Centre For Sight Investing Rs 150-200 Crore Annually To Bring Best Eye Care Tech To India

Founded in 1996 by Prof. Dr. Mahipal S Sachdev, Centre for Sight (CFS) has emerged as a pioneer in ophthalmology. He says it is dedicated to eradicating preventable blindness and providing world-class eye care. With a team of over 350 renowned doctors, handpicked from premier institutions, the organization has built a strong presence with more than 85 centers spread across 30 cities in India. Through strategic joint ventures and acquisitions, CFS has consistently expanded its reach, particularly in collaboration with Laxmi Eye Hospital to enhance its footprint in western India. The group continues to make annual investments worth Rs 150-200 crore. It relies heavily on cutting-edge technologies to spread its footprint.

In an exclusive interview with Biz Buzz, Sachdev, Chairman and Medical Director of Centre For Sight Group of Eye Hospitals, and a Padma Shri Awardee, elaborates on the group’s expansion plans, investments, technological innovations, and the future of eye care

Centre for Sight has been growing rapidly. What are your expansion plans for the foreseeable future?

Our expansion is driven by the vision of making high-quality eye care accessible across India. The group plans to establish around a dozen new centres in the coming year. Recently, new facilities have been set up in Patna, Karnal, Patiala, and Greater Noida, strengthening its network in North India.

CFS has successfully integrated a mix of acquisitions and joint ventures in its expansion strategy, maintaining a balance between both models. This ensures the highest standard of patient care while retaining the expertise of skilled doctors at each new center.

In Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, CFS has expanded its reach with centers in Vijayawada, Warangal, Siddipet, and other cities. Hyderabad is emerging as a major hub for eye care due to the increasing demand for advanced treatments. By expanding its network in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, CFS is making world-class eye care more accessible to patients in smaller towns and regions where quality eye treatment options were previously limited.

With such rapid expansion, what kind of investment goes into CFS’s growth strategy?

We invest approximately Rs 150-200 crore annually to fuel its growth. These investments are directed towards acquiring advanced medical technology, setting up new hospitals, and strengthening the infrastructure of existing centres. The focus is not merely on expansion but also on maintaining the highest standards of treatment. One of the key aspects of CFS’s investment strategy is ensuring that newly acquired or partnered hospitals retain their skilled medical teams. This helps in maintaining continuity in patient care while integrating CFS’s superior technology and expertise into the new centers. By following a well-planned acquisition and partnership model, CFS can scale its operations without compromising on its service quality.

Technology is revolutionizing the healthcare industry. What are some of the latest advancements in eye care that CFS has introduced?

At Centre For Sight, we take immense pride in leading the way in innovation and advanced eye care solutions. One of the most groundbreaking developments we’ve introduced is FORESIGHT—a predictive, AI-based technology integrated within the AMARIS 1050RS platform. Introduced in Asia by CFS, FORESIGHT enables an unmatched level of precision in treating corneal irregularities by leveraging AI to predict and personalize treatment outcomes.

AMARIS 1050RS itself is the world’s fastest and safest LASIK laser system, operating at an impressive 1050 Hz repetition rate, nearly twice the speed of conventional lasers. This not only improves treatment efficiency but also reduces the thermal load on the cornea, significantly minimizing discomfort and the risk of dryness post-surgery.

Together, the integration of FORESIGHT with the AMARIS 1050RS represents a significant leap forward in laser vision correction, offering patients faster recovery, greater comfort, and superior visual outcomes.

What are the main advantages?

One of the biggest advantages of the AMARIS 1050RS technology is its ability to complete vision correction procedures in fewer than 10 seconds per eye. This marks a significant improvement over conventional LASIK, which takes 20-30 minutes per session. The combination of AI-driven precision and rapid execution makes it an excellent option for patients seeking quick recovery and minimal downtime. Many patients who undergo AI-driven LASIK are able to resume their normal activities within 24-48 hours, a significant improvement over the traditional method.

