Record corneal transplants at LVPEI
The Cornea Services team at L V Prasad Eye Institute crossed its earlier record of 1000 corneal transplants in a single year. The total corneal transplants performed in 2008 through quality corneas provided by the Ramayamma International Eye Bank (RIEB) was 1582.

In addition to 1063 corneal transplants at Kallam Anji Reddy campus, Hyderabad, RIEB provided 99 corneas to Moshin Eye Bank at GMR Varalakshmi campus, LVPEI Visakhapatnam, 27 corneas to drushti daan Eye Bank at LVPEI Bhubaneswar, and 393 to surgeons within and outside Andhra Pradesh (mostly alumni).

Very few institutes in the world have achieved this milestone in the history of eye banking and corneal transplantation!



BBC Radio report on LVPEI's stem cell research
Report's Audio Clip



ICARE turns 10 
The Institute's rural outreach arm, the International Centre for Advancement of Rural Eye care (ICARE), celebrated its 10th anniversary of making world class eye care a reality for the rural people. The event was marked by a 2-day workshop (December 17-18), with special sessions on leadership development and primary eye care with models for its integration with primary health care.  
Read Full Report



Dr Abdul Kalam and Pandit Jasraj at the Institute 
Former President of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam was at the Institute for a cataract operation. This was the second cataract surgery for Dr Kalam at LVPEI. An old friend of LVPEI he stayed at the Exclusive Suite for 3 days. Post surgery he went on a tour of some of the areas of the Institute, as always striking an instant rapport with every person he spoke to. An informal lecture was organised where Dr Kalam spoke to all the trainees, staff and faculty. Pandit Jasraj, who was performing in Hyderabad, came to visit Dr Kalam, and gave an impromptu recital at LVPEI's Patodia Auditorium for Dr Kalam. 
See Pictures



Students donate 
Some students from Sri Sarada Degree College for Women along with their principal and lecturers visited the institute on December 23, 2008. The students are members of the NSS unit, which had earlier made a donation to the institute for treatment of non-paying patients. At a small ceremony at LVPEI the students distributed post surgical medical kits to 10 non-paying patients, each containing a pair of dark glasses, eye drops, eye shield and sterile cotton. Dr Rupesh V Agarwal gave a short talk on eye care, while administrator Sam Balasundaram encouraged them to look at eye health administration as a career. 
See Pictures



Tele-ophthalmology program wins award
Satyam has won First Place at the Consumer Health World for a tele-ophthalmology program, developed by the Byrraju Foundation and L V Prasad Eye Institute. Under this program ophthalmologists and other trained vision technicians from LVPEI will diagnose and treat patients in remote locations by virtually viewing their eyelids, conjunctivas, corneas, anterior chambers, irises, pupil reactions and lenses. 



12th anniversary celebrations of Mudhole centre
LVPEI's first satellite centre Bhosle Gopal Rao Patel Eye Centre, Mudhole, celebrated its 12th anniversary on December 20th. The centre was established with the support of Sri Narayan Rao Patel's family and national and international NGOs. In 12 years the centre has seen 1,60,000 outpatients and performed over 22,500 surgeries. 
See Pictures



LVPEI in bloom
The Institute won several prizes during the 33rd Hyderabad Rose Show organized by Hyderabad Rose Society in December - First Prize for Best Institutional Rose Garden and 10 prizes for best blooms from the LVPEI garden for different colours and varieties. 



