Dr Agarwal’s Eye Hospital Launches World’s First Pinhole Pupilloplasty Centre in Chennai
Dr Agarwal’s Eye Hospital Limited has announced the launch of the world’s first dedicated Pinhole Pupilloplasty (PPP) Centre at its flagship facility on T.T.K. Road, Alwarpet, Chennai.
The specialised centre was inaugurated on August 27, 2026, in the presence of Dr. Amar Agarwal, Chairman and Managing Director of Dr Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, Dr. Manoj Khatri, Director – Vitreo-Retinal Services, and other dignitaries.
The company announced a media release submitted to the stock exchanges.
Dedicated Centre for Pinhole Pupilloplasty
The new centre will focus on advanced clinical treatments using Pinhole Pupilloplasty, a microsurgical technique developed by Prof. Dr. Amar Agarwal.
According to the company, the procedure is designed for appropriately selected patients suffering from complex corneal conditions, including:
- Corneal scars
- Irregular corneas
- High corneal aberrations
- Certain post-surgical optical distortions
- Complex optical abnormalities
The technique has reportedly provided improved vision to more than 5,000 patients so far.
How Does Pinhole Pupilloplasty Work?
Unlike conventional approaches that may involve replacing damaged corneal tissue, Pinhole Pupilloplasty works by modifying the eye’s optical system.
The procedure creates a small, precisely centred pupillary aperture. This smaller opening can help block scattered and distorted light rays while allowing better-focused rays to reach the retina.
The resulting pinhole effect may reduce the impact of higher-order optical aberrations and improve functional vision and visual quality in appropriately selected patients.
One of the important features of the technique is that it does not require donor corneal tissue.
Addressing the Global Shortage of Donor Corneas
The launch of the dedicated PPP Centre comes against the backdrop of a significant global shortage of donor corneas.
The company’s release cited an international survey indicating that approximately 12.7 million people worldwide were awaiting corneal transplantation, while only one donor cornea was available for every 70 people in need.
The survey also estimated that around 185,000 corneal transplants were performed annually across 116 countries, highlighting the gap between the demand for corneal tissue and its availability.
Because PPP does not require donor corneal tissue, Dr Agarwal’s Eye Hospital believes the technique could provide an alternative treatment pathway for selected patients with complex corneal optical problems.
Dr Amar Agarwal on the New PPP Centre
Prof. Dr. Amar Agarwal, Chairman of Dr Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, said the dedicated Pinhole Pupilloplasty Centre represents an important milestone in increasing access to the surgical innovation.
He said the centre will provide a structured pathway covering corneal diagnostics, optical assessment, patient selection, surgery and long-term outcome monitoring.
The centre will also serve as a platform for training ophthalmologists to identify suitable patients who may benefit from the procedure.
Focus on Training and Research
The new facility is designed to operate as more than a surgical centre.
According to Dr Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, the PPP programme will include:
- Advanced diagnostics
- Detailed patient assessment
- Patient selection
- Pinhole Pupilloplasty procedures
- Post-operative assessment
- Long-term follow-up
- Research
- Ophthalmic training
The hospital has also been working to increase awareness and knowledge of the technique among ophthalmologists.
More than 50 ophthalmologists undergo training through workshops and academic programmes every year, according to the company.
Dr Manoj Khatri Highlights Patient Impact
Dr. Manoj Khatri, Director – Vitreo-Retinal Services at Dr Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, said medical innovation becomes meaningful when it moves from scientific development to a solution that improves patients’ everyday lives.
He added that the new centre could help take the technique to a larger patient population globally.
Launch Coincides With National Eye Donation Fortnight
The PPP Centre has been launched during the 41st National Eye Donation Fortnight.
The hospital said the timing reinforces the importance of exploring innovative and tissue-preserving approaches to restoring useful vision while preserving valuable donor tissue whenever clinically appropriate.
Dr Agarwal’s Community Eye-Health Initiatives
The launch also follows the hospital’s recent community eye-health initiatives in Tamil Nadu.
Earlier, Dr Agarwal’s Eye Hospital conducted a large-scale one-day eye-screening programme for schoolchildren across Tamil Nadu. According to the company, more than 16,000 students were screened in a single day.
The initiative highlighted the importance of early detection and timely treatment of eye-related conditions among children.
A New Platform for Advanced Ophthalmology
The launch of the dedicated Pinhole Pupilloplasty Centre in Alwarpet represents an expansion of Dr Agarwal’s Eye Hospital’s focus on advanced ophthalmic treatment and tissue-preserving approaches.
The centre brings together advanced optical diagnostics, microsurgery, precision patient selection, post-operative monitoring, research and ophthalmic education under one specialised programme.
For selected patients with complex corneal conditions, the company believes Pinhole Pupilloplasty could provide an additional treatment option without requiring donor corneal tissue.
Dr Agarwal’s Eye Hospital Share Details
Dr Agarwal’s Eye Hospital Limited is listed on the Indian stock exchanges.
- BSE Scrip Code: 526783
- Date of announcement: August 27, 2026
- Announcement: Launch of the world’s first dedicated Pinhole Pupilloplasty Centre
- Location: T.T.K. Road, Alwarpet, Chennai
The development highlights the company’s continued focus on specialised ophthalmic care, surgical innovation, clinical training and advanced eye-health solutions.
Disclaimer
This article is based on information contained in the media release issued by Dr Agarwal’s Eye Hospital Limited on August 27, 2026. It is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Medical procedures and outcomes vary by patient, and treatment decisions should be made in consultation with qualified eye-care professionals.