What Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya does

Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya is a non-profit tertiary eye care institution headquartered in Guwahati, Assam, founded in 1994 by Dr. Harsha Bhattacharjee. It operates three integrated facilities totaling approximately 153,400 sq ft, delivering comprehensive ophthalmic services including cataract and vitreoretinal surgery, glaucoma management, corneal transplantation, oculoplasty, pediatric ophthalmology, refractive procedures, and community-based screening. The institution has cumulatively treated over 3.8 million patients and runs 20 eye care centers across 17 districts of Northeast India, anchored by a hub-and-spoke model that connects rural vision centers to the tertiary flagship.

The organization's business model blends cross-subsidized clinical care with philanthropy and institutional reimbursement. Approximately 50% of patients receive free or subsidized treatment, funded in part through optical and pharmacy retail, donations (including FCRA-compliant foreign contributions), and payments from 50+ insurance/TPA partners and 30+ corporate and government empanelments including RBI, IOCL, NF Railway, ECHS, and the Ayushman Bharat PMJAY scheme. Out of total surgeries, 78,637 have been performed free of charge with a cumulative outreach expenditure of ₹61.78 crore, while community programs have adopted 2,104 villages reaching 200,000+ beneficiaries annually.

The institution holds NABL and NABH accreditations, is designated a Centre of Excellence (2004), and runs academic programs including B.Optometry, fellowships, and paramedical training through its Institute of Community Ophthalmology established in 2014. It maintains partnerships with the World Health Organization (the first direct WHO engagement with a local eye care institution in Southeast Asia), ORBIS, Mission for Vision, and Help Me See, supporting both service delivery and capacity-building across the Northeast India region.

Name

Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya

Legal name

Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya

Website

https://ssnguwahati.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya is a non-profit tertiary eye care institution founded in 1994 in Guwahati, Assam, operating 20 centers across 17 Northeast Indian districts and serving over 3.8 million cumulative patients through subsidized care, rural outreach, and ophthalmic training programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Ophthalmology Services

NAICS

General Medical and Surgical Hospitals (6221), Offices of Optometrists (62132), Diagnostic Imaging Centers (621512)

SIC

Services-Specialty Outpatient Facilities, Nec (8093), Services-Offices & Clinics Of Doctors Of Medicine (8011), Services-Hospitals (8060)

akta.pro primary industry

Ophthalmology Clinics (Medical & Surgical Eye Care) (HLAKAKAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Ophthalmology Surgery Centers (HLAFAIAF), Cornea, External Disease & Refractive Surgery (LASIK/PRK) (HLAKAKAF), Optometry Clinics (Primary Eye Care) (HLAKAKAB), Ocular Imaging & Diagnostic Testing Centers (HLAKAKAN), Ophthalmology & Vision Telemedicine Platforms (HLALAGAL)

Keywords

• Ophthalmology services
• Eye care hospital
• Cataract surgery
• Retinal treatment
• Community eye care

Headquarters

HQ city

Guwahati

HQ country

India

HQ region

Asia

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Patient Care Services: Revenue generated from eye care consultations, diagnostic services, and surgical procedures at the hospital and satellite eye care centers. 50% of patients receive free treatment.
2. Optical and Pharmacy Sales: Revenue from optical dispensing (spectacles, lenses) and onsite pharmacy services.
3. Donations and Charitable Contributions: Non-profit organization accepting donations to fund free surgeries and community outreach programs. 78,637 free surgeries conducted with total expenditure of ₹61.78 crore.
4. Insurance and TPA Services: Cashless treatment services through partnerships with multiple insurance companies and Third Party Administrators (TPAs) including Aditya Birla, HDFC Ergo, Star Health, and others.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya is a non-profit tertiary eye care institution providing comprehensive ophthalmology services including cataract surgery (phacoemulsification and FLACS), vitreo-retinal surgery, glaucoma management, LASIK laser vision correction, pediatric ophthalmology, oculofacial aesthetics, ocular prosthesis, and corneal transplantation. The institution operates from three integrated facilities totaling approximately 1,53,400 sq. ft. in Guwahati, supported by a network of 20 satellite eye care centers across 17 districts in Assam and extensive community outreach programs including village adoption and tele-ophthalmology services.

