Shankara Nethralaya, Chennai: India’s Premier Eye Hospital Trusted by Millions

Shankara Nethralaya (SN), meaning "The Temple of the Eye," stands tall as one of India’s most respected and trusted eye care institutions. Located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and accredited by both NABL and NABH, this not-for-profit ophthalmic hospital has become a beacon of hope for patients across India and beyond.

From performing over 100 surgeries daily and treating 1,200 patients a day, to offering teleophthalmology, mobile screening, and free services for underprivileged communities, Shankara Nethralaya truly blends medical excellence with compassion. It’s not just a hospital—it’s a movement in sight restoration.

Why Shankara Nethralaya Stands Out

Awards and Accreditations

Shankara Nethralaya has been lauded with multiple prestigious awards:

• The Economic Times Award for Corporate Excellence (2007)
• Corporate Citizen Award
• Best Eye Hospital in India – Outlook Magazine
• NASSCOM Award for pioneering IT applications in healthcare

These accolades reflect the hospital’s consistent focus on quality care, technological advancement, and ethical medical practice.

Hospital Locations

While headquartered in Chennai, SN extends its services across several cities:

• Chennai (Main Branch)
• Rameswaram
• Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh)
• Five branches in Kolkata

Main Hospital Address:

• No. 41 (Old No. 18), College Road, Chennai – 600006
   +91-44-42271500 | +91-44-28271616

Additional Chennai Branch:

• CU Shah Eye Hospital, 8 GST Road, St. Thomas Mount, Chennai – 600016
   +91-44-49086051 / 6052

Website: https://www.sankaranethralaya.org/

Step-by-Step Guide to Booking an Online Appointment at Sankara Nethralaya Chennai in 2025

Sankara Nethralaya in Chennai, India, is a world-renowned eye care hospital celebrated for its expertise in treatments like LASIK, cataract surgery, and diabetic retinopathy management. Booking an appointment online in 2025 is straightforward, thanks to their efficient digital platform. Whether you’re a diabetic seeking specialized care or someone exploring LASIK, this guide walks you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you secure a slot with ease. Below, I’ve outlined the exact steps, drawn from the hospital’s official resources and recent patient insights, to help you navigate the system like a pro.

Why Book Online at Sankara Nethralaya?

Before diving in, let’s talk about why Sankara Nethralaya is worth the effort. With over 150 eye care professionals and 1,200 daily patient visits, it’s a hub of excellence, accredited by NABH and ranked among the top four eye hospitals globally (Newsweek, 2020). Their online booking system, updated for 2025, saves time, reduces waitlists, and lets you choose from specialties like cornea, glaucoma, or refractive surgery. For diabetics, their focus on conditions like retinopathy makes early consultation critical (Sankara Nethralaya, 2025).

Prerequisites for Booking

To ensure a smooth process, have these ready:

• Personal Details: Full name, date of birth, mobile number, and email address.
• Medical Information: Details of your eye condition (e.g., LASIK eligibility, diabetic retinopathy symptoms) and recent medical reports (e.g., HbA1c for diabetics).
• Identification: A legal photo ID (e.g., Aadhaar, driver’s license) for registration.
• Internet Access: A stable connection and device to access www.sankaranethralaya.org.
• Payment Method: Credit/debit card, UPI, or net banking for consultation fees (cashless payments accepted; fees vary by specialty, ~500–2,000 INR).

Step-by-Step Guide to Booking an Online Appointment

Follow these steps to book your appointment at Sankara Nethralaya Chennai in 2025, based on the hospital’s official website and patient feedback (Sankara Nethralaya, 2025; Vaidam, 2024):

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

• Action: Open your browser and go to www.sankaranethralaya.org.
• Details: The homepage features a user-friendly interface. Look for the “Appointments” or “Book Appointment” section, typically under the “Patient Services” tab.
• Tip: Use a desktop for easier navigation, but the site is mobile-responsive. Ensure your browser is updated to avoid glitches.

Step 2: Navigate to the Appointment Portal

• Action: Click on “SN Appointment” or “Online Appointment” link, which directs you to the booking portal.
• Details: The portal is designed for both new and returning patients. It may prompt you to select a campus (e.g., College Road, St. Thomas Mount, Shenoy Nagar in Chennai).
• Note: For emergencies, skip online booking and visit the 24/7 Emergency Room at No. 41, College Road, Chennai (Sankara Nethralaya FAQs, 2025).

Step 3: Register or Log In

• For New Patients:
• Click “New Patient Registration.”
• Fill in your details: name, DOB, gender, mobile number, email, and address.
• Create a password and verify your mobile/email via OTP.
• You’ll receive a unique Patient ID (e.g., SN123456) for future logins.
• For Returning Patients:
• Log in using your Patient ID and password.
• If you’ve forgotten your ID, use the “Forgot Password” option or call +91-44-42271500.
• Tip: Save your Patient ID securely. Diabetics should note any prior retinopathy or glaucoma diagnoses for accurate records.

