The Department provides laboratory-based discipline in Pathology, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Specialized Biochemistry and Microbiology services to ophthalmologists, ENT specialists and related professionals by evaluating samples taken from patients in order to arrive at a diagnostic opinion.

It includes the subspecialties of

• Cellular Pathology
• Immunology
• Histopathology
• Cytology
• Haematology
• Allergy
• Microphotography
• Transational Medicine
• Microbiology
• Biochemistry
• PCR (Molecular Biology)

Microscopic examination of glass slides of tissues, scrapings, blood, serum or fluids derived from the patients is done with a very short turn-around time to enable the clinicians to start the appropriate medication at the earliest.

Samples vary in accordance to the scope of every department and type of tests. We process and report on Corneal buttons, Scrapings, Corneal-Scleral Rims, Eviscerated Uveal contents, Vitreous, Aqueous aspirates, Blood, Serum samples, Biopsies from various sites, Imprint, Impression samples, Bone Marrow and CSF samples.

Histopathology specimens from within the hospital and referrals from outside clinics are processed and reported.These are also accompanied by a detailed report with microphotographs and clinical pictures to complete each patients biopsy report. Cytological examination of Fluids like Vitreous, Aqueous Samples, Body Fluids, Fine Needle Aspirations, Bone Marrow Examinations, CSF Cytology are also processed . Immunological tests, along with Molecular Biology tests including RT – PCR for pathogens like HSV, CMV and TB are routinely done.

The Laboratory Services is mindful of the quality standards and endeavours to increase the sample volume and diversity both from within the hospital and from referring clinicians. The future strategy planning includes expansion in the areas of Transitional Medicine, Genetics and Proteomics.

We over the past 3 years have established labs in all the secondary centers which very few eye hospitals in the country have been able to do so. Patients like with Corneal ulcers who would have been treated without a definite diagnosis now get a detailed Microbiological and Histological Studies .The appropriate diagnosis is made and treatment specific to it is started.

As part of our work we have been able to train certified ophthalmic personnel, laboratory technicians, microbiologists in routine setting up of the lab and staining as well as running the labs.

With the opportunity to spread the network to areas that Laboratory Services would be so useful we not only trained the team to do the lab work also to run the lab services small units with support from the main branch at Delhi. This translated into the Secondary center labs and other Consortium labs being able to diagnose patients with Ulcers and other clinical conditions. This way a definite diagnosis can be made and the correct treatment can be started.

Also the Department is involved in various research activities and part of various publications over the past 4-5 years. In order to reach areas where specialized Ocular Laboratory Services which is not so wide spread and very specialized.

Ocular Histopathology, Microbiology and Cytology cases are also digitally reported out. Slide read outs happen from all over the country. A diagnosis based in the digital world makes it easier and faster.

Our test menu is over 200 tests done inhouse which makes it one of the largest Ocular Lab set ups in North India

Our microbiology and pathology consultation works like an appointment between an ophthalmic pathologist and the patient’s attending ophthalmologist to discuss the results of diagnostic tests that were requested by the latter in order to make or confirm the initial diagnosis.

It has benefited by reporting specialized that are performed by an ophthalmic pathologist -Head of Laboratory Services if the patient:

• Has gone through surgery– At this point, the ocular pathology test begins with, in which a sample tissue is obtained after surgery and sent to the lab for study. In other cases, it’s the fluid of the eyes that is extracted through a procedure called an aspiration.
• Is showing symptoms of eye problems– Common signs and symptoms such as blurred vision, appearance of floaters, and difficulty in focusing may indicate problems of the eyes, especially if these situations occur more frequently and for a longer period.
• There’s a prominent change in eye structure– An example is the growth of a tumor or a mass that can affect the eyes, even if it doesn’t originate there (like an overgrowth around the nasal cavity). The patient may then undergo a biopsy to determine whether the cells present in the sample are benign or malignant.
• Has a high risk of developing an eye condition.

Future planning and expansion of the Laboratory Services is to spread it various geographical areas so that Blindness eradication is achieved with the right diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

In order to achieve this we would be training more technical staff, Lab specialists and ophthalmologists to start Ocular Laboratory services in various locations. Also provide digital consults , slide reads and second opinions throughout the globe. We have a very dedicated team with a total work experience of more than 50 years .The team will keep expanding and getting newer tests and technologies to improve on the existing diagnostic platforms as well as to provide faster and more advanced platforms for diagnosis.

Our Team (specialists)