Dr.S. Natarajan is a person who has

conceived, created and inspired us to

be what we are today. This booklet is a

compilation of articles on him and we

hope it will inspire young minds to

strive and achieve their dreams.

Education can't make us all leaders but it can teach us which leader to follow. Dr S. Natarajan has followed the right path to contribute to the lives of people. I have seen his work and his numerable achievements. What really stands out is his positive and cheerful approach to life. He has been contributing to several thousands to see the wonder of the world around It is heartening to know that he is serving in the capacity of President in the following institutions: -

A Man Inspired - Dr. S.Natarajan

His Aditya Jyot Eye Hospital Pvt Ltd has been doing yeomen service to the needy and underprivileged. His regular eye camps in slums of Mumbai has really touched our hearts and is a great source of inspiration to budding Ophthalmologists to encourage them to dream and strive to achieve their dreams. The heart of education is the education of the heart. My heartful appreciation and blessings to Dr Natarajan for his wonderful work. I wish him all the best.

Swami Sukhabodhananda,

Founder Chairman of Prasanna Trust.

Bombay Ophthalmologists' AssociationMaharashtra Ophthalmological SocietyVitreo Retinal Society of India &Chairman of Academic Research Committee (ARC) of All India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS)

- ADITYA JYOT EYE HOSPITAL PVT. LTD. -

FOREWORD

FACE IN THE CROWD

A Perfect VISIONary

MODERN MEDICARE February 200620

One of India's most high profile young and leading vitreo-retinal surgeons, Dr. S. Natarajan has received many accolades from around the world for his contribution to ophthalmology.

Shreedevi Menon

Aditya Jyot has 15 subdivisions and hence,we have a big team ofskilled and experienceddoctors. My patientstrust my team as muchas they believe me

DR . S . Nata ra j an i s a passionate man with a zeal for nightlife and a foodness for Hindi and Tamil films. What's interesting is that he is the topmost vitreo-retinal surgeon in the country and one of the best in the world. With more than 10,000 retinal surgeries to his credit and over two decades of experience in the field of ophthalmology, he was the world's youngest vitreo-retinal surgeon in his time.

Currently, he is the Chairman & Medical Director, Aditya Jyot Eye Hospital Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai and also Chairman, Scientific C o m m i t t e e , A l l I n d i a Ophthalmological Society (AIOS), Moreover, he is the President of National Society for the Prevention of Blindness a n d t h e C h a i r m a n o f Maharashtra Ophthalmological Society (MOS) as well. He is the first Indian to be awarded twice by the Vitreous Society, US due to his honoured work in vitreo-retinal surgery. He is also the first Indian to be honoured with the 'GUSI peace pr ize ' at Mani la , Philippines in 2005 for his exceptional contribution in the f i e l d o f M e d i c i n e (Ophthalmology).

Dr. S. Natarajan, who has received accolades worldwide, hails from a third generation of ophthalmologists; his father a n d g r a n d f a t h e r w e r e successful Chennai-based ophthalmologists. Born in Madurai, he studied and pursued his training at Sankara Nethra laya , Chenna i to become a v itreo-ret inal surgeon. In 1988, he was offered the position of Head,

Vitreo-Retinal Surgery at the Ta p a r i a I n s t i t u t e o f Ophthalmology, Bombay Hospital and continued his work there till 1990. Within two years at this hospital, he had already performed close to 800 retinal surgeries.

In 1990, however, Dr. S. Natarajan decided to set up an exclusive retinal centre and started the Aditya Jyot Retinal Centre. This institute grew in time and added many more division of eye care and in 2004, Aditya Jyot Eye Hospital was born. Considered as the foremost eye care institute in the country and one of the best in the Asia, it has the most advanced technologies and equipments in the world, the best doctors in the field, a dedicated team and treatments at affordable costs.

A man of positive thinking, Dr. Natarajan has been conducting free surgeries, eye camps, awareness campaigns, etc towards the betterment of o p h t h a l m o l o g y . T h e international agency for prevention of blindness has a prgramme called as Vision 2020 and he has made this the motto for Aditya Jyot too. He is also strongly propagating the cause of eye donation.

MM: How has your journey from Chennai to Mumbai been?

