Drishti Chakra: MAHE’s Mobile Eye Care Unit Takes Vision to the Doorstep
Manipal, October 31, 2025: In a pioneering step toward community eye health, Kasturba Medical College and Hospital, Manipal, in collaboration with the Manipal Foundation, launched Drishti Chakra—an advanced mobile eye screening unit designed to deliver high-quality eye care services to people’s doorsteps.
The initiative, supported by the Manipal Foundation, is a joint effort of the Departments of Ophthalmology and Community Medicine at Kasturba Medical College and Hospital, and the Department of Optometry, Manipal College of Health Professions.
The mobile unit was formally inaugurated by Mr. Abid Gadyal, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Udupi district, who lauded MAHE and the Foundation for their commitment to community well-being. “Drishti Chakra is a timely initiative that will make a real difference in preventing avoidable blindness, especially among rural and underserved populations,” he said, assuring full cooperation from the district administration.
The event was presided over by Dr. H. S. Ballal, Pro-Chancellor, MAHE, and attended by Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, VSM (Retd.), Vice-Chancellor, MAHE, Dr. Latha Nayak, District Leprosy Officer, Mr. Harinarayan Sharma, CEO, Manipal Foundation, and Dr. Sharath K. Rao, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Health Sciences), MAHE, among other dignitaries.
Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Venkatesh described Drishti Chakra as a bridge between tertiary healthcare institutions and rural communities. “Equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic facilities, this unit can detect cataract, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and refractive errors early — a crucial step in preventing blindness,” he said.
Mr. Harinarayan Sharma highlighted that Drishti Chakra reflects Manipal Foundation’s mission to ensure healthcare accessibility at the grassroots. “We aim to identify vision problems early and offer rehabilitation support to those affected,” he said.
Reiterating MAHE’s commitment to social responsibility, Dr. Ballal said, “Kasturba Hospital has always led the way in community health initiatives. Drishti Chakra underscores our belief that medical excellence must reach every corner of society.”
Dr. Sharath K. Rao observed that the initiative continues the legacy of Dr. T. M. A. Pai’s vision of bringing healthcare closer to the people. Dr. Latha Nayak also extended the district health department’s support for the project’s outreach efforts.
The event also featured remarks by Dr. Yogish Kamath, Head of the Department of Ophthalmology, and an overview of the project by Dr. Sulatha V. Bhandary, Professor of Ophthalmology. Dr. Krithica, Head of the Department of Optometry, delivered the vote of thanks.
What is Drishti Chakra
Drishti Chakra is a customized, state-of-the-art mobile eye screening unit initiated by the Manipal Foundation to provide comprehensive eye care and early diagnosis of preventable blindness. The unit can screen for cataract, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, corneal blindness, and refractive errors, besides offering vision rehabilitation, training, and counselling services.
As part of the Foundation’s CSR initiative, Drishti Chakra will operate across Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, Uttara Kannada, Shivamogga, and Chikkamagaluru districts. The project is led by Dr. Sulatha V. Bhandary, with Dr. Yogish Kamath, Dr. Krithica, and Dr. Ashwin Kumar serving as co-investigators.
