Reinforcing its mission to make world-class eye care accessible to all, Sankara Eye Hospital, one of India’s foremost eye care institutions, in collaboration with Sankara Eye Foundation, USA, has inaugurated its new Sankara Super Speciality Eye Hospital in Pedakakani, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. The Honourable Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri Nara Chandrababu Naidu, inaugurated the facility in the august presence of Jagadguru Shri Sankara Vijayendra Saraswathi Swamigal.
A Landmark Investment in Eye Health
As per the press releases, the newly launched facility, built with an investment of around ₹75 crore, spans 86,360 sq. ft. and, combined with existing infrastructure, makes Sankara Eye Hospital the largest standalone eye hospital in Andhra Pradesh. With a total built-up area exceeding 2 lakh sq. ft., the hospital can now serve an additional 1,000 patients daily, marking a major step forward in expanding access to advanced ophthalmic care across the state.
With this expansion, the hospital aims to double its annual free eye surgeries — from 30,000 to 60,000 — benefiting economically weaker sections and reinforcing its commitment to inclusive healthcare.
Chief Minister Commends Sankara’s Commitment
Speaking at the inauguration, Chief Minister Shri Nara Chandrababu Naidu lauded Sankara Eye Hospital’s efforts. He said, “This new facility will make advanced eye care accessible to all sections of society, especially the underprivileged. The Government of Andhra Pradesh deeply appreciates Sankara’s dedicated contribution to preventing avoidable blindness and improving lives across the state.”
A Sustainable Model for Inclusive Care
To ensure long-term sustainability while serving those most in need, the hospital will operate on a cross-subsidization model (75:25). Under this model, income from 25% paying patients will fund free surgeries for 75% of beneficiaries, thereby balancing accessibility with financial stability.
A Vision to Eliminate Preventable Blindness
Dr. R.V. Ramani, Founder and Managing Trustee, Sankara Eye Foundation, emphasized India’s urgent need for accessible eye care. “India is home to more than 20% of the world’s blind population, and nearly 80% of visual impairments are preventable or treatable with timely intervention,” he said.
He added, “Sankara Eye Hospital was founded to deliver quality eye care for all. Our goal is to reach five lakh free surgeries annually across India by 2030. This new facility, like our other centres, will follow a sustainable model that combines affordable services with compassionate outreach.”
Spiritual Leaders Bless the Initiative
Jagadguru Shri Sankara Vijayendra Saraswathi Swamigal highlighted the spiritual significance of service through healthcare. “Service to humanity is the highest form of worship. This hospital reflects the union of science and spirituality for the welfare of society. May it continue to serve selflessly and bring light into countless lives,” he said.
Adding to this, Jagadguru Shri Satya Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Swamigal remarked, “The gift of vision is among the greatest gifts one can offer. By restoring sight, we restore dignity, independence, and hope. May this hospital grow as a centre of healing, service, and divine grace.”
Two Decades of Service in Andhra Pradesh
With the blessings of Kanchi Shankaracharya, the Sankara Eye Hospital in Pedakakani has been serving Andhra Pradesh for over 21 years. During this period, it has touched over 30 lakh lives and performed more than 7.15 lakh eye surgeries, providing high-quality care to all, regardless of socio-economic status.
Global Collaboration for Local Impact
Shri Murali Krishnamurthy, Founder and Executive Chairman of Sankara Eye Foundation, USA, underscored the importance of expanding access. “We have established this large eye hospital in Guntur at a time when the cost of eye care is rising. This approach will enable people from Guntur, nearby districts, and even neighboring states to access high-quality treatment. We remain committed to supporting Sankara’s mission to reach the most deserving communities in need of eye care,” he said.
A Nationwide Network Transforming Eye Care
Across India, Sankara Eye Hospitals have screened over 6.8 million patients and performed over 3.2 million eye surgeries. The group has introduced several flagship programs such as “Gift of Vision,” “Maitri,” and “Rainbow,” aimed at eradicating avoidable blindness.
Today, Sankara Eye Hospital operates across 10 states — including Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Telangana, and Maharashtra — making it one of the largest and fastest-growing social enterprises in India’s eye care sector.
A Vision for the Future
The global burden of cataract-induced blindness continues to rise. Sankara Eye Hospital remains steadfast in its mission to eliminate needless vision impairment. Through its sustainable model, compassionate care, and nationwide reach, Sankara continues to illuminate lives — one restored vision at a time.