Chennai, July 14: In a move aimed at strengthening allied healthcare education, Dr Agarwals Institute of Optometry signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SASTRA University has launched an optometry programme at the university campus as part of their strategic academic partnership.
The agreement was signed by Dr D Karpagam, Dean of Dr Agarwals Institute of Optometry, Dr S Vaidhyasubramaniam, Vice-Chancellor of SASTRA Deemed University, and Mr Bharatram, Finance Officer of Dr Agarwals Health Care Limited, at the hospital’s corporate office in Chennai.
As part of the agreement, the university will admit a maximum of 60 students for its five-year undergraduate (B.Optom), 10 for its postgraduate (M.Optom), and five for its PhD programme that will commence at the university from the current academic year. Admission procedures are underway as per the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) guidelines. Classes for these programmes are likely to begin on August 15.
Both educational institutions have also signed a student and faculty exchange programme to provide better clinical exposure and multidisciplinary education.
Students pursuing the optometry course at the university will be posted at Dr Agarwals Hospital for practical training for their internship programme. The hospital has also planned to open eye clinics on the university premises in addition to organising eye check-up camps in and around the university campus.
In his comments, Dr Vaidhyasubramaniam said, “Beyond academics, this partnership will foster collaborative research, innovation, interdisciplinary projects, startup incubation, and the translation of research into impactful technologies and better eye care solutions. Together, we look forward to shaping the next generation of optometrists while advancing research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in vision science.”
Dr Karpagam stated, “This collaboration with SASTRA university marks a significant milestone in our efforts to strengthen optometry education in the country. By coupling multidisciplinary learning with structured clinical training, we aim to prepare students with immense knowledge, practical skills, and professional values required to excel in today’s rapidly evolving eye care sector.”
Dr Adil Agarwal, Chief Executive Officer of Dr Agarwals Health Care Limited, said “At Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, we believe that investing in education is essential to advancing the future of eye care. Our partnership with the University reflects our commitment to creating meaningful learning opportunities through hands-on clinical exposure, mentorship, and industry collaboration. We are confident that this partnership will produce competent optometrists who are equipped to meet the growing demand for quality vision care while contributing to research and innovation in the field.”