Ophthalmology

Dr. N. A. Sudhakar

M.B.B.S., DOMS., M.S. (Ophthalmology)

General Information

At KVG Medical College & Hospital (KVGMC&H), our specialists in ophthalmology and visual sciences offer a comprehensive array of services uniquely designed to repair, restore, and enhance vision. Our esteemed team of physicians and supporting staff are deeply committed to our patients and their needs. Recognizing the individuality of each patient, we are dedicated to providing personalized, state-of-the-art care that aligns with their unique requirements and circumstances.

Our highly skilled team of ophthalmologists at KVGMC&H bring their extensive knowledge and experience to provide comprehensive, top-quality eye care. These proficient medical experts are adept at diagnosing and treating a wide spectrum of eye conditions, ranging from common vision problems to more intricate ocular diseases. Whether it is routine eye examinations, prescription for glasses or contact lenses, management of eye diseases, or performing delicate surgeries, our experts ensure top-tier medical care.

Our medical team’s commitment to excellence is unwavering, and they remain steadfast in their goal to address not just the simplest, but also the most complex ocular problems. We extend our services to all age groups – from children with vision issues that might impact their academic performance and social interaction, to adults suffering from age-related vision changes. Our patient-first approach ensures a caring and supportive environment conducive to the well-being and comfort of our patients.

At KVGMC&H, we believe in the power of vision and are committed to helping our patients see the world with absolute clarity. Our specialists stay abreast of the latest developments in ophthalmic research and technology, continuously enhancing their skills and knowledge. This dedication to lifelong learning ensures that our patients always receive the most advanced treatments available.

Ophthalmology Program Highlights

The other special services for adults and children are as follows:

Ophthalmologists, or eye doctors, are medical professionals who specialize in maintaining the health of your eyes. They provide general ophthalmologic care that encompasses the diagnosis and management of a wide range of eye conditions, from common refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism to more complex ocular diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. In addition to disease management, they also conduct routine eye examinations to monitor the health of your eyes over time and identify any potential issues early.

An integral part of maintaining optimal eye health is regular eye exams, which enable ophthalmologists to detect any changes or issues in your eye health. These examinations involve a series of tests designed to evaluate your vision and check for eye diseases. The doctor might use a variety of instruments, shine bright lights directly at your eyes and request that you look through an array of lenses. Each test during an eye exam evaluates a different aspect of your vision or eye health.

Moreover, ophthalmologists work closely with the Low Vision rehabilitation program, a unique initiative that caters to the needs of individuals with significant visual impairments — those whose vision cannot be satisfactorily improved with standard corrective measures such as regular eyeglasses, contact lenses, medication, or even surgery. These individuals often struggle with everyday tasks, and this program is designed to help them maximize their remaining vision and maintain their independence and quality of life.

The Low Vision rehabilitation program offers a range of services, including personalized consultation and training to use visual aids and adaptive devices, counselling to cope with the psychological impact of visual loss, and guidance on modifying the home and workplace to enhance safety and functionality. The program’s team of vision rehabilitation professionals works closely with the patient, their family, and the ophthalmologist to develop a comprehensive and customized rehabilitation plan. Their ultimate goal is to empower individuals with low vision to live fulfilling lives despite their visual limitations.

At our healthcare facility, we are proud to provide a comprehensive suite of both medical and surgical eye care services to cater to a myriad of ocular conditions. Leveraging state-of-the-art techniques, we are at the forefront of providing advanced eye care treatments that enable our patients to retain and enhance their vision.

A significant aspect of our specialized care involves the treatment of cataracts, a common eye condition characterized by clouding of the naturally clear lens of the eye, which can significantly impair vision if left untreated. In our efforts to deliver effective and efficient care for cataract patients, we have embraced the latest advancements in technology with small-incision, sutureless cataract surgery. This procedure, which involves making a tiny incision in the eye to remove the clouded lens and replace it with an artificial one, significantly reduces trauma to the eye and hastens the healing process.

The hallmark of this cutting-edge surgical procedure is that it’s sutureless, meaning that no stitches are required due to the small size of the incision, which typically heals on its own. This approach ensures that the patient experiences minimal discomfort and a quicker recovery time, allowing them to return to their normal activities sooner than with traditional cataract surgery.

However, our expertise is not limited to cataracts alone. We also provide comprehensive care for patients with a range of complex eye conditions, such as corneal disease and glaucoma. Corneal disease encompasses a variety of conditions that affect the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. This can result in visual distortion and potentially lead to blindness if not treated promptly. Our experienced ophthalmologists offer state-of-the-art treatment options, including advanced corneal transplantation procedures and innovative contact lens fittings to manage these diseases.

Similarly, we provide specialized care for patients with glaucoma, a group of eye conditions characterized by damage to the optic nerve often due to abnormally high pressure in the eye. Our approach to glaucoma care includes an array of treatment modalities ranging from medication to advanced surgical interventions, designed to slow disease progression and prevent further vision loss.

We also possess expertise in managing eye conditions associated with small pupils, a condition that can make certain eye procedures more challenging. Regardless of the complexity of the condition, our dedicated team of eye specialists is committed to providing the highest standard of eye care to improve the quality of life of our patients.