My l i fe has been very interesting. I never thought that I would quit Chennai and come to Mumbai, which was a tough choice. When I came here, I didn't know the

language, people or the culture; I felt like a fish out of water. However, these differences helped me to fight harder towards my goal. Today I am proud to say that I am a Chennai-make, who learnt and practiced all my skills in India and not abroad. This has been one of the best aspects of my life.

MM: What was the motto behind setting up Aditya Jyot Eye Hospital Pvt. Ltd.?

While I was at Bombay Hospital, there were many changes taking place in ophthalmology. I wanted to make use of the latest techniques and technologies to treat the patients, which was not possible here due to the lack of funds. At the same time, I was approached to start my own hospital and hence, I founded Aditya Jyot Eye Hospital.

MM: How do you handle the large influx of patients, Indian and foreign at Aditya Jyot ?

Aditya Jyot has 15 sub divisions and hence, we have a big team of skilled and experienced doctors. My patients trust my team as much as they believe me. Another factor to our success has been that however critical the case is, we are completely transparent with the patient. The only problem that we now face is that of waiting time, since we have so much of demand. We conduct many internal workshops on t i m e m a n a g e m e n t ,

2

FACE IN THE CROWD

MODERN MEDICARE February 2006 21

Dr. Natarajan is the first Indian to be honoured with the 'GUSI peace prize'

introspection of pat ient sat i s fact ion, s tress free working, etc.

MM: What have been your strengths?

The irony, of life is that I wanted to be a micro surgeon but since this option wasn't available then, I took up vitreo-retinal surgery. My mentor and friend, Dr. S. S. Badrinath, the Founder C h a i r m a n o f S a n k a r a Nethralaya and Dr. Relja Zivojnovic, the man who revolutionized retino surgery in Europe and the US, who was also my guru, have largely influenced me.

MM: A man of many awards, how do you view them?

While studying medicine, I had the choice to specialize in any s u b j e c t , b u t I c h o s e ophthalmology. All I knew was that I wanted to be the best. I never sought any awards or honours; they are a result of my pass ion and dedicat ion. Awards are definitely great boosters for any person but the real satisfaction for me is the patient's vision. Every honour or recognition only eggs me to continue doing good work and treat patients.

MM: What kind of charity work do you do?

At Dharavi in Mumbai, we conduct free cataract surgeries for the people who cannot afford it. Further, we have recently set up the Twinkling Little Eyes, a foundation which conducts free eye screening of children, prior to being admitted to schools. We are collecting fund to establish a free unit, so that our doctors can go to hospitals and check the pre-mature babies for retinopathy of pre-maturity.

M M : W h a t a r e t h e government's initiative in spreading eye awareness?

The Government of India and the WHO, together have taken many initiatives to create awareness about eye disorders and prevent blindness, especially in the last decade. Hence, in recent times, we have seen less of eye problems. With most of the eye camps giving good and free t r e a t m e n t s t o t h e r u r a l population as well as public trust hospitals and rotaries conducting free surgeries, I will definitely say that there is a deep involvement of the government and various NGOs in ophthalmology.

MM: How has the specialty of ophthalmology grown with the advent of advanced techniques in the country?

Ophthalmology is one branch of medical science, where the g r o w t h h a s r e a l l y b e e n phenomenal since the last decade. We currently us about 10 different types of lasers. Diseases such as macular degeneration didn't have any treatment until recent l y. Now, techn i ca l advancements have taken place in the investigation of this disease such as the use of confocal scanning laser opththalmoscope.

However, I feel that the problem of retinopathy of pre-maturity is very prominent today, with the increasing number of pre-term babies being delivered. The retina of a pre-mature child, weighing less than 1,500 gms, must be checked by a retina specialist.

MM: What are the latest theraupetic and diagnostic advancements in eye care?

T h e f i e l d o f d i a g n o s t i c

ophthalmology has advanced

tremendously with the entry of

optical coherence tomography,

use of ophthalmoscope for

angiography, fluoresncent

ang iog raphy, mu l t i f oca l

electroretinogram, etc. in

glaucoma, today we have nerve

fibre analyzer, and in cornea we

have topography, wave front

guided technology for lasik,

etc. which has made eye care

cons iderab l y easy. The

photodynamic therapy is one

of the most recent technique

to prevent further loss of the

sight in the people who are

a f f e c t e d b y m a c u l a r

degeneration.

MM: What is in store for you

in the road ahead?

