Tue Jan 13 23:02:00 UTC 2026: # ICICI Foundation and Sankara Nethralaya Inaugurate New Eye Care Centers

The Story

On Tuesday, January 13, 2026, the ICICI Foundation Glaucoma Centre and Uvea Centre were officially inaugurated at Sankara Nethralaya in Chennai, India. This initiative represents a significant upgrade to existing facilities, repurposing floors that have served the community for over four decades. The collaboration between ICICI Foundation and Sankara Nethralaya aims to enhance the quality of eye care services, particularly in the areas of glaucoma and uvea treatment, leveraging modern equipment and specialized expertise.

The inauguration highlights the increasing role of corporate social responsibility in bolstering healthcare infrastructure in India. Sankara Nethralaya officials expressed hope that other corporations will follow suit, helping to modernize facilities and maintain high standards of medical care. ICICI Foundation detailed their commitment to health initiatives, especially in rural areas, emphasizing their collaborative approach with like-minded institutions.

Key Points

  • The ICICI Foundation Glaucoma Centre and Uvea Centre were inaugurated at Sankara Nethralaya on January 13, 2026.
  • The centers repurpose existing space that has been in service for over 40 years.
  • Sankara Nethralaya’s glaucoma department treated 20,000 to 25,000 patients and performed 2,500 to 3,000 major surgeries in the past year, including treatments for 150 to 200 children.
  • The Uvea Centre addresses uvea, a condition contributing to 10% to 15% of blindness worldwide.
  • ICICI Foundation focuses on skill development and health initiatives, including rural health programs, partnering with similar organizations.

Key Takeaways

  • Corporate partnerships are becoming increasingly crucial in upgrading and maintaining healthcare infrastructure in India.
  • The focus on specialized care, such as glaucoma and uvea treatment, addresses significant causes of blindness and vision impairment.
  • Sankara Nethralaya’s high patient volume underscores the demand for specialized eye care services in the region.
  • ICICI Foundation’s strategic focus on health, particularly rural health, aligns with broader national health goals.

Impact Analysis

The inauguration of the ICICI Foundation Glaucoma Centre and Uvea Centre will have a significant impact on eye care accessibility and quality in Chennai and potentially beyond. The modernized facilities and specialized expertise will improve treatment outcomes for patients with glaucoma and uvea. Furthermore, the initiative serves as a model for other corporate-healthcare partnerships, potentially stimulating further investment in upgrading medical infrastructure across India. By addressing conditions that significantly contribute to blindness, the centres directly support public health efforts to reduce visual impairment. The data from the past year indicates a substantial need for these services and the inauguration helps fulfil that need.

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