Dog Comes From Lanka To Indore For Cataract Care

Indore, Madhya Pradesh: Annie, a nine-year-old female Yorkshire Terrier from Sri Lanka, has arrived in the city for cataract surgery, highlighting a growing trend of pet medical tourism. The sightless canine, named after her condition, has been grappling with cataracts, leading to clouded eyes and diminished vision. Unable to access specialized veterinary ophthalmologists in her home country, Annie's owner, US citizen Bethany Ann Hopkins, opted to bring her to India for a chance at clearer vision.

Dr Narendra Chauhan, a veterinary surgeon and eye surgery specialist at the center, disclosed that his facility has been conducting manual cataract surgeries since 2014 and sutureless phaco surgery since 2016. He emphasized the scarcity of such specialized centers in Sri Lanka, prompting Hopkins to seek treatment in India. The cost of the procedure also played a role in the decision, as Dr Chauhan noted that a cataract surgery in India could cost up to six times less than in the United States, while still utilizing comparable technology and equipment.

After the surgery, Annie will stay in Indore for roughly 10-15 days before returning to Sri Lanka. The center has trained veterinary professionals from 13-14 countries, including Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, UAE, Philippines, Mauritius, Maldives, and Bahrain.