Fun Camp for children
The 'Fun Camp 2008' for children with vision impairment was held on December 2, 2008, at Jalavihar Entertainment Park, Hyderabad. There were 239 participants, including visually challenged children, their sighted siblings and family members.
Read Full Report



Nimmagadda - LVPEI Children's Eye Health Initiative
The Nimmagadda - LVPEI Children's Eye Health Initiative was formally launched before a select gathering of invited guests and members of the press on November 20th at Patodia Auditorium, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad. Nimmagadda Foundation, a philanthropic initiative of Mr N Prasad of Matrix Laboratories, has partnered with LVPEI to establish infrastructure for screening all children in Andhra Pradesh (AP) and providing primary to tertiary eye care. This early intervention will help prevent avoidable blindness among children. The foundation supports all non-paying children's screening, treatment and surgeries performed at the eye institute in Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam and its network of over 50 rural centers in the state.
Read Full Report



Dancing for a Difference - Longmeadow  woman uses dances of India raise funds for  Hyderabad children's eye clinic
Read Full Report



Tele-ophthalmology to link rural eye centres
The Government of India has sanctioned a Rs 28 lakh grant to L V Prasad Eye Institute to incorporate a tele-ophthalmology project under the National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB). The fund will be used to deliver eye care services, such as identification and treatment of eye diseases, and referral services through tele-ophthalmology in rural/tribal or underserved or unreached populations, preferably at least 20 km away from district headquarters. Under the program, LVPEI will bring its primary and secondary care centres (Vision Centres and Service Centres, respectively) into a tele-ophthalmology network using appropriate state-of-the-art technology.



Honor for Sirisha Senthil 
Dr Sirisha Senthil, Consultant, VST Centre for Glaucoma, received Best Video and Best Free Paper Award at the 18th annual conference of the Glaucoma Society of India, held at Chandigarh, October 31 to November 2, 2008. The video was entitled 'Leaking bleb-how to fix it?' and the free paper was 'Comparison of the diagnostic accuracy of HRT2 and HRT3 in glaucoma'. 



Double gold for Dr Savitri Sharma
Dr Savitri Sharma, Associate Director & Head, Microbiology Services — LVPEI network, was elected President of the Indian Association of Medical Microbiologists (IAMM) at its 32nd annual conference at Pune, October 23-25, 2008. She was awarded the presidential gold medal and will deliver presidential oration at the next conference. She also received the IAMM silver jubilee best paper gold medal in parasitology 
Read Full Report



10th anniversary of satellite centre
The Kuchakulla Ramachandra Reddy Eye Centre (KRREC), Thoodukurthy, (second satellite centre of LVPEI) celebrated its 10th anniversary on October 24, 2008. The centre was established with support from the Kuchakulla family as well as national and international NGOs. Over a period of 10 years, KRREC has seen over 1,10,000 outpatients and performed more than 15000 surgeries. 
Read Full Report



LVPEI-FICCL Comprehensive Eye Health Program launched 
On October 3, 2008, L V Prasad Eye Institute's rural outreach arm, the International Centre for Advancement of Rural Eye care (ICARE), in collaboration with Fullerton India launched a sustainable, comprehensive eye health care program in the slums of Hyderabad. The program will cover one lakh population for a period of one year, creating a health care inclusive community at Malkajgiri in Hyderabad in the initial phase. 
Read Full Report



LVPEI partners with SEVA Foundation to make "One million eyes see again"
Read Full Report



LVPEI fellow creates history in Nigeria!
From Vanguard Online Edition, Saturday 27, 2008. Also in Guardian and Punch (Nigeria)
UCH performs feat in eye transplant 
Thirty-six years after the management of the University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan performed a major operation in cornea (eye) transplant, the institution has broken the jinx as it successfully transplanted the damaged cornea of four patients. 
Read Full Report



LVPEI at the IAPB 8th General Assembly, Buenos Aires
More than 750 people committed to blindness prevention from different parts of the globe had the opportunity to become acquainted with LVPEI's work in community eye health, research and training, during the 8th General Assembly of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, at Buenos Aires, Argentina. The LVPEI display in the Exhibits area of the Assembly generated much interest, as did the presentations and posters by LVPEI faculty. 
Read Full Report



