PGI Chandigarh emerges as global leader in paediatric glaucoma care
The Advanced Eye Centre at PGI recorded the highest number of newly diagnosed childhood glaucoma cases among 13 major Indian medical centres.
Chandigarh: The Advanced Eye Centre at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, has emerged as a leading centre for specialised paediatric glaucoma care.
The centre has treated a higher volume of children with the condition than the internationally recognised Samuel and Ethel Balkan International Pediatric Glaucoma Center at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami.
“While the Miami centre treats an average of 4,133 children annually, including 339 new patients, PGI managed 7,269 children in total and registered 602 new referrals during 2025-26, surpassing the Miami institute’s numbers,” Dr Sushmita Kaushik, professor and in-charge of glaucoma services at PGI, said.
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The high patient volume at PGI was also reflected in a national study on childhood glaucoma. The study, led by Dr Kaushik in her capacity as founder secretary of the Indian Pediatric Glaucoma Society, examined childhood glaucoma cases across 13 major medical centres in India. PGI recorded the highest number of newly diagnosed cases in the country, reports The Times of India.
The study further revealed that PGI and the LV Prasad Eye Institute together accounted for more than half of all newly diagnosed children with glaucoma across the country.
PGI’s specialised paediatric glaucoma services have developed significantly since 2012, when Dr Kaushik started a once-a-week clinic. Over the following years, the service expanded into a major referral centre for children affected by the rare and potentially sight-threatening condition.
The Advanced Eye Centre has also undertaken several specialised initiatives in paediatric glaucoma. These include performing the country’s first goniotomy, a sight-saving procedure for infants, developing an affordable glaucoma drainage device for severe cases and advancing non-invasive laser imaging for early diagnosis.
The centre has additionally been involved in genetic studies related to infant eye health, contributing to research in childhood glaucoma.
Speaking to TOI, PGI Director Professor Vivek Lal said, “PGI’s exceptional clinical workload, pioneering research and contribution to global glaucoma care demonstrate how specialised expertise can transform outcomes for children with a potentially blinding disease. This is a matter of immense pride for PGI and, above all, represents a significant contribution towards preventing avoidable childhood blindness.”
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