Efforts to upgrade VizagRegional Eye Hospital gain steam

Efforts to upgrade the Regional Eye Hospital in Visakhapatnam to a Regional Institute of Ophthalmology (RIO) are gaining momentum after years of delay. The proposal, first initiated by former Superintendent Dr. Narasimha Rao during the TDP government, was stalled when the YSRCP came to power in 2019.
If approved, the upgrade would bring advanced facilities and specialized departments, transforming the hospital into a top centre for eye care in Andhra Pradesh. This would enable the hospital to treat more patients and perform complex eye surgeries using the latest technology. In united Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad’s Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital was granted RIO status. After the state’s bifurcation, Visakhapatnam was considered for a similar upgrade. However, the proposal
lost traction due to retirements of key officials and lack of follow-up.
A former administrator of the hospital expressed disappointment, saying, “The upgrade would have given recognition to our hospital, but the proposal was neglected.”
The central government has been upgrading eye hospitals across the country under the National Program for Control of Blindness (NPCB), with funding of Rs 10–20 crore for each RIO. At one point, both Visakhapatnam and Kurnool were contenders for this status. Local officials in Visakhapatnam had taken an early lead, but no final decision has been made. A senior health official explained that the upgrade would introduce specialized departments for retina, cornea, glaucoma, squint, and oculoplastic surgeries. Additional infrastructure like advanced labs, anaesthesia units, and increased staff would also be added. The hospital’s bed capacity would increase three to four times, enabling it to serve more patients.
Superintendent Dr. V Meenakshi said, “We have reminded senior officials about this proposal. Andhra Pradesh still lacks an RIO, and we are determined to bring this status to Visakhapatnam.” Local leaders have also called for immediate action.
“This project could greatly benefit the region,” said a public representative. “Our MPs and MLAs must push for it actively.”
With the current coalition government in power, hopes are high that the long-pending proposal will finally materialize, making Visakhapatnam a hub for advanced eye care in the state.