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.
MM
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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?
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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: [email protected]
Website : www.adityajyoteyehospital.org www.drsnatarajan.com
Bombay Hospital Journal, Vol. 48, No. 1, 2006
8