By the grace of God, I have

achieved everything. My

children have also decided to

become ophthalmologist, and

hence, when they join, I want

to make a total global eye care

for people. Currently Aditya

Jyot is ranked fifth best eye

hospital in the country. My

dream is to make it as the

numero uno in ophthalmology.

Aditya Jyot Eye Hospital is consider as the foremost eye care institute in the country and has the most advanced technologies in the world, the best doctors in the field, a dedicated team and treatments at affordable costs.

(shreedevi.menon@informediaindia.com)

MM

3

MODERN MEDICARE February 2006 21

Few Questions to Dr.S.Natarajan

Dr. Sundaram Natarajan, Chairman and Medical Director, Aditya Jyot Eye Hospital, Mumbai, hails from family of Ophthalmologists is well known for his versality, intuitiveness, Tech. Savvy, and excessive obsession to excel.

After his post graduation and fellowship in Ophthalmology at Chennai, chose to start his professional carrier at Mumbai against much odds and in a short span of time has flowered into one of the top most vitreo-retinal surgeon in the retinal country, with more than 10,000 retinal surgeries to his credit and one of the world s youngest vitreo-retinal surgeon in his time. His clients include “who-iswho” in Mumbai. Dignitaries who patronized his hospital include Governors, Chief Ministers of Maharashtra and Karnataka, famous film stars like Aiswarya Rai and others. President of India His Excellency Dr.A.PJ Abdul kalam has visited his Institute and honored him.

His academic interest is equally close to his heart and he is well sought as guest faculty in various National and International Ophthalmological Conferences and Seminars and he spends almost half of his time abroad. Apart from several accolades, he was the only Indian recipient of the "American Vitreous society 2000 senior honour award and he was awarded the prestigious" GUSI PEA CE A WARD" for his outstanding contribution in the field of Ophthalmology, first Indian to receive instituted by the Gusi Foundation at Manila, Philippines.

At the dawn of your early years, when you

went to Mumbai after post-graduation and

fellowship, training at Chennai, what

reasons influenced your mind to pursue

vitreo retina super-specialty as your

professional career?

Being the 3rd generation ophthalmologist in

our family I grew up in the Government

Ophthalmic hospital quarters as a child.

Both my grandfather Dr. S.Nataraja Pillai

and my father Dr. N.S. Sundaram studied

and worked in the same Govt. Ophthalmic

Hospital and we stayed as a joint family.

Working on eye camps as active volunteer

exposed me to writing operation notes,

shifting the patients and assisting them,

etc., with my father at the helm of eye

camps, organized by Govt. of Tamilnadu.

No wonder it has been said Learn to be with

the wise and your life will flow and glow!!

Yes, I am very grateful to my parents for

molding me to this position.

My interest in micro surgery was sparked off

after I attended a workshop by Dr. Madan

Mohan at Cochin AIOS conference, 1984.

The availability of. Only one microscope at

the Govt. Hospital made it a difficult

proposition for me though I was permitted to

perform microsurgery.

My father's kind gesture of procuring a Juggi

microscope in 1982 helped me practice

micro surgery at home on enucleated eye

balls.

I had many exposures that moulded my

career in Ophthalmology. During my PG in

late Prof C.P. Gupta's Unit, Dr. Daljit Singh

demonstrated Ir is claw IOL and

providentially I was permitted to assist Dr

Singh. At around the same time I heard a

lecture by Dr. Chandrapa S. Reshmi at the

Cochin AIOS 1984 conference. I learnt

about the intricate triple procedure from his

lecture (ECCE, penetrating keratoplasty,

intraocular lens).

All this exposure got me totally besotted by

micro surgery and I mustered courage to

approach Dr. S.S. Badrinath for a

fellowship. He informed me about

vitreoretinal surgery being the only field

available, something quite unheard of in

those days.

I thus got initiated into Vitreoretinal

surgery. During my fellowship in VRS, I

was permitted to assist complicated

vitreoretinal surgeries and also perform

surgeries independently very often

reposing so much more confidence in me,

than I had in myself. In 1986, a publication

in American Journal of Ophthalmology on

primary vitrectomy for macular hole with

detachment by Dr. Robert Machemer

aroused my interest. A similar myopic

patient with Macular hole and localized

macular detachment presented to us then. I

was asked to do primary vitrectomy. I

performed vitrectomy FGE & SF6 without

buckle as suggested by Dr. Robert Machemer.

