Certification Milestone
Dr. Nitin Deshpande has become the first surgeon in India to receive certification for the Hydrus® Microstent, a minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) device that improves aqueous outflow and helps control intra‑ocular pressure. He remains the only certified Hydrus® Microstent surgeon in the country.
Surgical Volume
To date, Dr. Deshpande has performed 18 Hydrus® Microstent procedures, the highest number of such surgeries recorded by any Indian surgeon. His achievement was acknowledged by Mr. Sandeep Sharma, Head of Training & Development, Europe, Glaucoma, who praised Dr. Deshpande’s level of Hydrus® usage and surgical expertise.
Professional Background
An ophthalmologist and glaucoma specialist, Dr. Deshpande has spent more than 23 years building institutions and treating patients across Maharashtra. Over this period he has combined clinical practice with teaching, training and institution‑building, guided by a philosophy that blends clinical excellence, technology and patient accessibility.
Shree Ramkrishna Netralaya (SRN) Network
Dr. Deshpande’s practice has evolved into Shree Ramkrishna Netralaya, a network of six fully NABH‑accredited superspeciality eye hospitals located in Mumbai, Thane and Navi Mumbai. SRN has treated more than 5 lakh (500,000) patients and performed over 1 lakh (100,000) surgeries, offering advanced capabilities in cataract, glaucoma, retina, cornea, myopia, dry eye, LASIK and other specialised eye‑care services.
Accessibility Initiatives
SRN combines advanced clinical capabilities with cashless insurance facilities, 0% EMI payment options where applicable, and extensive empanelment across major government healthcare schemes and public‑sector undertakings. The listed schemes include ECHS, CGHS, MJPJAY, PMJAY, Air India, FCI, JNPT, Naval Dockyard, RCF, OFA, BARC, MTPF and the Airports Authority of India, enabling eligible beneficiaries and their families to access advanced eye‑care services without financial constraints.
Mission Netradoot – Preventive Eye Health
Looking ahead, Dr. Deshpande envisions expanding eye‑care beyond hospital walls through Mission Netradoot, a four‑pillar initiative focused on awareness, screening, education and treatment. The mission aims to conduct 1 lakh (100,000) eye screenings in partnership with Rotary, Lions Clubs, NGOs, corporates, banks, schools and other community organisations, identifying at‑risk individuals early and linking them to timely, appropriate eye care.
Outlook
Dr. Deshpande emphasizes that the future of eye care must begin before irreversible vision loss occurs, stressing preventive diagnostics, community screening and patient education as essential components of the strategy for the next 10‑20 years.