Siliguri Lions Netralaya, was established in 1968 as a response to the growing problem of avoidable blindness, especially in the underserved regions of North Bengal. The hospital was founded by socially conscious members of the Lions Club of Siliguri to address the lack of quality eye care in the region, including the mountainous areas of North Bengal, Sikkim, and parts of Nepal and Bhutan. Over the years, it has evolved into a tertiary-level super-specialty hospital, becoming one of the largest eye care providers in the region.
Key Milestones and Services:
- Specialty Clinics: Siliguri Lions Netralaya (Eye Hospital) offers advanced treatment for cataracts, retinal issues, glaucoma, corneal conditions, and pediatric eye care. It also has the only child-friendly eye care and play center in North Bengal.
- Community Outreach: The hospital organizes free eye camps, screenings, and surgeries for economically challanged communities. It operates numerous vision centers to provide primary care and refers patients needing advanced treatment.
- Training and Education: Siliguri Lions Netralaya (Eye Hospital) serves as a training hub for optometrists, vision technicians, and ophthalmic assistants, contributing to the development of skilled eye care professionals.
- Infrastructure and Innovations: The hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic and surgical technologies, including Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), Fundus Fluorescein Angiography (FFA), and Nd:YAG lasers.
- Social Impact: Through initiatives like "Netra Jyoti," the hospital has performed thousands of free surgeries and screened millions of eyes. It emphasizes making eye care accessible regardless of economic status, with a sliding-scale fee structure
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Siliguri Lions Netralaya (Eye Hospital & Dental Clinic) efforts are recognized nationally and internationally, reflecting its commitment to eradicating avoidable blindness and promoting sustainable eye health in the region.