Sankara Nethralaya Plays Key Role in Record-Breaking Eye Care Initiative at
Mahakumbh 2025
Sankara Nethralaya, renowned for its excellence in eye care, is set to contribute to a historic
initiative at Mahakumbh 2025. As part of the "Netra Kumbh," a large-scale effort to provide
free eye care to devotees, Sankara Nethralaya will play a pivotal role in what is expected to
become a World Record for eye examinations and spectacle distribution.
It is expected that four world records will be created during the Mahakumbh 2025, including
the largest gathering of devotees at a single event. Among these historic milestones is a
ground breaking eye care initiative, "Netra Kumbh," which aims to provide free eye
examinations and distribute spectacles to millions of attendees.
Located in Sector 6 near Nagavasuki temple, the 10-acre facility is expected to serve over
five lakh individuals, with three lakh pairs of spectacles to be distributed. The initiative
operates from January 10 to February 26, offering free eye care services daily. The services
offered by Sankara Nethralaya operates between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
The "Netra Kumbh" features ten blocks, each containing 16 cubicles functioning as
outpatient departments. Services provided include vision screenings, refraction examinations,
anterior and posterior segment examination using non-mydriatic fundus camera, free-glass-
distribution on the same day, medicines, and referrals to hospitals near devotees’
accommodations for follow-up surgeries / eye care. Mobile clinics and temporary camps have
also been set up in collaboration with existing medical facilities to ensure smooth operations.
A team of 10 ophthalmologists and 50 optometrists will manage the initiative, with Sankara
Nethralaya contributing two ophthalmologists and ten optometrists in each batch. Devotees
can easily access the services by walking into the facility, ensuring that eye care is available
to all.
This initiative builds on the success of previous Mahakumbh events, with last year’s eye care
services earning recognition in the Limca Book of Records. The 2025 edition aims to surpass
this milestone, reflecting a blend of spirituality and healthcare that promises to leave a lasting
impact on millions.