At our facility, we boast an exceptional team of specialists dedicated specifically to the management of glaucoma, a potentially severe eye condition characterized by damage to the optic nerve that can lead to irreversible vision loss if not adequately treated. With extensive training and a wealth of experience in this field, our glaucoma specialists have developed a deep understanding of the myriad forms and stages of this complex disease. This enables them to accurately diagnose and implement highly effective treatment plans tailored to each individual patient’s needs and condition.

Embracing the latest scientific breakthroughs, our glaucoma specialists are at the forefront of utilizing state-of-the-art diagnostic tools. These advancements have considerably enhanced the precision with which we are able to detect glaucoma, including even the most subtle early-stage and challenging-to-diagnose forms. Such technological capabilities allow us to identify the disease in its nascent stages, providing the opportunity for early intervention and better prognosis.

Our glaucoma diagnostic armamentarium includes advanced imaging techniques such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), visual field testing, and tonometry, among others. OCT enables us to capture detailed images of the optic nerve and retina, providing valuable insights into any structural changes that may suggest glaucoma. Visual field tests allow us to assess the full horizontal and vertical range and sensitivity of a patient’s vision to identify any areas of vision loss. Tonometry is utilized to measure the pressure within the eye, an essential parameter in diagnosing and managing glaucoma.

When it comes to treatment, our glaucoma specialists offer a wide array of therapeutic options, encompassing both non-surgical and surgical interventions. Non-surgical treatments typically involve medications such as eye drops or oral medications to decrease intraocular pressure, the main risk factor for glaucoma. However, if these are deemed inadequate or if the glaucoma is particularly aggressive, surgical options may be explored. These can range from minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS) to traditional surgeries like trabeculectomy and tube-shunt procedures, or even cutting-edge laser procedures.

Furthermore, our team is well-equipped to manage related ocular diseases that may occur in conjunction with glaucoma, providing patients with comprehensive, all-encompassing eye care. Our specialists continuously stay abreast of the newest research and developments in the field, ensuring that we deliver the most up-to-date and effective treatment modalities to our patients. Ultimately, our mission is to preserve our patients’ vision and improve their quality of life.

At our esteemed facility, our dedicated team of ophthalmologists is committed to offering comprehensive contact lens services that cater to a wide range of visual needs and conditions. With a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of vision correction, our experts are adept at determining the ideal contact lens options that can offer the most comfort, clarity, and health benefits for each unique patient.

We understand that each eye and vision condition is unique, and thus, we are equipped to provide contact lens solutions for various refractive errors and eye conditions. This includes myopia (nearsightedness), where distance vision appears blurry; hyperopia (farsightedness), which can blur near vision or even both near and far vision; and astigmatism, a condition resulting from an irregularly shaped cornea or lens, which can cause blurred or distorted vision at all distances. In addition, we also cater to patients experiencing presbyopia, a condition that typically develops with age, making it difficult to focus on objects that are close up.

Moreover, we understand the struggles faced by individuals with dry eye syndrome, a condition that can make contact lens wear challenging due to discomfort and potential harm to the eye surface. We offer contact lenses specifically designed to mitigate these issues and enhance the comfort of those suffering from this condition.

Our experts stay abreast of the latest advancements in contact lens technology, thereby ensuring we offer our patients the most innovative and effective solutions. We provide an array of the latest contact lens designs and materials that not only correct vision but also prioritize comfort and eye health. This includes soft lenses, rigid gas permeable lenses, toric lenses for astigmatism, multifocal lenses for presbyopia, and specialized lenses designed to retain moisture for dry eyes.

Moreover, our ophthalmologists engage in an interactive process with patients, ensuring they are educated about their contact lens options and are proficient in handling and caring for their lenses. This includes guidance on how to properly insert, remove, and clean their lenses, alongside information on recommended wear schedules and tips to prevent potential complications.

Ultimately, our goal is to enhance our patients’ visual experiences by providing personalized, high-quality contact lens services that uphold the standards of excellence in eye care that we continually strive for.

Dean

Dr. Neelambikai Natarajan

Dr. Neelambikai Natarajan is a alumna of Thanjavur Medical College, where she obtained her medical degree. She further pursued her MD in Physiology from Madras Medical College and an MBA in Hospital Administration from Alagappa University.

Throughout her academic medical career, Dr. Natarajan has served in various capacities at several prominent institutions, including Madras Medical College, Madurai Medical College, Government Medical College Coimbatore, Government KAP Vishwanathan Medical College in Trichy, and Meenakshi Medical College in Kanchipuram. With over 20 years of administrative experience, she has held the position of Dean in multiple medical colleges for more than a decade. Her expertise in faculty training within medical education has earned her widespread recognition.

In addition to her administrative roles, Dr. Natarajan has served as an assessor on the Medical Council of India (MCI) panel for over 15 years. She was also an Ex-Senate member of the MGR University and Secretary of the Ethics Committee. Dr. Natarajan has completed an Advanced Course in Medical Education (ACME). Since 2019, she has been serving as the Dean at KVG Medical College and Hospital in Sullia.