Beyond the standard LASIK, CFS is also expanding to treat complex corneal conditions such as keratoconus—a condition that affects the shape of the cornea—with FORESIGHT-driven solutions TREK (Topography Guided Removal of Epithelium for Keratoconus) and TCAT (Topography-Guided Custom Ablation Treatment).

TREK is a customized technique that enables simultaneous removal of epithelium and stroma, particularly benefiting patients with decentred cones. This technique optimizes corneal reshaping while preserving tissue. Meanwhile, TCAT uses detailed corneal mapping to guide the laser, reshaping irregular corneas with pinpoint accuracy. This advanced technique enhances visual outcomes for keratoconus patients and can significantly reduce dependence on specialized contact lenses. The Amaris 1050 with a 7D eye-tracking system, beyond being fast and safe, also enables a personalized treatment approach because every eye is unique.

The prevalence of myopia is rising globally. How does Centre For Sight address this growing concern?

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a major public health challenge worldwide. According to a study published in the journal Ophthalmology, by 2050, nearly half of the world’s population (approximately 500 crore people) will be myopic, with 100 crores at a significantly increased risk of blindness if current trends continue. It is estimated that over 137 million people in India suffer from uncorrected vision problems, hence the new technology and innovation will help many regain clear eyesight without long recovery times. We have introduced innovative solutions to combat the progression of myopia.

The AI-driven LASIK procedures offered by CFS provide a highly effective method for vision correction, ensuring enhanced visual outcomes and reducing the long-term dependency on corrective lenses. Additionally, the organization is investing in research and development to explore new treatments that can help slow down myopia progression in younger patients.

How does the AI-based technology used in LASIK procedures work?

The FORESIGHT system, incorporated into the AMARIS 1050RS laser, utilizes AI algorithms to analyze the cornea’s structure and predict the best treatment approach for each patient. By using past data and real-time eye tracking, the system ensures that the laser is precisely aligned, even accounting for micro-movements of the eye during surgery. This technology not only improves the accuracy of vision correction but also enhances safety by reducing exposure time to the laser. The AI-based system can anticipate and compensate for involuntary eye movements, making the procedure more efficient and comfortable for patients. Additionally, its high-speed laser ensures that corneal reshaping is performed with maximum precision, reducing post-surgery side effects such as dryness or glare.

Are there any potential side effects associated with this new technology?

While no surgical procedure is entirely without risks, the side effects of AI-driven LASIK are minimal. The most commonly reported issues include temporary dryness and mild visual disturbances like glare or halos, but these typically subside within a few days to weeks. CFS is currently in the process of publishing clinical data to further validate the long-term effectiveness and safety of this technology.

What is the mantra you abide by?

Our success lies in our team of highly skilled specialists, carefully selected from premier institutions across the country. Many of them have earned national and international acclaim for their ground-breaking contributions to ophthalmology, ensuring that Centre For Sight remains at the forefront of eye care. At the heart of our approach is a deep commitment to patient-centric care. We offer a full spectrum of services—from routine diagnostics to advanced surgeries—under one roof, making world-class eye treatment both seamless and accessible.

Innovation drives us forward, and we continuously integrate cutting-edge technologies, such as AI-driven diagnostics and next-generation laser systems, to enhance precision and patient outcomes.

Our vision is clear: to bring top-quality eye care within reach of every Indian, no matter where they live. Through dedication, expertise, and technological advancements, we are shaping the future of ophthalmology and transforming lives.

What is the future of eye care, and how is Centre For Sight preparing for it?

Looking ahead, we envision a future where AI and robotics will redefine ophthalmology. Automated diagnostic tools are already improving the accuracy of detecting conditions like diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. In the coming years, AI-assisted robotic surgeries, and smart contact lenses with real-time monitoring capabilities could further transform the field.

Centre For Sight is continuously working towards staying at the forefront of these advancements by investing in research, technology, and training programs for its doctors. The next decade is expected to witness even greater strides in laser eye surgery, bringing vision correction solutions that are faster, safer, and more precise than ever before. As technology evolves, so does the promise of a future where perfect vision is within reach for all. With a deep commitment to excellence and innovation, Centre For Sight continues to be a trailblazer in revolutionizing eye care in India and beyond.