JAMMU, Aug 28: The world’s first Pinhole Pupilloplasty Centre was inaugurated at Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, Chennai, in the presence of Prof. Dr Amar Agarwal, Dr Manoj Khatri and other dignitaries. The centre is dedicated to advancing innovative, tissue-preserving solutions for selected patients suffering from complex corneal conditions.
The centre will specialise in Pinhole Pupilloplasty (PPP), a microsurgical technique developed by Dr Amar Agarwal to improve visual quality in appropriately selected patients with corneal scars, irregular corneas, high corneal aberrations and certain post-surgical optical distortions.
Unlike corneal transplantation, PPP works by creating a small, precisely centred pupillary opening that produces a pinhole effect. This helps block scattered and distorted light rays and allows better-focused rays to reach the retina, potentially improving functional vision without replacing the cornea.
The technique is particularly significant amid the global shortage of donor corneas. An estimated 12.7 million people worldwide are awaiting corneal transplantation, while only one donor cornea is available for every 70 people in need.
Prof. Dr. Amar Agarwal, Chairman, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, said the dedicated centre would expand access to the innovative procedure and help provide vision to many patients. He added that the centre would offer a structured pathway covering advanced diagnostics, patient selection, surgery and long-term monitoring, besides training ophthalmologists in identifying suitable candidates.
Dr. Manoj Khatri, Director, Vitreo-Retinal Services, said innovation becomes meaningful when it translates into solutions that improve patients’ everyday lives, expressing confidence that the centre would help take the technique to patients worldwide.
The Alwarpet-based centre will function as a comprehensive facility for diagnostics, surgery, postoperative care, research and ophthalmic training. The hospital has already been promoting awareness and training in PPP, with more than 50 ophthalmologists undergoing workshops and academic programmes each year.