Step 4: Select Department and Doctor

• Action: Choose your specialty (e.g., Refractive Surgery for LASIK, Retina for diabetic retinopathy, General Ophthalmology).
• Details: The portal lists departments like cornea, glaucoma, pediatric ophthalmology, and more. You can select a specific doctor (e.g., Dr. Pramod Bhende for retina) or let the system assign one based on availability (Quora, 2024).
• Diabetic Note: If you have diabetes, prioritize retina or general ophthalmology for screenings, as 1 in 3 diabetics risks retinopathy (Clinical Infectious Diseases, 2021).
• Tip: Check doctor availability in advance, as top specialists like Dr. Rajiv Raman may have longer wait times (Vaidam, 2024).

Step 5: Choose Date and Time

• Action: Pick a date and time slot from the available options.
• Details: Out-patient services run Monday–Saturday, 8:00 AM–3:00 PM, except on festival holidays (Sankara Nethralaya Patient Services, 2021).
• Note: LASIK consultations may require specific slots at the JKCN campus (St. Thomas Mount). Priority appointments for surgery are available; contact Ms. Yasmeen Begum at +91-93835-72112 for scheduling (Sankara Nethralaya Out-Patient Services, 2024).
• Tip: Book 1–2 weeks in advance for non-urgent cases to secure your preferred date (Watchdoq, 2023).

Step 6: Provide Medical Details

• Action: Enter details about your eye condition, symptoms, or procedure (e.g., LASIK eligibility, diabetic eye issues).
• Details: For LASIK, note if your eye power has been stable for 2 years and avoid contact lenses for 1–2 weeks prior (Quora Patient Story, 2024). For diabetics, upload recent HbA1c or retinopathy reports to aid evaluation.
• Tip: Be honest about your medical history (e.g., diabetes, hypertension) to ensure proper assessment.

Step 7: Confirm and Pay

• Action: Review your appointment details (date, time, doctor, campus) and proceed to payment.
• Details: Pay the consultation fee via debit/credit card, UPI, or net banking. Fees range from 500 INR for general ophthalmology to 2,000 INR for specialized consultations like LASIK (Sankara Nethralaya, 2024). Cashless payments are preferred, but cash is accepted at the hospital (Bajaj Finserv Health, 2024).
• Note: Low-income patients may qualify for subsidized or free consultations; inquire via the website’s “Contact Us” form (ThreeBestRated.in, 2024).
• Tip: Save the payment confirmation email for reference.

Step 8: Receive Confirmation

• Action: Check your email/SMS for an appointment confirmation with your Patient ID, date, time, and doctor details.
• Details: The confirmation includes instructions (e.g., bring ID, medical reports, arrive 15 minutes early). You’ll also get a QR code or appointment number for check-in.
• Tip: Add the appointment to your calendar and set a reminder. If you need to reschedule, use the portal or call +91-44-42271500.

Step 9: Prepare for Your Visit

• Action: Gather required documents and plan your visit.
• Details:
• Documents: Legal photo ID, medical reports, insurance card (if applicable), and appointment confirmation.
• Location: Main Hospital at No. 41, College Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600006, or other campuses based on your booking (EdhaCare, 2024).
• Arrival: Arrive early for registration and preliminary checks. Two attendants are allowed per patient (Sankara Nethralaya Patient Services, 2021).
• Diabetic Tip: Monitor blood sugar before your visit, as high levels can affect eye exams. Bring a snack if you’re on insulin.
• Travel Note: Nearby accommodations (e.g., Taj Coromandel, 2 km away) are available for outstation patients (Watchdoq, 2023).

Additional Tips for a Smooth Experience

• For Diabetics: Request a retina screening alongside your consultation, as early detection of retinopathy reduces blindness risk by 50% (Diabetes Care, 2022). Inform the doctor about your HbA1c and any vision changes.
• For LASIK Seekers: Confirm eligibility (age 20+, stable eye power, adequate corneal thickness). Schedule a follow-up to discuss PRK, Femto-LASIK, or ReLEx SMILE (Sankara Nethralaya, 2024).
• Language Support: Tamil and English are widely used, but bring a local attendant if language is a barrier (Watchdoq, 2023).
• Emergency Cases: For urgent issues (e.g., eye injuries), visit the 24/7 ER at the main campus or call +91-44-28271616 (Sankara Nethralaya FAQs, 2025).
• Teleophthalmology: If you’re far from Chennai, explore teleconsultations via the website for initial assessments (Sankara Nethralaya Kolkata, 2023).

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Website Glitches: If the portal is slow, try a different browser or clear your cache. Contact the IT support team at +91-44-42271500 if issues persist.
• No Available Slots: Popular doctors may be booked weeks ahead. Opt for another specialist or call for priority slots (Quora, 2024).
• Payment Failure: Ensure sufficient funds and retry. If unsuccessful, pay at the hospital counter on your visit day (Bajaj Finserv Health, 2024).
• Wrong Department: If unsure about the specialty (e.g., retina vs. cornea), use the website’s “Contact Us” form or call to clarify before booking.

Why This Matters for Diabetics and Others

As a diabetic, I can’t stress enough how vital timely eye care is. Delaying consultations risks complications like diabetic retinopathy, which blinds 1 in 10 untreated patients (Clinical Infectious Diseases, 2021). Sankara Nethralaya’s online system makes access easy, ensuring you get expert care before issues escalate. For LASIK or general eye care, their streamlined process saves time and stress, letting you focus on healing.

References

• Official Website: www.sankaranethralaya.org
• Patient Services: Sankara Nethralaya Out-Patient Services
• Booking Insights: Vaidam.com; Watchdoq.com

Booking an online appointment at Sankara Nethralaya in 2025 is a breeze if you follow these steps. Whether you’re a diabetic needing retinopathy screening or seeking LASIK, their platform is designed for convenience and care. Act now—your eyes deserve the best. Visit www.sankaranethralaya.org today, and take the first step toward clearer vision!

Specialties and Services

Core Specialties

• Cataract surgery
• Retina & vitreous care
• Pediatric ophthalmology
• Cornea & refractive surgery
• Oculoplasty
• Glaucoma care
• Neuro-ophthalmology

Unique Initiatives

• Department of Medical Social Sciences (established 1990) – Raises awareness about eye donation
• Jaslok Community Eye Care Centers – Offers free services to economically disadvantaged communities
• CIOSB Eye Bank – A pioneering initiative started in 1979

Infrastructure & Technological Excellence

Advanced Facilities:

• Paperless digital medical records
• State-of-the-art diagnostic imaging
• Modular operation theatres
• 3D and laser eye surgery units

Mobile & Teleophthalmology Services

• Eye care buses serve rural communities within a 100-km radius of Chennai
• Remote diagnosis and consultation for hard-to-reach areas

Facilities & Patient Amenities

 In-Hospital Comfort:

• Private & accessible rooms with TV, Wi-Fi, and phone
• Family accommodation available
• Nursery / AYAH care for children
• Laundry, religious services, parking, and personal assistants

Financial Services:

• Health insurance and medical travel insurance
• ATM, credit/debit card, and net banking facilities
• Foreign currency exchange for international patients

Food Services:

• Multi-cuisine in-house restaurants
• Self-cooking options
• Special dietary requests catered to

International Services:

• Translation assistance in multiple languages
• Medical document transfer & repatriation support
• Post-surgery follow-ups and online consultations

 Doctors at Shankara Nethralaya (Top Specialists)

Here are some of the key consultants available at different branches. Days of availability are listed for easier planning:

➡️ Tip: Check the updated doctor availability before your visit, as schedules may change.

✈️ How to Reach Shankara Nethralaya, Chennai

✈️ Nearest Airport:

• Chennai International Airport – 17 km (~40 min drive)

Nearest Metro:

• 3 km from the hospital (~9 minutes by auto/taxi)

Travel from Major Cities:

• From Delhi: 3-hour flight (~2200 km)
• From Kolkata: Overnight AC trains from Howrah/Sealdah to Chennai

Nearby Accommodation & Food

Many affordable guesthouses and hotels are available within 500 meters to 1 km from the hospital. Areas near Apollo Hospital, Wallajah Road, and Marina Beach offer:

• Budget hotels and lodges
• Vegetarian and non-vegetarian restaurants
• Access to local transportation (auto-rickshaws, cabs)

Pro Tip: Fix an auto fare beforehand (~Rs. 50 is standard for short distances).

Patient Case Study: What Real Patients Say About Shankara Nethralaya

We compiled patient feedback and travel tips from real experiences:

What Patients Love:

• Excellent doctor expertise and well-structured appointment system
• Clean, organized, and supportive environment
• Advance online booking saves hours of wait time
• Support staff and volunteers help with navigation and language

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Tamil is commonly spoken, so bring someone who understands the local language or request interpreter services
• Always book in advance, especially for specialist consultations and surgeries
• Carry your previous medical records and any referral documents

Tips for Visitors Traveling from Kolkata:

1. Book train tickets early (Howrah or Sealdah to Chennai Central)
2. Upon arrival, use prepaid auto services or OLA/UBER for safe travel
3. Guesthouses near Apollo Hospital are affordable and hospitable
4. Carry prescription and ID—required at the registration desk

Shankara Nethralaya isn’t just a hospital—it’s a vision-driven institution. With its deep-rooted values, cutting-edge technology, and dedication to patient welfare, it continues to restore sight and hope to millions.

Whether you’re planning elective eye surgery or seeking a second opinion, SN stands as a gold standard for comprehensive ophthalmic care in India.

Contact & Appointments

• ☎️ Call: +91-44-42271500 / +91-44-28271616
• Website: sankaranethralaya.org
• Online Booking: Click here to schedule your appointment

Disclaimer:

This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or specialist before making healthcare decisions. While we aim for accuracy, we do not guarantee the completeness or reliability of the information.