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Inaugurated by an inspiring survivor of the Rameshwaram Cafe Blast
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The 26-year-old woman, who had lost eyesight in her right eye, successfully regained vision after the specialized treatment at Nethradhama
Bengaluru: Nethradhama, a distinguished name in the field of ophthalmology, has taken another significant step in its mission to provide world-class eye care with the launch of its newest super specialty eye care hospital in Whitefield, Bengaluru. Located next to Nallurhalli Metro Station, this state-of-the-art facility represents the ninth center in Karnataka under the Nethradhama banner, further cementing its position as a leader in cutting-edge eye care services.
The Whitefield Center was inaugurated by Smt. Nagashree PR, a 26-year-old survivor of the Rameshwaram Cafe Blast, whose remarkable recovery has inspired many. After the tragic event, Smt. Nagashree suffered a complete loss of vision in her right eye, which required a series of complex and advanced surgeries performed by Nethradhama’s expert team. Today, thanks to their skilled interventions, she has regained 80-90% of her vision.
Speaking at the inauguration, Smt. Nagashree expressed her appreciation, stating, “I am deeply honored to inaugurate this new facility by Nethradhama, an institution that carries a great legacy of eye care excellence. This new center will undoubtedly benefit countless patients facing severe eye conditions. The care and treatment I received at Nethradhama were beyond exceptional. I never imagined regaining my eyesight after such a devastating injury, but thanks to the doctors here and the advanced technologies they employ, what seemed impossible has become a reality.”
Nethradhama center of excellence located in Jayanagar is one of the few eye care hospitals in Bengaluru to operate a 24-hour emergency department, a critical feature that ensures patients receive immediate and high-quality care at any time of day or night. The Whitefield Center is equipped with the latest in ophthalmic technology and offers a comprehensive range of eye care services, including advanced diagnostic and surgical procedures.
Dr. Sri Ganesh, Chairman and Managing Director of Nethradhama, spoke about the importance of this new facility in advancing eye care in India. “Nethradhama has always been at the forefront of introducing ground-breaking technology to Indian eye care sector. Our new Whitefield center is a testament to our commitment to delivering ‘Vision care par excellence.’ We have incorporated some of the most advanced technologies available globally, such as the iStentW by Glaukos, the Artivo 800 machine, a 3D microscope developed by Carl Zeiss—installed in India for the first time at our facility—Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery by CAPSULaser etc. Our aim is to ensure that every patient who comes to us receives the best care possible, supported by the latest innovations in the field.”
Dr. Suman Shree, CEO and Director of Nethradhama, elaborated on the center’s capabilities and the challenging cases they handle. “As a referral center, Nethradhama often takes on some of the most complex eye conditions. Our team is always ready to meet these challenges head-on, employing innovative techniques and multiple surgical approaches when necessary. Smt. Nagashree’s case is a perfect example of how our expertise and technology can work together to produce extraordinary outcomes. Her courage throughout her treatment has been inspiring to all of us, and we were honored that she agreed to inaugurate our new center of excellence.”
While emphasising on Smt. Nagashree’s journey of recovery Dr. Supriya Sriganesh, Executive Director, Nethradhama The journey to recovery for Smt. Nagashree was arduous. Upon presenting at Nethradhama four days after the blast, her right eye was severely damaged—her eyeball was ruptured, the cornea was torn, the lens was damaged, and the retina was affected by scarring and inflammation. Despite the grim prognosis, the medical team at Nethradhama embarked on a series of surgeries, starting with anti-inflammatory treatment to stabilize her condition, followed by a combined cornea and retina surgery. The team utilized some of the most advanced surgical tools available, including a 3D microscope with intraoperative OCT, which allows for real-time imaging during surgery, and minimally invasive vitrectomy systems for retinal repair.
The vitrectomy was performed by retina specialist Dr. Pradeep TM, while the corneal repair was conducted by Dr. Vineeta Pai. Once these initial procedures were successfully completed, the team waited for the eye to heal before performing a secondary intraocular lens implant. This final surgery, performed by Dr. Sri Ganesh, employed a specialized technique known as the dumbbell technique, which restored 80% of Smt. Nagashree’s vision.
Reflecting on the case, Dr. Ganesh remarked, “Managing such severe injuries is always a challenge, but with the right expertise and the latest technology, we can achieve outcomes that were once thought impossible. Smt. Nagashree’s recovery is a powerful example of what is possible in modern eye care.”
Nethradhama’s commitment to excellence extends beyond clinical care. It is the first Indian eye hospital accredited by the National Board of Accreditation (NABH) and recognized by the International Society for Quality Health Care (ISQUA). The institution has also made significant contributions to ophthalmic research, with over 100 peer-reviewed publications and several patents for innovative intraocular lens (IOL) designs and surgical instruments. These achievements underscore Nethradhama’s dedication to advancing the field of ophthalmology and improving patient outcomes.
The launch of the Whitefield center is a significant milestone in Nethradhama’s journey to provide world-class eye care across India. With this new facility, Nethradhama is poised to make a profound impact on the lives of patients in Bengaluru and beyond, offering hope and healing through cutting-edge technology and compassionate care.