Delegations from Canada and Australia Visit LVPEI
Collaboration has always been a feature of research at LVPEI; with the nature of our research becoming more interdisciplinary, our focus on addressing complex problems of causation and treatment of disease, the range and potential of international collaborations has expanded. Following the acceptance of a bilateral Indo-Canada proposal that called for industry-academy collaboration on either side, a Canadian delegation that included the High Commissioner designate, Mr Joseph Caron and the Canadian Deputy Minister of International Trade, Ms Marie Lucie Morin, visited LVPEI on September 9, 2008, and met with scientists from the stem cell group and others.
Read Full Report



New laser for LVPEI
L V Prasad Eye Institute has acquired the PASCAL® (Pattern Scan Laser) photocoagulator — an advanced precision scanning laser system to treat retinal diseases using a single spot or a predetermined pattern array. 
Read Full Report



Pushkarlalji Tibrewala Public Lecture 2008
L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, and the O P Tibrewala Foundation held the Late Pushkarlalji Tibrewala Public Lecture 2008 and Award on August 25, 2008. The lecture was held to commemorate the eye donation fortnight that began on August 23, 2008. The guest speaker was Dr M Srinivasan, Director and Head of Cornea Services at the Aravind Eye Care System, Madurai, and president of the Eye Bank Association of India.
Read Full Report
See Pictures



Launch of Eye Health Management course 
The restructured Diploma in Eye Health Management (DEHM) course was formally launched on August 1, 2008, at the Bausch and Lomb School of Optometry, Kismatpur campus. The Guest of Honour for the program was Prof Ram Mohan Rao, Dean, Indian School of Business, who presented certificates to the outgoing batch of management trainees and those completing the 1-year community eye health management course.
Read full Report
See pictures



Miriam Hyman Children's Eye Care Centre inaugurated 
When young Miriam Hyman passed away tragically in the London terrorist bombings on July 7, 2005, her family was devastated. She was only 32. Her parents John and Mavis and elder sister Esther could have slipped into a depression. But they resolved to channel their grief in a constructive way and find positive ways to remember her.
Read full Report
In Esther's words: See also http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7492848.stm
See pictures



6th anniversary of Karamchedu satellite centre 
Venkat Lakshmi Eye Centre, the third satellite centre of LVPEI, celebrated its sixth anniversary on June 7, 2008. Since its inception, the centre has screened around 50,000 outpatients and performed more than 7000 surgeries, 70% of them free of cost.
Read full Report



3rd anniversary of Adilabad satellite centre  
Seshanna Chennawar Eye Centre, the fourth satellite centre of LVPEI, celebrated its third anniversary on June 9, 2008. Since its inception, the centre has screened over 26,000 outpatients and performed more than 3600 surgeries, 70% of them free of cost.
Read full Report



Dr Abdul Kalam at LVPEI, Bhubaneswar
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, former President of India, visited L V Prasad Eye Institute, Bhubaneswar, on May 9, 2008 to deliver the Foundation Day lecture. Major donors of LVPEI were also felicitated at the program. Dr Kalam made a tour of the institute in an open jeep and saw the facilities and services available. He visited the banyan tree, which he had planted at the inauguration of LVPEI Bhubaneswar in July 2006. 
Read full Report



Aesthetics Clinic launched at LVPEI
LVPEI, Hyderabad, launched its Aesthetics and Facial Plastic Surgery Services by inaugurating the Aesthetics Clinic on March 30, 2008. The first such comprehensive cosmetic clinic to be established in an eye institute in India, the Aesthetics Clinic is equipped with an exclusive evaluation suite with skin analyser, professional digital
photography, Botox and filler injection facility, skin lasers, and a surgical suite for facial cosmetic procedures including liposuction, fat transfer, and fat cryopreservation.
Read full Report



4 new Vision Centres for Markapuram 
In March 2008, four new Vision Centres linked to the Sudhakar and Sreekanth Ravi Eye Centre (SSREC) in Markapuram, Prakasam district, Andhra Pradesh, were inaugurated. These are Darshi (63 km from the Markapuram secondary eye care Service Centre), Kurichedu (82 km), Podili (44 km) and Cumbham (28 km). Funding support for the 4 Vision Centres was provided by the Lavelle Fund for the Blind, Inc., New York, USA. 

