Media Release
Udupi, Oct 30: Kasturba Medical College and Hospital, Manipal, in collaboration with the Manipal Foundation, inaugurated Drishti Chakra — an advanced mobile eye screening unit designed to bring high-quality eye care services directly to the community. This initiative, supported by Manipal foundation, is a collaborative effort of departments of Ophthalmology and Community Medicine of Kasturba Medical college and Hospital, Manipal and Department of Optometry, Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal
The launch event was graced by Abid Gadyal, additional deputy commissioner, Udupi District, as the chief guest. The function was presided over by Dr H S Ballal, pro-chancellor, MAHE, Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, VSM (Retd), vice chancellor, MAHE, Dr Latha Nayak, District leprosy officer, Harinarayan Sharma, CEO, Manipal Foundation, and Dr Sharath K Rao, pro vice chancellor (health sciences), MAHE were the guests of honour for the programme.
Dr Anand Venugopal, COO, MAHE, Dr Anil K Bhat, dean, KMC Dr Arun Maiya, dean MCHP, Dr Sudhakar Kantipudi, COO, Kasturba Hospital Manipal Dr Avinash Shetty, medical superintendent, Kasturba Hospital and Dr Harish Kumar S, director, corporate relations, MAHE were also present.
In his address, Abid Gadyal commended Manipal Foundation and MAHE for their commitment to public health. He praised the Drishti Chakra initiative as a timely step toward combating preventable vision problems, particularly among rural and underserved populations. He assured full support from the district administration to strengthen community outreach and reduce the prevalence of myopia and other visual disorders in Udupi and neighbouring districts.
Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh highlighted that Drishti Chakra is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic facilities to detect conditions such as cataract, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, corneal blindness, and refractive errors.
The unit will also extend its services to identify individuals with low vision or blindness and provide on-site vision rehabilitation, training, and counselling. “The initiative bridges a critical gap between tertiary medical institutions and rural communities, ensuring early diagnosis and prevention of avoidable blindness,” he noted.
Harinarayan Sharma, CEO of Manipal Foundation, emphasised that Drishti Chakra aligns with the Foundation’s core mission to extend holistic healthcare access to the community. “This initiative reflects our continuous effort to reach people where they are — identifying those with low vision or blindness early and ensuring they receive comprehensive eye care and rehabilitation,” he said.
Dr Sharath K Rao, pro vice chancellor (health sciences), remarked that MAHE has always been at the forefront of community-based healthcare services. “Following the vision of our founder, Dr T M A Pai, we have constantly sought ways to take healthcare closer to the people. Drishti Chakra is another testament to this commitment,” he said, recalling earlier initiatives like the RMCW Home that served rural communities effectively.
In his presidential address, Dr H S Ballal reiterated MAHE’s dedication to social responsibility through sustainable health programmes. “MAHE and Kasturba Hospital have consistently led from the front in community health initiatives. Projects like Drishti Chakra reinforce our belief that medical excellence must always be accessible. We look forward to continued collaboration with the District Administration to ensure the success of this noble project,” he added.
Dr Latha Nayak emphasised the crucial role of Kasturba Medical College and Hospital, Manipal, in reducing blindness not only caused by cataract but also by other eye diseases. She assured the full support of the district health department in strengthening this initiative and expanding its reach to benefit more people across the region.
Dr Yogish Kamath, head of the department of Ophthalmology, welcomed the gathering. Dr Sulatha V Bhandary, professor of Ophthalmology, presented an overview of the project, while Dr Krithica, head of the Department of Optometry, proposed the vote of thanks.
About Drishti Chakra
Drishti Chakra is an advanced mobile eye screening unit, initiated by Manipal Foundation launched to bring comprehensive eye care closer to the community. The customised bus is fully equipped to detect cataract, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, corneal blindness, and refractive errors, ensuring early diagnosis and prevention of avoidable blindness.
In addition, the unit will identify individuals with low vision or blindness and provide on-site vision rehabilitation, training, and counselling to help them lead more independent lives. Drishti Chakra will operate across Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, Uttara Kannada, Shivamogga, and Chikkamagaluru districts as a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of the Manipal Foundation. The project is led by Dr Sulatha V Bhandary, with Dr Yogish Kamath (HOD, ophthalmology), Dr Krithica (HOD, optometry), and Dr Ashwin Kumar (HOD, community medicine) as co-investigators.
This Initiative supported by the administrative heads of Kasturba Medical College, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal College of health professions, and MAHE. Drishti Chakra marks a significant leap toward accessible, community-oriented, and preventive eye care for all.