Pramod Chaudhari, founder of Pune based Praj Industries Limited, and his wife Parimal have donated a large sum to the city based Deenanath Mangeshkar hospital, through which the hospital has procured one of the most advanced Excimer Laser machine that enables performing LASIK (Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) eye surgeries. The machinery will make the otherwise expensive LASIK eye surgeries available at very subsidized rates for common people, said a media statement.
The surgery that is considered to be very effective in lowering the high-power spectacle dependency of patients will now be offered at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital at up to 50 percent lower cost to needy patients. The new Excimer Laser machine ‘Wavelight EX 500’ by ‘Alcon’ was inaugurated in the hospital at the hands of famous Actress Mrunal Kulkarni.
Parimal and Pramod Chaudhari, Dr. Dhananjay Kelkar, Medical Director of the hospital, Dr. Madhav Bhat, HOD, Ophthalmology Department of Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital were present among the dignitaries.
LASIK is a 10-minute laser procedure done with high precision to correct refractive errors. It is used for eligible patients above 18 years of age.
Dr. Bhat said, ‘‘This surgery cannot be done for all patients with spects. It is very important to evaluate patient’s condition for eligibility before the procedure to ensure safety and good results. Towards that we perform a complete eye examination along with corneal topography. This procedure being advanced, facilitates fast recovery so that patient can read a book or watch TV on the second day and can join regular office work in about 7 days of the surgery.’’
He pointed out that LASIK is often mistaken for a cosmetic surgery. ‘‘The high-power spectacle dependency plays a huge role in a person’s day to day life. While riding a bike in the rain, wearing a helmet or in many such small tasks which are easy for other people spectacles become a handicap. We want to spread a message that LASIK surgeries should not be looked as a tool just to make one look good or eligible for arranged marriage etc. It actually adds a great quality to the day-to-day life of the person, Said Dr. Bhat.
Dr. Kelkar stated that despite using a high-quality machine, the surgeries will be done in very subsidized rates for needy patients. This could only become possible due to the help of Chaudharis.
