How one ophthalmologist helped a government hospital in Telangana’s remote tribal region complete 400 cataract surgeries

In Bhadrachalam, a small town in Telangana, a single ophthalmologist has single-handedly facilitated 400 cataract surgeries in a rural government hospital. The Ophthalmology Unit, which established its dedicated eye surgery theater in December 2023, has steadily increased its surgical volume from one to two days a week. Patients have traveled from multiple districts within Telangana, as well as neighboring Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha, to avail themselves of this specialized care.

The hospital's success is noteworthy given the geographical constraints and limited availability of specialist manpower in the region. The ophthalmic operation theatre, the first of its kind in the district, was set up in December 2023 with financial backing from the former District Collector, Anudeep Durishetty, and subsequent support from District Collectors Jitesh V. Patil and Ankit, along with ITDA Project Officer B. Rahul.

The facility was equipped with essential resources such as intraocular lenses, surgical consumables, and other requirements. Despite functioning with a contract-based ophthalmologist, the unit has maintained a high standard of care, performing modern phacoemulsification cataract surgeries without any major complications. Dr. Santosh, the ophthalmologist leading the unit, along with the entire ophthalmology nursing, operation theatre, and support teams, have been commended for their unwavering commitment to providing this crucial healthcare service.