NIO Super Speciality Eye Care, Shivajinagar, Pune

About NIO Super Speciality Eye Care, Shivajinagar

NIO (National Institute of Ophthalmology) Super Speciality Eye Care, located in Shivajinagar, Pune, is a highly specialized medical facility built upon a 100+ year legacy of ophthalmic care.

Serving as the flagship center, the Shivajinagar facility is equipped to handle complex ophthalmic conditions, offering advanced diagnostics, precision surgery, and dedicated 24/7 emergency eye care.

Overview and History

The foundation of the practice traces back to a 1924 eye clinic established by Dr Bhaskar Kelkar. Under Dr Shreekant Kelkar, the practice evolved into Kelkar Opticians in 1970 and Bhabha Hospital in 1984.

In 1993, Dr Shreekant Kelkar and Mrs Aruna Kelkar formally established the NIO flagship center at Ghole Road, Shivajinagar, creating one of Pune's first fully integrated eye hospitals.

By 2004, the hospital's workforce had expanded to a dedicated team of over 180 professionals to support its rapidly growing patient base. Today, a third generation of specialists, including Dr Aditya Kelkar and Dr Jai Kelkar, leads the Shivajinagar facility.

The center has earned the trust of prominent figures, including former President of India Ms Pratibha Patil, actor Mr Nana Patekar, and actor Mr Nilu Phule. Additionally, cricketer Mr Sunil Gavaskar inaugurated the hospital's first website in 2002.

Key Technological Milestones

The Shivajinagar center has consistently pioneered advanced ophthalmic technology in the region:

• 1994: Introduction of Excimer Laser technology and the establishment of the in-house Eye Bank and Keratoplasty services.
• 1998: Integration of Phaco Laser technology for cataract surgery.
• 2014: Introduction of the Catalys System for Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery.
• 2018: Integration of Contoura Vision (EX500) for highly accurate laser vision correction.
• 2019: Implementation of the Zeiss ARTEVO 800 for advanced 3D digital surgical visualization.
• 2023: Introduction of Capsulaser Technology for precision capsulotomy.
• 2024: Addition of the SILK Laser Correction Procedure.

Centers of Excellence and Comprehensive Departments

The Shivajinagar hospital provides multidisciplinary care across a wide spectrum of specialized departments:

• Cataract Surgery: Advanced Phacoemulsification, Femto laser assistance, and premium IOLs.
• LASIK and Refractive Surgery: Specs removal using SILK, Contoura Vision, PRK, and Excimer lasers.
• Retina and Diabetic Care: Medical and surgical management of diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and retinal detachment using 3D heads-up visualization.
• Glaucoma Management: Comprehensive medical and surgical interventions for eye pressure regulation.
• Cornea and Keratoconus: Corneal transplants (keratoplasty), C3R treatments, and management of corneal infections.
• Paediatric Ophthalmology and Squint: Management of childhood amblyopia (lazy eye), refractive errors, and surgical correction of misalignments.
• Oculoplasty (Eye Plastic Surgery): Treatment for eyelid disorders, lacrimal (tear duct) issues, and orbital diseases.
• Neuro-Ophthalmology: Management of optic nerve disorders, visual field defects, and neurological vision problems.
• Uveitis and Ocular Inflammation: Advanced diagnosis, medical therapy, and long-term monitoring.
• Diagnostic Services: In-house OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography), fundus photography, visual field analysis, corneal topography, and ultrasound B-scan.

Accreditations and Quality Standards

NIO Shivajinagar maintains the highest global and national benchmarks in healthcare quality and patient safety:

• JCI (Joint Commission International): The Shivajinagar Super Speciality center holds this prestigious global accreditation.
• NABH: Achieved accreditation in 2012, becoming Pune’s first NABH-accredited eye hospital.
• NBE (National Board of Examination): Recognized as an official center for postgraduate ophthalmic training.

Academic Hub: Research, Publications, and Fellowships

The facility functions as a prominent academic and research ecosystem. Specialists at the hospital have authored over 71 peer-reviewed publications in prestigious journals, including JAMA Ophthalmology, Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, and BMC Ophthalmology.

Their clinical excellence was further recognized with the Best Scientific Paper Award at the 33rd Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology in February 2018.

The hospital's commitment to patient education is highlighted by the publication of the "Eye Care for Kids" book in 2012. An upcoming "Eye Book" by Dr Aditya Kelkar is also scheduled for publication in 2026.

The hospital operates comprehensive training programs, offering DNB Ophthalmology Residency, FNB Vitreo-Retina Surgery Fellowship, and long-term clinical fellowships. This academic infrastructure includes simulator-based training and has produced an alumni network of hundreds of ophthalmologists practicing globally.

Core Principles and Community Commitment

The organizational mission focuses on delivering ethical, accessible, and advanced eye care while continuously advancing ophthalmic science. Operations are anchored by core values of clinical excellence, transparency, and patient dignity.

The hospital maintains a strong commitment to community welfare through charitable eye care initiatives (Registered under Bombay Public Trust Act, 1950, Reg. No. F8185).

Furthermore, the center actively promotes eye donation, a cause heavily championed alongside actor Mr Nana Patekar during the 2004 inauguration of this Super Speciality facility.

Book An Appointment at NIO Super Speciality Eye Care, Shivajinagar

For priority scheduling, expert second opinions, and comprehensive medical assistance, appointments for the Shivajinagar center are available directly via HexaHealth.