India’s First Oldest Eye Hospital

India’s first oldest Eye Hospital

The Regional Institute of Ophthalmology hospital is the India’s first hospital and World’s 2nd oldest Eye Hospital. The Regional Institute of Ophthalmology and Government Ophthalmic Hospital in Chennai established in 1819 is of great historic importance to the Medical fraternity of India.  

The India’s first dedicated eye hospital in India is commonly known as the Regional Institute of Ophthalmology (RIO), formerly known as Dr. R. P. Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi. Established in 1967, it has been a leading institution in ophthalmic care, education, and research in India. The number of these RIOs has now been raised to 20 with inclusion of RIO Srinagar during 12th Five Year Plan. A list of RIOs is attached at Annexure.

The Regional Institute of Ophthalmology, Thiruvananthapuram is the highest government level referral hospital in the field of ophthalmology in Kerala state. The hospital was established as Government Eye Hospital in 1905, during the reign of King Sree Moolam Thirunal of Travancore.

Dr. Sunil Moreker is a highly renowned, accomplished and well known ophthalmologist in India with more than 26 years of experience. He has performed 50,000 procedures, including those for glaucoma, neuro-ophthalmology, cataract in complicated circumstances, etc.

Sushruta is the father of Indian surgery and ophthalmology. The Regional Institute of Ophthalmology, Thiruvananthapuram is the apex government-level referral hospital in the field of ophthalmology in the state of Kerala. As of 2021, it is the only regional ophthalmology institute in Kerala . The hospital is located near the General Hospital on Red Cross Road in Thiruvananthapuram city. The Egmore Eye Hospital, officially the Regional Institute of Ophthalmology and Government Ophthalmic Hospital, is a public eye hospital in Chennai, India.

The Regional Institute of Ophthalmology and Government Ophthalmic Hospital in Chennai established in 1819 is of great historic importance to the Medical fraternity of India. The Regional Institute of Ophthalmology happens to be the oldest Eye Hospital in South Asia and one of the oldest in the world and has been serving humanity with its expertise on eye care.

The existence of the institute since the 1800s bears testimony to the fact that it has been providing world class treatment to its patients and has also enabled researchers in discovering finer nuances of eye care art. RIO provides high quality eye care services and uses experienced doctors and modern medical technology. However, due to its popularity it can get crowded, and it may be necessary to arrive early and be patient to get an appointment

With a history that is unparalleled, Institute of Ophthalmology has been built on the land acquired by Andrews Cogan, Chief of the East India Company from the Emperor of Vijaynagar kingdom. Minto Ophthalmic Hospital is a government run specialty hospital in Bangalore treating diseases of the eye. Minto Ophthalmic Hospital, (a.k.a. Regional Institute of Ophthalmology, Minto Ophthalmic Hospital), was established in 1896, making it one of the oldest speciality eye hospitals in the world.

The hospital was originally founded in the neighbourhood of Royapettah (on the grounds of the present-day Wesley Church) in 1819 as the Madras Eye Infirmary (MEI). The first to initiate the idea of ​​a hospital was Dr. Travers, a surgeon in London with the East India Company, and in July 1819 Dr. Robert Richardson, another surgeon, came to Madras to establish the hospital.

Modelled on Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, the hospital expanded under the leadership of Drake Brodeman from 1873. Although established in Royapettah, by 1820, the hospital was shifted to Egmore, where it occupied a tram shed until 1884, when the hospital was shifted to the present-day location, where it became known as the Government Ophthalmic Hospital from 1886.

A couple of buildings were built in the premises. A black plaque outside the hospital premises reads: “Government Infirmary for gratuitous treatment of diseases of the eye.” In 1960, an old garden house opposite the old campus was obtained to build its nurses’ quarters. In 1962, the School of Optometry started functioning inside the campus.

The Regional Institute of Ophthalmology (RIO), formerly known as Dr. R. The AIIMS, formerly known as the AIIMS Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, was established in 1967 at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi. It is India’s first eye hospital and is considered one of the leading eye hospitals in India in the fields of eye care, education and research. RIO is considered a pioneer in the field of ophthalmology.

The aim of establishing RIO was to promote advanced medical services, teaching and research in the field of ophthalmology. The institute provides high quality eye care services and conducts various research projects in ophthalmology . The main objective of RIO is to achieve excellence in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases.

The institute has achieved many significant milestones, including the development of advanced surgical techniques and significant research in the field of ophthalmology. RIO has state-of-the-art facilities and a team of expert doctors who specialise in the treatment of various eye diseases.

Cost of Treatment at Regional Institute of Ophthalmology (RIO)- Regional Institute of Ophthalmology (RIO), located under Dr. R. The cost of treatment at Dr. P. Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, also known as Dr. P. Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, depends on several factors, such as the type of treatment and the patient’s special needs. The institute provides affordable eye care services to people from low and middle-income groups. provides.

General consultation and treatment costs:

• Consultation fee: Usually very low, around INR 2 (approximately 0.03 USD).

• Specialized treatments: Costs may vary depending on the patient’s condition and the treatment required.

Cost of Corneal Transplant: Corneal Transplant: The cost of corneal transplant in India usually starts from INR 1,00,000 (approximately 1,200 USD). This price is quite low compared to other countries, while the level of medical care and services At par with the highest hospitals.

Address- FWXR+M6P, Palayam Airport Rd, Jai Vihar, Kunnukuzhy, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695035

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