for Distance and Near”. Ayeswarya and J Subhapriya (ESO) for their poster presentation for Best Research Worker. student. 24 academicians attended and were benefited by this symposium, on “Tear Function in Computer Users an Experimental study”. Mr. J. Jothibalaji, Ms. S. Jayasree and which was held in such a manner that the attending delegates The Dr. E. Vaithilingam memorial award for Open category was Ms. K. Archana : Dr. S. Srinivasan prize for Best project SN Hot Line could snow ball it to their students and optometry friends. won by Dr.Varikooty J P (from University of waterloo, Canada) for his paper presentation on “Ocular surface sensations during of the year. For Eye Donation Call On all the three days of the conference, a half an-hour yoga Forced Eye Opening”. The papers were judged by panel of session was held before the start of the scientific programme. The awards were distributed at the Graduation Ceremony experts from outside the country and from India. of Medical Research Foundation for MSMLT / M Phil EIVOC had 10 scientific sessions spread out for three days. The sessions included Ocular Diagnostics, Contact lens, Dispensing Optometry / B S Optometry and B S Ophthalmic Assistant 28281919 “A conference with several ‘firsts’ to its credit” held at Elite School of Optometry on 16th September. Optics, Low Vision Aids, Aberrations, Myopia, Binocular Vision, Ocular Physiology, Yoga and the Eye and Tele-Optometry. Service available for places within CHENNAI #

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Nethralaya News Invention at Sankara Nethralaya Mission 2007

Sankara Nethralaya (Vision Research Foundation) has invented Sri V. Venugopal Endowment Lecture on “Mission 2007: A hunger- a new method to treat corneal diseases using stem cells with the free India and Every Village a Knowledge Centre” was delivered help of Nichi-In Bio Sciences (P) Ltd, and Mebiol Inc., Japan. by Prof. M.S. Swaminathan, Chairman, M.S.Swaminathan The Vision Research Foundation- Sankara Nethralaya, has made Research Foundation at a function organized by Sankara a new invention that would help cure the diseases like Persistent Nethralaya on 6th September. corneal ulcers, Chemical and other severely damaging injuries to Corneal epithelium, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome etc., using the New Referral Lab and Super Speciality Centre corneal stem cells of the patient himself. This has been achieved in Chennai by a team of researchers headed by Dr H.N Madhavan, Dept. Vision Research Foundation Referral Laboratory and Super of Microbiology, Sankara nethralaya in a joint research project Speciality Ophthalmic Care Unit was inaugurated at Jayalakshmi with M/S Nichi-In Biosciences (P) Ltd, a Chennai based Indo- th Japan joint venture firm headed by Dr Samuel JK Abraham, and Estate, Haddows Road, Chennai on 14 September 2005. M/S Mebiol Inc., Japan, a Japanese biotechnology firm headed by Prof. Yuichi Mori and assisted by Dr Hiroshi Yoshioka, (Professor and associate professor respectively in polymer sciences, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan). The research was started followed by a Memorandum of Understanding signed on the 4th of Feb-2005. This is the first time in the world that a non biological (Totally synthetic) material has been used a substrate to grow corneal limbal stem cells hereby paving a way for avoiding biological materials thereby avoiding viral and other dangerous contaminations as well as rejections. PCR Workshop on “ Nucleic acid based techniques in Diagnostic Microbiology” This unit has various sophisticated investigative facilities which The PCR workshop was can be availed by the doctors of Chennai. The super speciality jointly conducted by VRF Cornea and Oculoplasty Clinics will provide personalised care in & IAMM (Indian Association this unit. of Medical Microbiologists) at National level, as a Pre conference workshop for Call Us Toll Free the members of IAMM at L&T Microbiology USA and Canada at 1-877-393-7666 Research Centre , Vision Research Foundation UK at (0800) 917 6972 Chennai. This new service is open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m to There were 20 Medical Microbiologists from 16 Hospitals/ Research 4 pm, Eastern Standard Time. We look forward to answering Institutions in 15 major cities , from 10 states. .It was a wet PCR workshop and the participants performed PCRs, and observed your questions. PCR-RFLP Technique demonstrated to them.

