Aravind Eye Hospital & Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Madurai

About

Aravind Eye Hospital & Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Madurai (often called Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai) is a premier eye-care and medical education institution located in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. Established in 1976, it was founded by the renowned ophthalmologist Dr. Govindappa Venkataswamy, under the management of GOVEL Trust. The institution functions as both a high-volume specialist eye hospital and a postgraduate training centre for ophthalmology. Its core purpose is to eliminate needless blindness by providing affordable, accessible, and high-quality eye care while simultaneously training skilled eye-care professionals to serve communities across India and beyond.

The institution is situated at No. 1, Anna Nagar, Madurai – 625020, Tamil Nadu, in an easily accessible part of the city. The campus spans approximately 3,160 square meters and is well connected to Madurai’s major transport points, including the airport, railway station, and central bus terminals. Its location enables smooth access for patients from urban, semi-urban, and rural areas of South Tamil Nadu, strengthening its mission of delivering inclusive eye care to diverse communities.

Aravind Eye Hospital & Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology is affiliated with the Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, Chennai, for its medical and paramedical academic programs. The hospital holds NABH accreditation, which reflects its adherence to high standards of patient safety and clinical quality. Widely recognized for its contributions to public health, blindness prevention, and eye-care delivery systems, Aravind has earned national and international respect—although it does not appear in conventional ranking lists, its reputation stands among the best specialist healthcare institutions globally.

The institution operates as a combined clinical and academic centre, integrating a large specialty eye hospital with a postgraduate ophthalmology institute. It hosts dedicated centres for retina, glaucoma, cataract, cornea, paediatric ophthalmology, neuro-ophthalmology, ocular-oncology, and vision rehabilitation. Its academic division includes postgraduate teaching, paramedical training units, clinical laboratories, and a well-equipped library. Faculty members include experienced ophthalmologists, surgeons, and subspecialty specialists who train postgraduate students and fellows through structured academic and clinical exposure.

Aravind Madurai offers major postgraduate programs such as MS in Ophthalmology and Diploma in Ophthalmology (DO), along with fellowship programs in subspecialties like retina, cornea, glaucoma, and paediatric ophthalmology. It also conducts paramedical and technical courses in ophthalmic assistance, refraction, optical dispensing, ultrasonography, and instrument maintenance. Admission to the MS program is based on NEET-PG, and candidates must possess an MBBS degree from an approved institution. Some fee structures vary between government quota and management quota norms. While the hospital follows a social-service-based model for patient care, academic scholarships are limited and usually aligned with government rules.

The institution houses one of the largest and most advanced eye-care facilities in India, with state-of-the-art operation theatres, specialty departments, diagnostic laboratories, and dedicated clinical centres. It performs more than a million outpatient consultations and several hundred thousand surgeries annually, reflecting its high-volume service capability. Facilities include hostels for students, classrooms, digital learning resources, research labs, optical services, an international-standard eye bank, cafeteria, and emergency care units. The campus is supported by community outreach programs such as vision centres, school screenings, and rural eye camps.

Being a postgraduate medical training institution, Aravind does not offer traditional campus placements. Instead, students who complete MS, DO, and fellowship programs gain strong clinical competencies due to the hospital’s intensive training environment and high surgical exposure. Graduates typically join reputed hospitals, ophthalmology centres, medical colleges, or start their own clinics. Many also pursue advanced fellowships or research opportunities, both in India and internationally, owing to the strong reputation of Aravind’s training system.

Aravind Eye Hospital & Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Madurai is a distinguished centre that blends world-class eye care with advanced medical education. With its visionary mission, exceptional clinical volume, NABH accreditation, experienced faculty, and comprehensive training programs, it stands as one of India’s most respected institutions for both treatment and learning in the field of ophthalmology. For aspiring ophthalmologists or patients seeking expert eye care, Aravind Madurai remains a trusted and highly regarded destination.