For 3 of the 4 Vision Centres (except Kurichedu) local community members donated space for setting up the facility. For each VC's inauguration, the donors as well as the local panchayat representatives were also present. A meeting with the Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) was organized and possibilities of a collaborative effort explored, to ensure optimum utilization of the Vision Centres by the community. 
See pictures



2 new Vision Centres for Adilabad
Two new Vision Centres at Talamadugu and Gudihathnur, linked to the Seshanna Chennawar Eye Centre (SCEC) in Adilabad, were launched on March 28, 2008. Both the Vision Centres are located 20 km from the secondary eye care Service Centre, SCEC. The capital cost of the centres was borne by the Latter-day Saint Charities (LDSC) of Salt Lake City, USA, taking the total number of Vision Centres set up with their support to seven. Mr Lawrence Lyerly and Ms Toni Lyerly, Humanitarian Service Volunteers from LDS Charities, were present at the inauguration. 
Read full report



Friends of drushti daan meet 
L V Prasad Eye Institute, Bhubaneswar, in partnership with drushti daan has been managing the 'Community Eye Bank - drushti daan' since April 2007 on its campus. The Governor of Orissa Mr Murali C Bhandare visited LVPEI Bhubaneswar on March 5, 2008, to commemorate the day as 'the friends of drushti daan.' Mr Tuhin K Pandey, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Government of Orissa, and Prof Paul J Dubord, Founder, Eyesight International, were the guests of honour. Also present were Dr Gullapalli N Rao, Chairman, LVPEI group; Dr Krishna Charan Padhy, president, drushti daan; delegates from Sight & Life, USA, and the media. The Governor released a souvenir, visited the eye bank and took an eye donation pledge. Lauding the efforts of LVPEI Bhubaneswar, he appealed to the people to pledge their eyes to combat corneal blindness. He presented a certificate to Mr Niladri Das, eye bank technician, for his commendable work. 
See pictures



World Glaucoma Day & Glaucoma Meet 
The World Glaucoma Association observed World Glaucoma Day on 6th March 2008 and LVPEI observed the day across its three campuses - Hyderabad, Bhubaneswar and Visakhapatnam. Glaucoma patients, their relatives and experts in the field attended a meeting at the auditorium of each campus, with all the auditoriums being linked through videoconferencing. The objective was to increase awareness of glaucoma and form a glaucoma support group for patients. 

Coinciding with World Glaucoma Day, a two-day workshop Glaucoma Update was organized from March 8-9, 2008, with the three LVPEI campuses linked through videoconferencing. Talks were delivered by the Institute and invited faculty, followed by interaction among the delegates and faculty. Dr B L Harsha and Dr Sanghamitra Dash delivered lectures and facilitated the proceeding from LVPEI Bhubaneswar. 



Krupajal Sanman-2008 to Dr Das
The Krupajal group of institutions conferred the Krupajal Sanman-2008 on Dr Taraprasad Das at the annual day program of Krupajal Engineering College on 2nd March 2008. The Governor of Orissa presented him with a memento, citation and shawl for distinguished achievement in ophthalmology and outstanding contribution to the nation and the state of Orissa in the field of medical science and social service.
See pictures



Champalimaud Translational Research Centre inaugurated
The Champalimaud Translational Centre of Eye Research (C-TRACER) was inaugurated at LVPEI, Hyderabad, on January 30, 2008, by Smt. Purandareshwari, Minister of State for Human Resource Development, Govt. of India. C-TRACER, a world-class translational research facility devoted to the analysis, management and treatment of selected eye disorders, will enhance the vision research program of LVPEI's Prof Brien Holden Eye Research Centre. It has been set up in partnership with the Antonio Champalimaud Foundation of Portugal.

