I was given a comprehensive tour of the hospital from the registration desk, where patients first arrive, the wards, to the workings of inner departments like the pharmacy and finance. I even had the unique opportunity to peek inside the operating room, an experience I would later get more fully. This initial glimpse into the full scope of the hospital’s operations motivated me for the weeks to come.

My first week at Sankara followed the patient journey, from registration to moving through the eye check-up process. I was introduced to various teams, including the bio-innovation lab, the pharmacy, the financials, and the camp planning department. This dual perspective of seeing the processes familiar to patients alongside the complex operations that support them was a new and invaluable experience for me.

As I settled in, I developed a particular interest in several key areas: Patient Counseling, Laboratory, Research Department, Eye Bank, and the Operating Theater.

Patient Counseling at Sankara is a crucial process. It's where the hospital builds trust with patients, helping them understand their diagnosis and treatment options (like surgery or medication).

Following counseling, patients go to the Laboratory, where samples are taken to determine their fitness for surgery. I saw a variety of tests being performed, including blood work (biochem and hematology) and microbiology. I even got to see an ECG test, which monitors the heart’s electrical activity.

As someone interested in clinical research, seeing the hospital’s Research Department in action was an eye-opening experience. I witnessed studies being conducted with an incredible level of rigor and screening, a standard far beyond what I was used to in my schoolwork. This new benchmark taught me the importance of minimizing errors in research for the greater goal of helping more people.

The Eye Bank is where donated eyes are prepared for transplant. It also holds biological samples from the research department. Seeing a donated eye being dissected to give another person the gift of sight was a powerful and moving experience. It highlighted Sankara’s mission and the profound impact of donors.

The pinnacle of my internship was spending two days inside the Operating Room. I had only read about eye surgeries before, but this was an intense experience. I was blessed to witness not only basic cataract surgeries but also more complex procedures up close. It was a truly unforgettable moment.

Sankara’s philanthropic work, funded through their Gift of Vision initiative, was a major focus of my time there. I participated in a village outreach camp, where I saw firsthand the challenges faced by people without easy access to healthcare. Many of these villagers had advanced cataracts due to their living conditions and lack of treatment. I was humbled to learn that all eye surgeries for these patients are performed completely free of charge, with the same precision and care as those for paying patients.

This experience brought home how blessed I am to have access to healthcare. It also showed me the power of bringing philanthropic efforts to communities in need. My internship at Sankara Eye Hospital was more than just a learning opportunity – it was a lesson in compassion, philanthropy, and the hope that giving the gift of sight can bring.

Harini Sivanandh Ramadass is a youth volunteer with Sankara Eye Foundation, USA.