Product overview

Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya is a non-profit tertiary eye care institution organized as a platform of three integrated units: the Main Hospital (84,000 sq. ft.) providing core inpatient and surgical services, the Institute of Ophthalmology (64,000 sq. ft.) housing specialty clinics including LASIK, pediatric ophthalmology, and academic functions, and the Institute of Community Ophthalmology (32,000 sq. ft.) focused on outreach and community care. Together they operate 20 eye care centers across 17 districts. The service portfolio spans comprehensive clinical services (cataract surgery with PHACO and FLACS, vitreo-retinal microsurgery, glaucoma services, oculoplasty), specialty clinics (LASIK laser clinic, oculofacial aesthetics, uveitis clinic, pediatric ophthalmology with neurovision therapy), diagnostic services (NABL accredited laboratory, advanced imaging including OCT, FFA, Pentacam), and community programs (tele-ophthalmology, eye banking, ROP screening). The institution combines tertiary clinical excellence with community outreach and academic programs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Cataract Surgery Services Comprehensive cataract surgery services including phacoemulsification using 8 PHACO machines (Alcon & AMO), femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) with the Alcon Femto Cataract System, and combined procedures for cataract with glaucoma (Phaco-Trabeculectomy) for patients with coexisting eye conditions.
• Vitreo-Retina Services Comprehensive vitreo-retinal diagnostics and treatment for patients with retinal diseases, including OCT and FFA imaging, retinal reattachment surgeries, sutureless vitrectomy, endolaser application, cryopexy, intraocular foreign body removal, silicone oil injection/removal, PRP, PASCAL laser, PDT, TTT, anti-VEGF injections, and expansile gas injection.
• Glaucoma Services Comprehensive glaucoma diagnosis and treatment covering medical management, laser procedures (Laser Iridotomy, Laser Trabeculoplasty, Laser Iridoplasty, Diode Laser Cyclophotocoagulation), and surgical procedures (Trabeculectomy, Phaco-Trabeculectomy, Trabeculotomy, Goniotomy, Glaucoma Valve Implantation) for patients with all stages of glaucoma.
• LASIK Laser Clinic Advanced refractive surgery clinic offering multiple vision correction procedures — PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy), Normal LASIK, Epi LASIK, and topography-guided Contoura Vision LASIK (mapping 22,000 points on the cornea vs. 200 in regular LASIK, FDA approved) — along with ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) surgery for patients not eligible for LASIK, led by internationally trained surgeons.
• Pediatric Ophthalmology Unit Specialized pediatric unit addressing childhood eye conditions including refractive errors, squint, amblyopia, congenital cataract, pediatric glaucoma, tumors, and injuries; features dedicated clinics for NeuroVision (perceptual learning therapy for lazy eye), Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) screening, myopia management, and orthoptic treatment.
• Uveitis Clinic Specialized clinic for diagnosis and treatment of uveitis (inflammatory eye disease) offering comprehensive ophthalmic examinations, blood and radiological investigations, and treatments including oral medicines, local injections, oral corticosteroids, and immunosuppressive medications; also conducts multicentre international clinical trials.
• Oculofacial Aesthetic Clinic State-of-the-art cosmetic and functional clinic offering blepharoplasty, Botox (cosmetic and medical for blepharospasm and migraine), facial fillers, thread lifts, chemical peels, and PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) treatments for facial rejuvenation, pigmentation correction, tanning reduction, and anti-aging.
• Ocular Prosthesis Services Dedicated ocular prosthesis department providing custom design ocular prosthesis (COP), silicone orbital prosthesis, ear prosthesis, and nose prosthesis for patients who have lost eyes or facial features due to trauma, disease, or congenital conditions, using medical-grade bio-inert materials matched to the patient's natural appearance.
• NABL Accredited Laboratory Services NABL-accredited diagnostic laboratory providing clinical biochemistry, clinical hematology, clinical pathology, ocular pathology (including HPE, frozen section, immunohistochemistry), microbiology and serology, molecular biology (PCR testing), and special stains for detailed tissue analysis to support clinical and surgical decision-making.
• Eye Care Centers Network Distributed network of 20 satellite eye care centers across 17 districts in Assam (Abhayapuri, Bongaigaon, Barpeta Rd, Tezpur, Boko, Dhekiajuli, Pathsala, Hajo, Mangaldoi, Mukalmua, Morigaon, Nagaon, Samaguri, Goalpara, Moirabari, Barpeta, Udalguri, Hojai, Bijoynagar, and Sonapur) providing primary eye care, screenings, referrals, and telemedicine services for underserved populations.
• Tele-Ophthalmology Facility Remote consultation service enabling patients in remote and underserved areas to receive expert ophthalmic consultations via telemedicine, connected to the network of vision centers for follow-up and referrals.
• Eye Banking and Corneal Transplantation Comprehensive eye banking services encompassing cornea collection, preservation, and corneal transplantation surgeries for patients requiring cornea replacement due to corneal opacity, infection, or trauma.
• ROP Screening and Treatment Retinopathy of Prematurity screening and treatment services for at-risk premature infants, utilizing specialized equipment including RetCam and pediatric wide-field fundus camera to detect and manage ROP early.