By then I had done several retinal detachments

with a pseudophakic iris claw lens and grappled

with problems of rotation of IOL during VRS.

My passion for management of ocular trauma

with vitreoretinal surgery started growing. By

then, I was keeping pace with international

advances and innovations happening ill

vitreoretinal surgery. In 1986, I was appointed

as faculty for the retinal detachment course

with Dr. M.M. Kini and for advanced

vitreoretinal course by Dr. Akiyo Yamanaka,

Dr. Inatomi from Kobe University and Dr. Kenji

Oshima from Fukouka University, Japan. This

Japanese team exposed me to the VISC

machine for vitrectomy. Later, the meticulous

Dr. Relja Zivojnovic from Antwerp, Belgium,

demonstrated vitroretinal surgery literally

opening new vistas for me. I imbibed intrinsic

details about vitreoretinal surgery and his

brilliant innovations. As Dr Zivojnovic

observed my surgery as an enthusiastic 29 year

old, he appreciated my vitreoretinal surgical

skills He so moulded and encouraged my skills.

I pursued vitreoretinal surgery as my

professional career!!

Life is a series of experiences which are

processes with which one should intelligently

Your passion driven excessive obsession to

become a vitreo retinal surgeon at Mumbai,

would have met initial competition and

challenges, especially Mumbai is the hub of

India and abound with stalwarts, can you

recapitulate some and how do you surmount

them?

4

MODERN MEDICARE February 2006 21

flow, I have realized. Having married Priti from

Mumbai on 10'h May 1987 my connection with

Mumbai began. In 1988 I presented several

papers and videos in the AIOS conference on

advanced vitreoretinal surgery where I met Dr.

Steve Charles the author of our standard book

in vitreous micro surgery. Winning the special

prize for best video at the AIOS Conference for

vitrectomy, IOFB removal, Endolaser gave me

more recognition all over India and particularly

in Mumbai.

The Mumbai saga continued as Dr. Kapoor and

Dr. Gahlot visited Sankara Nethralaya as

observers and again offered me the opportunity

to join Bombay Hospital. This time I went to

meet Mr. Bharat Taparia, the then Dy. Chairman

of Bombay Hospital for negotiations. I laid down

two criteria for accepting to join them [l) A

home loan [2) My post would be that of Head of

Vitreo Retinal service, Taparia Institute of

Ophthalmology. Both the conditions were

accepted. Thus I got an appointment letter as

Head of the VR dept at the Institute at Bombay

and left Chennai with tears, whatever you have

is God's gift and whatever goes is God's work.

After my new assignment at I Bombay, the VRS

surgery rate went up from 1 or 2 a month in the

past 15 years to 750 VRS in 15 months a record

of sorts. Frustration began to creep into my,

being, as the promised advanced equipment has

yet not been I organized. I had to resort to

buying equipment on my own] after all the

patients had to be given the best!!

The inability of Bombay hospital to install the

required eye surgery equipment was

responsible for my decision to start an exclusive

VR Centre at Dadar with loan from the bank.

Creativity is just not going to the moon, but

living effectively on earth.

True progress has to be defined. To maximize

on what you have is progress. The new vision

dawned on 15th July 1990 at my own Aditya Jyot

Eye Hospital. Since academic interest and

imparting skills was close to my heart, I started

with CME programs In spite of my relatively

short stint at Bombay hospital had given me

many professional mends from other faculties.

They were shocked that I was leaving an

institute of this stature to start practice at place

in Dadar. There is nothing to be proud of but to

be only grateful.

Aditya Jyot Eye Hospital [AJEH] was started

with all the advanced VR equipments the first in

India to introduce Binocular Indirect

Ophthalmo Microscope (BIOM) in 1990. I had

this childlike philosophy which always wanted

to do the forbidden especially when warned

that it is difficult to practice exclusive VR

surgery in private. When I moved from Bombay

hospital to AJEH there was drop in referrals

initially. But later several of the Ophthalmic

inc lud ing Bombay Ophtha lmolog is ts

Association to popularize this field and met

initial competition and challenges especially

Mumbai being the hub of India.

I definitely recall the factors that have

contributed from the time I started my career.

a. Salutations to Mata, Pita, Guru & Deva and

their blessings. I can never underestimate my

father's, (Dr. N.S. Sundaram) role in helping me

overcome hurdles that he faced as Ophthalmic

Surgeon in Govt. service. The infinite affection I

received from mother Smt. Kamala and my

brother & sister plays an immeasurable role for

sure.

b. Rigorous training (military) My skills and

talents have been truly honed by the

meticulous Dr. Badrinath and from this stems

my stamina for long hours of surgery. His

training had the wonderful blend of rebukes

and encouragement akin to a sculptor working

hard to create a beautiful statue. From Sir, I

learnt hard work, honesty & sincerity and

viewed every patient as God. As Dr.

Govindappa Venkataswamy [GV] told, I wish to

quote: "...if work is approached from a spiritual

perspective then it becomes divine work. If in

your actions you allow the divine force to flow

through you, you will accomplish things far

greater than you might have imagined." .I fell in

line with Bhagawat Gita which says "Thy

business is with action only, never with its fruits,

so let not fruit of action be thy motive, nor be

thou to inaction attached".

Having earned a coveted reputation as an

outstanding Vitreo-retinal surgeon both

nationally and internationally in a short span of

time, specifically can you recall one or two

factors that have contributed from the time you

started your career, leading to such enviable

eminent stature?

c. As my perseverance bore fruits in the face of

so many adversities I learnt the benefits of

positive thinking. Swami Vivekananda’s saying

“Arise, Awake, Stop not until you achieve your

goal" is now ingrained in my being .As Swami

Chinmayananda says, "Have your goal sky high

and do karma with always outstretched hands,

you will rise to greater heights. To spread the

force of positive thinking that I sincerely

practice I have written an article POWER OF

THOUGHT, PRAYER AND KARMA which I

distribute to every patient and their relative

who walk in daily.

You are right .The prohibitive cost of state-of-

the-art VR equipments and steep learning curve

of attaining expertise, do not seem to

commensurate with the outcome after

management and return of investment. When I

started exclusive VRS, there were just 3 to 4 VR

Surgeons in India.

Aditya Jyot Eye Hospital Pioneers in

Ophthalmology:

• 1st in Asia Retinal Endoscope & Preferential

Hyperacuity Perimeter (PHP) etc.

• 1st in India Optical Coherence Tomography-

III for retina & glaucoma; suture less 25 gauge

Vitrectomy system for sutureless vitreoretinal

surgery ; B IOM Wet Lab ; Twin l i ght

Endoillumination for Vitreoretinal surgery etc.

• 1st in Mumbai IOL Master the revolutionary

method for IOL power calculations in cataract

surgery & Multifocal ERG etc

Now there is handful of institutes giving training

for VRS fellows. Post fellowship, the surgeons

can join any of the institutes so that without

investing in equipments they can still practice

modem VRS Group practice is gradually

becoming the order of the day. In this mode of

practice, a group of super specialists can start

practice together. It is important for the young

It is well known perception that many a budding

ophthalmologists aspire to be a vitreo retinal

surgeon. However, the prohibitive cost of

state-of the-art equipment and steep learning

curve of attaining expertise, do not seem too

commensurate with the outcome after

management and return of investment. Your

response, borne out of experience, will allay the

apprehension of these young ophthalmologists?

5

MODERN MEDICARE February 2006 21

ophthalmologist to know what life's pursuit and

goal. A business mind calculating outcome after

management and return on investments is not

practical. Hence the philosophy of Bhagvat Gita

"Thy business is with action only, never with its

fruits, so let not fruit of action be thy motive nor

be thou to inaction attached...” It is indeed

difficult to practice with out mental detachment.

However the "Gita" has helped me practice

Retinal Reattachment repair surgery and

simultaneously learn mental detachment!! The

audit figures in terms' of cost effectiveness of

each equipment will tend to disappoint the

proprietor. My sincere advice is to take the over

all profit into consideration and not cost

accounting of each equipment. Some

equipment may not give any returns at all but

others compensate, hence there is over all

profit. I always make efforts to get across to my

patient that money is not my goal and least of all

the only thing in our' life. Balanced thinking has

helped my specialty work. Hence my reiteration

about one knowing one's purpose of life and

practice. Monetary gains should form a small

part of one's goal. Serving each patient with love

is serving God as then blessings become the only

expectations. This goodwill can never be

purchased by money power. Seriously I believe

this philosophy has helped my success.

