July 22, 2021
Episode 4: Dr. Gullapalli N. Rao, MD
A discussion on
“A vision to reconcile excellence in vision equity: The LV Prasad Eye Institute”
Dr. Gullapalli N. Rao, MD
In this episode of Open Globe Talk, we are joined by our esteemed guest Dr. Gullapalli N. Rao, MD. This episode is incredibly unique because not only is Dr. Rao our first international guest speaker but also a founder of one of the top eye institutes in India. Dr. Rao is an Indian ophthalmologist specializing in cornea and is the founder and chair of the world-renowned LV Prasad Eye Institute located in Hyderabad, India. With hundreds of published papers, Dr. Rao’s vision is unlike many ophthalmologists in the country and even the world. Among the many honors he has been awarded, some of them include the induction into ‘Ophthalmology Hall of Fame’ by ASCRS, National award Padma Shri, and most recently the prestigious Greenberg Prize in 2020.
Key discussion points:
-How did Dr. Rao select Ophthalmology as his career and what was his journey like as he progressed through the specialty?
-The impact his US training had on him in his academic endeavors and specialization in cornea
-His motivation and inspiration to start an innovative eyecare health system in India. Dr. Rao’s 4 requirements to make the system meaningful.
First eye institute in the world to incorporate rehabilitation of vision in reversible vision loss patients as an active component of the eye institute
-Pyramidal model of eyecare development: to meet the most rural/underserved populations. Providing comprehensive eye care addressing Prevention/diagnosis/treatment/rehabilitation.
Model of high quality care that is sustainable
-Primary care provided by vision technicians recruited from rural areas
Command centers allowing telemedicine with ophthalmologists
Door-to-Door screening service
Each primary care center provides eyecare to 50,000 people
-Teleophthalmology, “ConnectCare”
-Training programs by LVPEI for trainees around the globe
-The unique issue surrounding eye banking in India
-Delineate care to different levels to achieve equity via the 5 C’s:
Principle of comprehensive care, noncompromising quality, closer to the doorsteps of the patients, community participation, compassion
-What LVPEI did to overcome hurdles of the pandemic? The very unique and methodical steps the institute took to navigate through the pandemic environment.
-Launch and utilization of Home care. Program in rural area/communities deprived of technicians: “Silver Sight”
-Institute of Excellence initiative in niche areas to create global centers of eye care for the elderly
-Myopia Initiative
-LVPEI rotation opportunities for medical students/residents/fellows
Episode-based Resources: