PGI Becomes World Leader in Paediatric Glaucoma Care
The Advanced Eye Centre at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh has attained a major global milestone in paediatric glaucoma care. Consequently, the premier institute has established itself as the leading international hub for specialized childhood vision preservation. Recent clinical data confirms that PGIMER officially surpassed the world-renowned Samuel and Ethel Balkan International Pediatric Glacoma Center at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami.
Surpassing Global Volume in Paediatric Glaucoma
During the 2025–26 period, PGIMER managed an impressive 7,269 children with glaucoma. Furthermore, the centre registered 602 newly referred cases in that single year. In comparison, the Miami institute evaluates an average of 4,133 children annually, which includes 339 new patients. Therefore, PGIMER now manages the largest volume of young patients worldwide.
National Impact and Collaborative Leadership
This remarkable clinical milestone stems from a dedicated weekly clinic initiated in 2012 by Dr Sushmita Kaushik. Moreover, a recent nationwide study tracked childhood eye conditions across 13 major Indian medical centres. The findings revealed that PGIMER treated the highest number of newly diagnosed cases across the country. Additionally, PGIMER and the LV Prasad Eye Institute collectively managed over half of all newly diagnosed childhood glaucoma cases nationwide. Hence, targeted multi-institutional cooperation remains crucial to combat preventable childhood visual impairment across India.
Pioneering Innovations in Paediatric Glaucoma Management
Beyond sheer patient volume, PGIMER has introduced several cutting-edge diagnostic and therapeutic innovations. Specifically, surgeons at the institute performed the country\'s first infant goniotomy to restore normal aqueous outflow. In addition, the team developed an affordable glaucoma drainage device tailored for complex and refractory cases. Clinicians also implemented advanced swept-source anterior-segment optical coherence tomography for non-invasive early diagnosis. Ultimately, these breakthroughs protect vulnerable infant eyes from irreversible blindness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Why is early detection essential in childhood glaucoma?
Early identification helps normalize intraocular pressure quickly, which prevents irreversible optic nerve damage and lifelong visual disability.
Q2: What surgical innovations did PGIMER introduce for children?
PGIMER pioneered infant goniotomy in India, designed an affordable glaucoma drainage device, and implemented high-resolution non-invasive anterior segment imaging.
Q3: How does PGIMER\'s clinical workload compare internationally?
PGIMER managed 7,269 children and 602 new referrals in one year, outperforming leading standalone global centres.
References
- PGI now world leader in saving children’s sight - ETHealthworld
- Kaushik S, Senthil S, Gupta V, et al. Profile of Newly Diagnosed Childhood Glaucoma in India: Indian Childhood Glaucoma Study (ICGS) Group 1. Indian J Ophthalmol.
- Sacchi M, Monsellato G, Lizzio RAU, et al. Dealing with pediatric glaucoma: from medical to surgical management—a narrative review. Ann Eye Sci. 2021.
