VIJAYWADA, AP/ MORGANTOWN, WV (TIP): Government of Andhra Pradesh has recognized the yeoman services being rendered by Eye Foundation of America -run Goutami Eye Institute in Rajahmundry.

Government of Andhra Pradesh, Department of Welfare of Differently Abled, Transgender & Senior Citizens, conferred on the Institute the Certificate of Appreciation for the service being rendered by it in “Elimination of Avoidable Blindness in Childhood and Beyond”.

The award was presented on a very special day- the  209th Birth Anniversary of Louis Braille on January 4, 2018 at Vijayawada. Presenting the award, Smt. Paritala Sunithamma, Cabinet Minister, Government of Andhra Pradesh lauded the great humanitarian work being done by Goutami Eye Institute and Eye Foundation of America.

V.V. Kuma, Secretary & COO, Goutami Eye Institute received the plaque and a shawl on behalf of Goutami Eye Institute.

Kumar later told The Indian Panorama that Goutami Eye Institute was the only one selected for the Award in East Godavari in Andhra Pradesh. He gave entire credit for the recognition to his team and the guiding light of the Institute, Chairman of Eye Foundation of America, Dr. V.K. Raju.

Dr. V.K. Raju, Morgantown, West Virginia based Ophthalmologist and Chairman of Eye Foundation of America which runs the Goutami Eye Institute said he was immensely pleased with the recognition of “our services”. He thanked the government of Andhra Pradesh for conferring the honor. He said there was much to be done to prevent avoidable blindness, particularly among children and that he would continue to do his best in this direction as he has been doing all over the world, in particular in India, Africa and Asia.

Goutami Eye Institute is a registered not-for-profit organization established in Rajahmundry – Andhra Pradesh, India under the Societies Act of 1864.  The outpatient services were commenced on 15th August 2005. The surgical services were initiated on 13th October 2005, the world sight day.

The mission of the Institute is to protect, preserve and restore the treasured gift of sight for improving quality of life by providing caring service, irrespective of the socio-economic status, with due emphasis on education and research.

The 3-story building totaling 16,000 sq feet encompassing outpatient clinics for paying and non-paying people, two operating theatres, children play and exclusive pediatric recovery and wards suits, resource center, space for administration and catering services.  Of the total 90 beds, 75 are for under privileged sections of community.  Comprehensive Ophthalmology, Pediatric Ophthalmology and Low Vision services were initiated to start with. In July 2006, services in Oculoplasty were added.

The commitment of Goutami towards training and education in eye care is spread across medical and non-medical spheres. Long-term fellowships for young post-graduates and Short-term fellowships and observer ship for practicing ophthalmologists and periodic Continuing Medical Education programs with eminent national and international faculty are available for medical fraternity.

The Institute is a contributor to ORBIS International (http://www.orbis.org/) initiated teleophthalmology program.

For mid-level eye care personnel, different certificate courses are available in Ophthalmic Assistantship, Ophthalmic nursing, Ophthalmic theatre, Ophthalmic technician and Optical Services.

Training of Key Informants, like teachers, medical practitioners, primary health care workers, etc., in identifying and referring people, especially of children, with eye problems is done periodically.

Education of community on avoidable causes of blindness and visual impairment is undertaken in the form of patient information series on different eye aliments and through health talks.

For further information, please contact

Goutami Eye Institute

1, RV Nagar, Korukonda Road

Rajahmundry – 533 105, Andhra Pradesh, India

Phone: +91-883-2443441, 2443442; Fax: +91-883-2443449; Email: info@goutami.org