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Sankara Nethralaya’s expanding network to Kanyakumari & Nagarkoil SOME BASIC INFORMATION ON E Y E D O N A T I O N What is an eye bank? resolve to donate his eyes after his death. This by itself is a noble act but it requires relatives or friends to carry out his pledge, his An eye bank is an organisation, which obtain, evaluates and desire, after his death. distributes eyes from humanitarian-minded citizens for use in corneal transplantation, research and education. To ensure patient safety, Spectacle Wearers, persons who had cataract surgery, diabetics the donated eyes are evaluated under strict medical standards. and hypertensives can donate eyes. The ultimate decision about usage for transplantation will be made after evaluation. Why should eyes be donated? Can the next-of-kin consent to a donation Donated human eyes are necessary in preservation and restoration of sight through corneal transplantation, research and education. if the deceased family member hasn’t More than 90% corneal transplant operation successfully restores signed a pledge form? vision in people suffering from blindness due to corneal problems. Yes. The inauguration of Teleophthalmology connectivity between Bejan Singh Eye Hospital and Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai was held on Infants born with cloudy corneas have an opportunity to see 9th October 2005. It was telecast live from the Sankara Nethralaya Teleophthalmology room, Chennai via video-conferencing facility. following corneal transplantation. How to donate? PMJF. Lion Dr. Ashok C. Mehta, President, Lions Clubs International inaugurated the Teleophthalmology connectivity between Sankara You are authorised to donate the eyes of your beloved relatives Nethralaya, Chennai and Dr. Kumaraswami Health Centre, Perumalpuram, Kanyakumari on 17th October. This is a project of Lions Club at the time of their death. That the eyes need to be collected within of Central Madras. Dr. S. S. Badrinath, Chairman and other Lion dignitaries also graced the occasion. 6 hours of death. So, call the eye bank as early as possible after the death. Things to do after making the call: Corporate Matching Gifts & Payroll · Merck Corporation · National Semiconductor 1. Keep both eyes of deceased closed and covered with moist cotton. Deduction Schemes 2. Switch off the overhead fan. · Qualcomm Inc What is the cornea? An increasing number of American · SAP Inc 3. If possible, instill antibiotic eye drops periodically in the deceased’s organizations are developing ‘gift · World Reach Inc The cornea is the clear, transparent dome in front of the “black eyes-to reduce the chance of infection. matching’ programs whereby the portion” of the eye. It is also the main focussing surface, which 4. Raise the head end of the body by about 6 inches, if possible - to corporation matches in whole or converges light rays as they enter the eye to focus on the retina. Sankara Nethralaya OM Trust greatly lessen the incidence of bleeding during the removal of the eyes. in part, any donation given to the appreciates all the organizations and It is thus the most important part of the optical apparatus of the charity by its employees. If you our donors for their generous support Eye. Loss of transparency directly results in loss of vision. Who cannot be a donor? are an employer, consider making in fighting the battle against blindness. What is corneal Transplantation? -Death of unknown cause. such a scheme available to your staff. To find out if your employer We strongly urge all our supporters A Corneal transplant is an operation which replaces the opaque -Death due to infectious caused viz. Rabies, syphilis, infectious runs a Gift Matching scheme, to inquire with their employers and cornea with a clear cornea Obtained from a human donor eye. hepatitis, septicemia, and AIDS, speak to your Human Resources participate in the above programs by How does a cornea become opaque? Is there any delay in funeral arrangements? Department. donating tax-deductible dollars, please. Infection, Injuries, Iatrogenic (Malpractice, Improper Post-op. care No, Eyes removal is performed shortly (within half an hour) after Many work places have payroll deduction schemes where an after any eye surgery), Malnutrition, Congenital/Hereditary. death and leaves no visible signs the would interfere with common employee can choose to direct a set amount each pay period For additional information, please contact Mr. S.V. Acharya, funeral practices. directly to a registered charity. Talk to your employer to see if Treasurer at (301) 529-7377 or [email protected] Magnitude of the problem in India your organization partakes in payroll deduction schemes. 1/4th of the world’s blind live in India Is there religious conflict? No, Donations gives a gift of life or sight to others. As such, it is Sankara Nethralaya OM Trust is a 501 (C) (3) Non Profit 27 million - moderate sight impairment Forthcoming Event consistent with beliefs and attitudes of all major religious and Organization. In the past several years SNOM Trust has been 9 million - bilateral blind This meeting will bring together ethical traditions. successful in collecting significant contributions under the above luminaries from India and Israel 260,000 - blind children two programs. Can the whole eye be transplanted? under one roof. No of Corneal Blinds in India 4.6 Million. Sankara Nethralaya OM Trust has been supported by the following 90% are below the age of 45 years including 60% are below No. Only the cornea can be transplanted. However, the rest in part of Over the two days there will be organizations: the age of 12 years. the donor eye is used for research and education. sessions addressed by experts from the premier institutions. Out of 4.6 Million, at least 3 Million can benefit by Corneal · A T & T Topics to be covered include updates on the latest trends in Can a person blind from retinal or optic nerve transplantation. · Alliance Capital Management cataract, glaucoma, oculoplasty, diabetic retinopathy and disease donate his eyes? · Bank of America Who can be an eye donor? ARMD. The program will feature a plenary session addressed Yes. Provided the cornea is clear. · British Telecom by International leaders in Ophthalmology. Sessions for free Practically anybody from the age of 1 year. There is no maximum · E Bay Foundation posters are also planned. age limit. Poor eye sight and age make no difference. One can Can the recipients be told who donated the eyes? · Microsoft bequeath his eyes by taking a pledge while he is alive. He No. The gift of sight is made anonymously.

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