The first state-of-the-art Ophthalmic Research Biorepository in India Inaugurated at L V Prasad Eye Institute

Hyderabad, January 03, 2022: The Hyderabad campus (Kallam Anji Reddy Campus) of L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) in Hyderabad is now equipped with a state-of-the-art Ophthalmic Research Biorepository. LVPEI is the first institute in the country to have this facility. The facility has been set up with the generous support received from Prof Krothapalli Ravindranath, retired Dean, SV University, Tirupati. Prof Ravindranath is a long-term well-wisher and supporter of LVPEI. 

Biorepositories are collections of human tissue for future research on disease mechanisms, therapeutics and diagnostics. The Prof Krothapalli Ravindranath Ophthalmic Research Biorepository has been set up in the operational complex of the Institute that is on par with international standards. The facility is well equipped with infrastructure required for cryopreservation (storage of ophthalmic tissues) as in -80°C, -20°C and 4°C freezers, liquid nitrogen for snap freezing and specially trained technical staff for handling the samples. 

“We are immensely grateful to Prof Krothapalli Ravindranath for his generous contribution and his keen interest in supporting ophthalmology research at LVPEI. The study of these preserved tissues will help in developing innovative and breakthrough therapies for treating blinding diseases. It will majorly help in (a) preservation and sanctity of invaluable patient samples, (b) developing a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of both common and rare diseases, and (c) coming up with new insights for managing rare eye diseases,” said Dr Sayan Basu, Network Director, Prof Brien Holden Eye Research Centre (BHERC), L V Prasad Eye Institute. The facility was inaugurated in the presence of Prof Krothapalli Ravindranath, Retired Dean, S V Veterinary University, Tirupati; Prof Geeta K Vemuganti, Dean, School of Medical Sciences, University of Hyderabad; and Dr Sudha S Murthy, Director – Clinical Support, Datar Cancer Genetics.

Research has always been an integral part of the L V Prasad Eye Institute. The Prof Brien Holden Eye Research Centre (BHERC) at LVPEI has earned international recognition as a Centre of Excellence in ocular research. A strong team of clinicians and scientists work on various aspects in ophthalmology and visual sciences, unravelling new insights that can lead to early diagnosis and better management of vision-threatening conditions. LVPEI, to date, has published over 4000 publications in various high-impact peer-reviewed international Journals. LVPEI scientists have featured in the world ranking of Top 2% Scientists and Top Eye Researchers from India in 2020 in a study done by Stanford University.