Some Highlights of Aravind Eye Hospital & Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Madurai

Why Choose Aravind Eye Hospital & Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Madurai

Aravind Eye Hospital & Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Madurai is a premier destination for advanced eye care and ophthalmology education. It combines high-volume clinical exposure, modern NABH-accredited facilities, and experienced faculty to provide exceptional training and patient care. Students benefit from hands-on experience in specialized departments such as Retina, Glaucoma, Cornea, and Paediatric Ophthalmology. Affiliated with Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, the institute offers MS, Diploma, and fellowship programs recognized nationally and internationally. Its strong community outreach programs, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and commitment to eliminating avoidable blindness make it an ideal choice for aspiring ophthalmologists seeking professional growth, research opportunities, and real-world clinical expertise.

Vision

• To eliminate avoidable blindness in India and worldwide.
• To provide high-quality, affordable, and accessible eye care to all, regardless of financial status.
• To become a global centre of excellence in ophthalmology, education, research, and community eye care.

Mission

• Deliver world-class eye care with efficiency, compassion, and affordability.
• Train skilled ophthalmologists, paramedics, and eye-care professionals to meet the growing demand for eye care.
• Conduct research and innovation in ophthalmology to improve diagnosis, treatment, and surgical techniques.
• Operate community outreach programs, including rural eye camps, vision screenings, and preventive eye health initiatives.
• Maintain sustainable models of care that balance paying and subsidized services to serve all sections of society.

Admission Process

Aravind Eye Hospitals and Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology, established in 1977, is a private premier institution located in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. The institute offers postgraduate-level programmes in full-time mode and is approved by the NMC. It provides a single PG course—MS in Ophthalmology—under the Medicine and Health Sciences stream, with a total intake of 20 seats. The course fee is INR 10,50,000. The campus is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and advanced facilities, ensuring a high-quality learning and training environment for students.

Admission Criteria

Admission Process

Admission to the MS Ophthalmology programme at Aravind Eye Hospitals & Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Madurai is conducted through the Tamil Nadu State NEET-PG Counselling based on NEET-PG merit. Candidates must first qualify in the NEET-PG examination and then register for the state counselling process. During counselling, applicants must fill in their preferences and select Aravind Eye Hospital as their desired institution. Seats are allotted according to NEET-PG rank, reservation norms, and availability. Once a seat is allotted, candidates must report for document verification, submit all required certificates, and pay the prescribed course fee to confirm their admission.

Eligibility

To be eligible for admission to the MS Ophthalmology programme at Aravind Eye Hospitals & Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Madurai, candidates must have completed an MBBS degree from a recognised medical college, finished their one-year compulsory rotatory internship within the prescribed timeline, hold valid provisional or permanent registration from the National Medical Commission (NMC) or State Medical Council, and must also have qualified in the NEET-PG entrance examination.

placement

Aravind Eye Hospitals & Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Madurai offers excellent placement opportunities, supported by its reputation as one of the world’s leading eye care institutions. Graduates receive strong clinical exposure and training, making them highly employable in reputed hospitals, eye care centres, research institutions, and academic organisations. Many students are also absorbed into the Aravind Eye Care System itself, while others secure positions across India and abroad. The institute’s strong professional network, intensive hands-on training, and research-oriented environment ensure that students are well-prepared for successful careers in ophthalmology.

Scholarship 

Aravind Eye Hospitals & Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Madurai offers financial assistance and support to deserving candidates based on merit and need. Eligible students may receive fee concessions, stipends, or assistance provided through institutional funds or partner organisations. The scholarship support helps reduce the financial burden on learners and encourages academically strong students to pursue advanced ophthalmic education without constraints. Availability and criteria may vary each year, and students are advised to check directly with the institute for updated details.

Facilities

Aravind Eye Hospitals & Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Madurai provides state-of-the-art facilities designed to support advanced ophthalmic education and patient care. The campus includes modern lecture halls, dedicated clinical training units, specialty eye care departments, fully equipped operation theatres, and high-tech diagnostic labs. Students benefit from digital learning resources, simulation-based training, research laboratories, and access to a large patient flow for extensive hands-on experience. The institute also offers library facilities, comfortable accommodation for residents, cafeteria services, and a well-organized campus environment that ensures a professional and supportive learning atmosphere.

Transport

The institute provides convenient transport facilities to ensure smooth and safe travel for students, staff, and residents. Well-maintained vehicles operate on designated routes, connecting key areas of the city with the campus and hospital blocks. The transport service is reliable, timely, and designed to support those with clinical duties, academic schedules, and rotational postings, making daily commuting comfortable and hassle-free.