As I mentioned earlier the exhaustive exercise

of sharing academic pursuit has always been my

firm belief. Often I have been asked the same by

Administrators of Bombay Hospital, AJEH

Hospital and my biological family. My passion for

academics motivates me to travel great

distances around the globe to attend many

national and international conferences. I

recollect my son and daughter asking me when

they were much younger whether I was so good

that I get invited to so many conferences.” I

always replied in the affirmative because VR

academics were limited in India. I had been

trained exceptionally well in the same. It seemed

As a frequent invitee as a guest faculty member

to many a National and international

conferences and spend considerable time

traveling around the globe, can you mention one

or two motivating factors that drives you to

involve yourself in this exhaustive exercise of

sharing academic pursuit and your busy clinical

practice?

imperative to disberse this knowledge to

develop VR practice all over the country and

globe. I follow Rabindranath Tagore's saying: "If

a man is hungry do not give him fish but teach

him how to fish".

Similarly, I spread the message of VR advances. I

enjoy doing live surgery for the leamer's benefit

as I have done at Srilanka, Malaysia, Indonesia,

Dubai, etc. I travel a lot also because I can also

learn newer techniques and have others benefit

from my personal experience.

Wherever I did live surgery I got an overview of

the status operated and referring complicated

patients. I am often reminded by those around

me of losses incurred by extensive travel viz

salary, overhead expenses, pressure of paying

back loan installments, expense loss through

foreign exchange, it still seems worthwhile to

me much to the chagrin of others!

The profession of Vitreoretinal surgery has

given me name, fame, money, respect, guru &

sishya relationship, status in the society and

everything in life. As I mentioned earlier I adore

and worship VR surgery. Whenever any of my

patients remark on my youthful appearance

(which is quite often!!) which seems to be in

stark contrast to the experience I profess to

have I quote Robin Sharma: "Positive thinking,

enjoy every moment in whatever work you do

and move with the nature as often as possible".

Having had the thrill of exclusive and

challenging VRS Cataract and Refractive

surgery seem monotonous procedure in

comparison.

Robotic cataract & refractive surgeries are not

far away since the steps are so standard and

similar. However when it comes to VR surgery

the surgical anatomy is always changing. Every

time one needs to learn something new &

unlearn some earlier lesson. Advanced VR

surgery has a very significant role in the

management of ocular.

The tremendous possibilities and advances in

VR surgery started in with open sky vitrectomy

in early 1970 later, 20G vitrectomy recently

In the present days of alluring and high profile

era of cataract and refractive surgery, what

compels you to persist in excelling in vitreo

retinal management?

sutureless vitrectomy, usage of perfluro carbon

liquid, gases etc and performing bi-manual VR

surgery are limitless. Frankly I enjoy being one

of the few, exclusive VR surgeons in India. My

love for VR has prompted me into research

areas like artificial retina along with IIT in

Mumbai and Bombay Veterinary College, Stem

cell research for regenerative medicine with

NICHI-IN Centre for with the Headquarters of

Yamanashi University Japan.

In the recent past development of

investigations like Optical Coherence

Tomography [OCT], Indocyanine Green [ICG],

Multifocal electro retinography [MFERG],

Multifocal visually evoked potential [MFVEP],

Preferential Hyderacuity Perimeter [PHP] are

investigative for macular and retinal conditions.

In management – introduction of stureless 25G,

23G vitrectomy. In medical management

pharmacological agents – anti VEGF is a major

contribution in the management of age related

macular degeneration (ARMD).Combination of

various anti VEGF like Bevacizumab,

Ranibizumab, Triamncinolone, and PDT. The

most futuristic is development of the artificial

retina and stem cell research. Many blind

patients (not all) may be helped.

I agree I am involved in the world of corporate

perspective and in academic point of view and

also charitable activity through charitable trust.

The idea is to put all these perspectives

together and create an international center of

excellence in Ophthalmology and to achieve

the goals of Vision2020.

In the recent past, which development, you

consider that has most significantly contributed

to the investigative and management of vitreo-

retinal problems and what is your futuristic

outlook on the basis of ongoing trials and

researches that may revolutionize the therapy

in this specialty.

Being involved in both worlds of corporate

perspective and academic point of view, which

one, do you think, will influence your future

career?

Looking back, after several firsts in your

endeavours, what do you think is the foremost

accomplishment in your efforts that gives you

soul satisfaction and why?

6

MODERN MEDICARE February 2006 21

Besides many firsts in my VRS, my foremost

accomplishment giving satisfaction is

establishing the biggest eye hospital in Mumbai.