Quantifiable outcome

• 38,00,000+ happy patients treated
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• World Health Organization (WHO)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWHO-SSDN partnership for strengthening healthcare delivery systems, promoting community-centric health models, and ensuring equitable access to eye care across Southeast Asia. First direct WHO engagement with a local eye care institution in Southeast Asia. Includes SPECS 2030 project for tackling refractive errors. Plans for WHO Collaborative Center at SSDN.
• ORBIScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational nonprofit dedicated to saving sight worldwide. Collaborates with SSDN on eye care programs and capacity building.
• Mission for VisioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational NGO working to prevent blindness and restore sight in developing countries.
• Help Me SeecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational nonprofit focused on eliminating preventable blindness through surgical intervention.
• Operation Eyesight UniversalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCanada-based international development organization working to prevent blindness and restore sight.
• Light for the WorldcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAustria-based disability and development organization focused on eye health.
• NITI AayogcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment policy think tank collaborated with SSDN on documenting action plan for Integrated People-Centered Eye Care in Northeast India.
• Standard Chartered BankminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCSR partnership for funding eye care programs and community outreach.
• Reliance Foundation (Drishti)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCSR initiative of Reliance Industries supporting eye care services for underprivileged.
• State Bank of IndiaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCSR partnership for funding eye care programs.
• Indian Oil Corporation LimitedminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCSR partnership and empanelment for employee eye care services.
• Aditya Birla Health InsuranceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTPA partnership for cashless eye treatment services.
• HDFC Ergo General InsuranceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTPA partnership for cashless eye treatment services.
• Star Health & Allied InsuranceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTPA partnership for cashless eye treatment services.
• AB-PMJAYcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGovernment health scheme providing cashless treatment to eligible beneficiaries.
• ECHScoreGTM or Marketing PartnerEx-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme providing healthcare to ex-servicemen and families.
• N. F. RailwayminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEmpanelment for railway employee eye care services.
• Public Health Foundation of IndiaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on action plan for Integrated People-Centered Eye Care in Northeast India.
• Vision 2020 - Right to SightminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal initiative for prevention of blindness collaborated on Northeast India action plan.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Centre for Sight: Multi-specialty eye care chain with 80+ centers across India. Provides overlapping services including cataract, refractive surgery, and oculoplasty, and is a relevant competitor as it expands into Northeast India and other tier-2 markets.
• Dr. Agarwal's Eye Hospital: One of India's largest eye care chains with 150+ centers across India and Africa. While for-profit unlike SSDN, it is a direct competitor with similar sub-specialty services including cataract, LASIK, and retina, and is expanding into tier-2/3 cities where SSDN also operates.

Regional players

• Maxivision Eye Hospital: Hyderabad-based eye care chain expanding across South India. Comparable specialty offerings (LASIK, cataract, retina) and similar patient base focus, though currently does not directly overlap in Northeast India.
• Eye-Q Vision: Eye care chain with 50+ centers across North India. Provides tertiary eye care services similar to SSDN including cataract, glaucoma, and pediatric ophthalmology, and could expand into Northeast India as a future competitor.

Direct peers

• Narayana Nethralaya: Non-profit eye care hospital in Bangalore affiliated with Narayana Health. Comparable to SSDN in tertiary eye care services, academic programs, and non-profit model, with similar sub-specialty offerings including vitreo-retina, glaucoma, and pediatric ophthalmology.
• L V Prasad Eye Institute: Non-profit eye care institution in Hyderabad with WHO Collaborating Centre status. Comparable to SSDN in combining clinical care, research, training, and community outreach, with similar tiered service delivery model and integration of training programs.
• Sankara Nethralaya: Non-profit tertiary eye care hospital in Chennai, India, founded in 1978. Shares the Tamil-origin 'Nethralaya' naming convention and operates a similar non-profit model combining clinical excellence with high-volume free/subsidized care and academic training. Often considered a benchmark institution for SSDN.
• Aravind Eye Care System: Largest eye care provider in the world by volume, operating 14+ tertiary eye hospitals across India. Direct peer given its non-profit high-volume model, focus on cross-subsidization of free patients, and integrated community outreach network — the same model SSDN attempts to replicate in Northeast India.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/sri_assam
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@SriSankaradevaNethralaya
• Facebookfacebook.com/srisankardeva
• Instagraminstagram.com/srisankaradevanethralayaghy

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya