In a defining moment for Indian ophthalmology, Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, achieved global recognition for its pioneering techniques in cataract removal surgery, placing India at the forefront of innovation in vision restoration.
Founded by the legendary Dr. J. Agarwal, the hospital became a hub for eye care excellence in the late 20th century. One of its most notable contributions was the development and successful implementation of Phakonit (Phaco with Needle Incision Technology) — a scarless cataract removal technique, first introduced by Dr. Amar Agarwal, a third-generation ophthalmologist from the Agarwal family.
- Phakonit is a no-stitch, microincision cataract surgery that uses a sub-1 mm incision for removing the cloudy lens.
- This method minimizes surgical trauma, speeds up recovery, and greatly improves post-operative outcomes.
- It was among the first of its kind globally and the first to be performed in India at Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital in the early 2000s.
The hospital’s innovations were soon recognized internationally, with Dr. Amar Agarwal invited to demonstrate the technique at major global ophthalmic conferences. The innovation was especially important for India, where cataract is one of the leading causes of blindness.
“We wanted to make cataract surgery safer, faster, and more accessible. Innovation is the only way to fight preventable blindness,” said Dr. Amar Agarwal.
- Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital became a global center for ophthalmic innovation, known for techniques like Glued IOL, Pinhole Pupilloplasty, and Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery.
- Thousands of ophthalmologists from India and abroad trained at the hospital, taking these advanced techniques worldwide.