Being able to do free eye surgeries including

cataract, glaucoma, etc. to the under privileged

patients, conducting camps, academic research

and teaching brings the greatest satisfaction for

me.

During the inauguration of AJEH in 2004 the

then Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Honorable

Shri Sushilkumar Shinde commented (I quote: ".

. . . That you has grown in spite of competition,

jealousy and created a big eye hospital, is really a

great feat ". Ms Aishwarya Rai who inaugurated

our eye bank and after learning of our charitable

services, actively took interest in our projects

and accepted my personal invitation without

any hesitation. My approach as the corporate

hospital with charitable activities and R&D

which gives me greatest satisfaction as a human

being who cares for the needy.

To write text books on Ophthalmology and

preaching positive thinking. I am also enjoying

spirituality, as good servant of God, through

counseling patients. I am involved in various

medical and non-medical organizations.

Managing Committee member in Association

(BMA) elected as Chairman, Conceptual

Forum, I have to arrange programme for CEOs

of Mumbai the corporate capital of India. I am

also contesting election at Shanrnukhananda

Fine Arts Club where I work for fine arts. The

next thing I would like to do is to make a

corporate AJEH all over India, Middle East and

Africa. I am still enjoying simplicity; continue

free treatment, research activities, training,

education, etc. Enjoy life as I do now, enjoy

greenery (daily climbing Yeoor Hills at Thane

with my good friend Thiru D. Sivananadan,

Thane Police Commissioner!!) to be with

nature, work sincerely, maintain good health

and enjoy dancing (!!).

I would like to follow President of India, Prime

Minister. Both of them mentioned that

spirituality and science is convergent. Hence I

have to practice science and spirituality. My

Pursuit in excellence in vitreo retinal

management, high quality and high tech services

and active involvement in academic career,

what is next??

ultimate aim is to succeed in Ophthalmology

and receive "NOBEL PRIZE" which will be a

contribution to humanity. After a level,

achievements do not have value personally.

Achievements are for the group, team involved

with you. Hence, I dedicated all the

achievements to Matha, Pitha, Guru & God and

all at Aditya Jyot family. The real enjoyment is

dedicating your life for alleviating blind in India

and the world.

My Late Mentor (maanaseega Guru), G.

Venkataswamy rightly said: "The Meenakshi

Temple, Dr. GV points out was not started and

finished by one ruler. It was a work of love and

faith and vision that spanned a whole succession

of rulers and several generations. And yet it has

maintained its integrity. Hundreds of years

since its beginning it draws more and more

barefoot pilgrims with each passing year.

Temples are not built for individuals or by

individuals. They are created for all humanity by

a band of skilled and dedicated workers. And

the result is a living,timeless gift to the world.

And it can be the same, says Dr. GV, with

institutions like Aravind." Since I am also born in

Madurai, I follow the same sentiments of Dr.

GV!!

Yes, I am happy that AIOS members elected me

as Chairman Scientific Committee for a second

term with a record margin of 822 votes and

another pleasant surprise is, our Honorable

President of India, His Excellency Dr. A.P.J.

Abdul Kalam called me ~ over phone from

Delhi and congratulated me for the same!!. The

standard and, quality of Indian -conferences are

par excellence when compared to international

meets.

From few collections of past 10 abstract books,

you can see the quality of Abstract books,

instruction courses, free papers, videos;

posters, etc are improving gradually. I have

been able to include American Academy of

You have twice the Chairman of Scientific

Committee of All India Ophthalmological

Society and also you have been the frequent

participant of several international ophthalmic

conferences. What is your considered opinion

of the standard and quality of proceedings of

the Indian conferences as compared with

International meets? Please elaborate.

Ophthalmology [AAO], European Society for

cataract & refractive surgery [ESCRS],

Ophthalmological Society of Pakistan, Royal

College of Physicians and Surgeons of

Glasgow, Academia Ophthalmologic a

International is [AOI], American Society of

Retina Specialists [ASRS] symposia at the All

India Ophthalmological Society [AIOS] annual

conference. I also represent India in AAO

Leadership development in Hyderabad

conference. The number of ophthalmologists

attending our conference has steadily

increased. The competition for sending

papers, etc. has also increased. This year we

received more than 1,400 abstracts (including

videos) when is comparable to American

Academy of Ophthalmology [AAO]!!1. We

have also enhanced peer review of all

presentations. Scientific Committee makes

sure that most of the young talent in the

country is used. After attending our

AIOC2006 Annual Conference at Bhopal, Dr

Mike Brennan, American Academy of

Ophthalmology [AAO] International Envoy

visited my scientific committee office at the

conference venue and penned his comments:

"No good things happen without hard work

and I have been extremely impressed with

your organization of the annual conference.