A seminar on translational research was held to mark the event, with Professor N K Ganguly, UNESCO Centre for Translational Research and Training, New Delhi, delivering the First Champalimaud Lecture on 'Translational Research Scenario and Opportunities in India'. The seminar provided an opportunity for presentations on different aspects and processes of translational research. 
Read full Report
 


4 new Vision Centres in Adilabad
During the quarter ICARE - LVPEI opened 4 new Vision Centres around Seshanna Chennawar Eye Centre, Adilabad, bringing the number of Vision Centres in Adilabad district to 16, with a total of 37 Vision Centres (VC) across Andhra Pradesh. Each VC covers a population of 50,000 - 100,000, providing primary eye care in underserved areas. This set of VCs is supported by the Latter-day Saint Charities (LDSC), USA.
The four Vision Centres were inaugurated at Bela (November 14th), Narnoor (November 21st), Jannaram (December 18th) and Jainoor (December 27th) of Adilabad district. The population of these areas has a significant number of tribals, such as Gonds, Kolams and Andhs (Census 2001: 25 - 35%). The mandal and village presidents of the four locations helped mobilize rent-free buildings for the Vision Centres - they included Mr P Prabhakar Rao, Bela; Mr Gajanand Nayak, Narnoor; Mr Vishwambhar, Zilla Parishad
Territorial Constituency; and Mr Dharmaraju, Jainoor; with support from Mr Ramesh Rathod, Zilla Parishad Chairman of Adilabad district, and Mr Kishan Rao, District Forest Officer, Jannaram Division. Larry and Toni Lyerly, humanitarian volunteers and representatives from The Indian Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, USA, attended the inaugurals at Bela and Narnoor. After each inaugural, public meetings were organized in all the four Vision Centre locations, which were highlighted
in the local media. Vision technicians began screening patients at each VC the same day.



Cutting Edge 2007
Cutting Edge 2007, the joint annual meeting of the Oculoplastics Association of India (OPAI) and the Asia Pacific Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (APSOPRS) was held at Hyderabad International Convention Centre, Hyderabad, December 13-16, 2007. L V Prasad Eye Institute was the official host for the event.
This is the first Asia Pacific OPRS meeting held in India, and was honored with the official participation of every major Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Society including the ASOPRS (American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery), ESOPRS (European Society of Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery), BOPSS (British Oculoplastic Surgery Society), and ISOO (International Society of Ocular Oncology). 
Read full Report



The Sudhakar and Sreekanth Ravi Eye Centre, Markapur
Heralding in the new year the Sudhakar and Sreekanth Ravi Eye Centre at Markapur was inaugurated at a colourful well-attended ceremony. Chief guest Smt Daggubati Purandeswari, Honorable Minister of State for Human Resource Development, Government of India, cut the ribbon. She was accompanied by Mr K P Konda Reddy, MLA, Markapur; Mr Srinivas Reddy, MLA, Kambam; Mr G V Sheshu, MLC, Markapur; and Ms Kantham Arunamma, Ongole Zilla Parishad Chairperson. The special guest was Mr Sreekanth Ravi was proud to launch the Sudhakar and Sreekanth Ravi Eye Health Initiative in Prakasam district.
Read full report



EMPI - Indian Express Indian Innovation Awards 2006 
The Honorable Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, former President of India, gave away the EMPI-Indian Express Indian Innovation Awards 2006 at a glittering ceremony on December 22, 2007, at the Hotel Taj Palace, New Delhi. Dr Gullapalli N Rao, Chairman, LVPEI, received the spectacular Gold Trophy for and on behalf of L V Prasad Eye Institute. The citation read "In recognition of the institution's innovative approach to providing a sustainable, comprehensive rehabilitation and community health eye-care to communities in remote as well as in urban areas. 
Read full report



Melbourne University honors Dr G N Rao
Dr Gullapalli N Rao, Chairman, L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI), was honored with a Doctor of Medicine (honoris causa), from the University of Melbourne on December 8, 2007. Dr Rao is the founder of LVPEI. He was nominated for the honorary award by the Centre for Eye Research Australia, in recognition of his inspirational work that is helping to transform global efforts to eliminate avoidable blindness. 
Read full report