Thanks for the friendship. The AAO is proud

to be your Partner in Global relations to

benefit our patients and our profession..

Symposia incorporated a wide variety of highly

technical and sophisticated clinical subjects as

well as humanitarian dimensions in the

preservation of vision and disaster response.

The geographical spectrum of attendees

included ophthalmologists from other parts of

Asia, Europe, and the Nigerian delegation

sponsored in your Twinning relationship.

Discussions regarding AAO resources,

leadership development and "affiliate"

membership were encouraging".

Thank you.

Thamizhan endru sollada Thalai ne-mirnthu

Nillada

7

EDITORIAL

Scope of Private Practice in Mumbai

Bombay Hospital was the first private hospital in Mumbai, which got university recognition in Post-Graduate studies and thus started getting a better class of doctors rendering better care to the patients. In the city of Mumbai, Bombay Hospital has set up a very good example by making 300 free beds available to non-affording patients. Vice versa, every speciality, which could be extremely expensive, is now available to the rich affording masses of Mumbai. Since Mumbai has a population of more than 13 million, we thought in worthwhile to bring out a Special Issue on “Scope of Private Practice in Mumbai”.

Population explosion in Mumbai has resulted in rampant land development leading to emergence of dozens of suburbs (located over the Eastern and Western sectors), each having a population of more than one lakh. Thus the scope of private practice in Mumbai has become decentralised and fragmented.

In the earlier days, private practitioners preferred to locate themselves in South Mumbai, as it was the hub of the city. Nowadays even small localities have many GPs and even specialists. Also with time, the demand for specialists has increased. People often prefer to go to the doctors specialising in the particular branch of medicine. In the current issue, we have included the thoughts of some leading doctors on the topic of “Scope of Private Practice in Mumbai”.

First of all, I would like to commend the work of three rather accomplished doctors, who according to me, are pioneers in their own fields and whose accomplishments will remain a landmark in the city of Mumbai. In future, it will be next to impossible for anyone else to reach this pedestal, in view of this decentralization of private practice in Mumbai. I am referring to Sushil K. Shah, S Natarajan and B K Goyal. These gentlemen have done incredible phenomenal work and have also lent their knowledge to achieve medical landmarks.

It would be highly appropriate to begin with the veteran Bombay Hospital cardiologist BK Goyal, who has been awarded with the prestigious Padmashree, Padmabhushan and Padmavibhushan titles, for his invaluable service to the medical fraternity. He has has an illustrious career, which includes a plethora of awards and eminent positions. He is also a well-known medical educationist and social activist. His achievements are lofty and in future, possibly cannot b reached by anyone.

S Natarajan, a leading ophthalmologist is the man behind the much-acclaimed Aditya Jyot Eye Hospital. He is the recipient of many a reputed awards, from the Indira Gandhi Sadbhavana Award conferred by the Global Economic Council to the Gusi Peace Prize-2005 for outstanding contribution in the field of Ophthalmology. He is known for his untiring efforts to reach out to the people. He started his career at Chennai's prestigious Shankar Nethralya. Bomay Hospital brought him fame and was a stepping stone to his success. His hard work and perseverance have yielded him his current stature. Aditya Jyot Eye Hospital has also started the Aditya Jyot Artificial Retinal Lab that may, one day, develop artificial retina!

Last but definitely not the is Sushil Shah, the behind the metropolis Health Services. He is a pathologist, who promoted his faculty with his business acumen. Metropolis

ADITYA JYOT EYE HOSPITAL Pvt. Ltd.Plot No. 153, Road No. 9, Major Parmeshwaran Rd,

Opp. SIWS College Gate No. 3, Wadala (W), Mumbai-31.

Tel. 91-22-2417 7600 / 2418 1001. Fax 91-22-2417 7630.

Email: ajeh@vsnl.com

Website : www.adityajyoteyehospital.org www.drsnatarajan.com

Bombay Hospital Journal, Vol. 48, No. 1, 2006

8