barublogFrom AIIMS to Entrepreneurship – A Bold Move
A secure job at AIIMS and a promising career as a surgeon were not enough for Dr. Mahipal Singh Sachdev. His passion for innovation and leadership led him to take a leap of faith in 1996, leaving AIIMS to establish Centre for Sight, which has now grown into the world’s second-largest ophthalmology chain.
A Bright Student with a Passion for Medicine
Dr. Sachdev excelled in academics and extracurricular activities from an early age. He pursued his medical education at AIIMS, where he developed a keen interest in surgery. Seeking a niche field, he chose ophthalmology, specializing in cataract surgery, contact lenses, laser vision correction, and cornea transplantation.
Mastering Cutting-Edge Technology
In 1989, he pursued a fellowship at Georgetown University, USA, to learn phacoemulsification—a groundbreaking cataract removal technique. At a time when only a handful of Indian doctors practiced it, Dr. Sachdev mastered the method and became a pioneer in training doctors across India. His book, Phacoemulsification: A Practical Guide, became the go-to manual for aspiring ophthalmologists.
The Birth of Centre for Sight
In 1996, he left AIIMS and started his private practice, despite opposition from family and friends. Setting up the first Centre for Sight clinic in a rented room in South Delhi, he faced the challenges of managing both medical and administrative responsibilities. However, his expertise and dedication led him to exceed expectations, performing 30 surgeries within the first month.
Building a Brand Beyond a Name
Dr. Sachdev consciously avoided naming the clinic after himself, ensuring a collaborative and growth-oriented environment. By attracting top ophthalmologists and creating a strong human resource base, he built an institution that prioritized skill enhancement and innovation.
Empowering Medical Professionals and Patients
At Centre for Sight, junior doctors receive hands-on experience with advanced equipment—a rarity in government and private hospitals. Additionally, patients are referred to the best specialists when needed, reinforcing a patient-centric approach rather than individual arrogance.
Expanding Across India and Beyond
With a vision to make eye care accessible, Centre for Sight expanded rapidly. The 2004 launch of its Safdarjung Enclave branch marked a turning point. By 2008, the brand aimed to establish a centre every 10 miles, maintaining high standards of care. In 2010, Matrix Partners invested Rs. 50 crore in its growth, and plans for further expansion with a $30 million investment are underway.
Setting New Benchmarks in Eye Care
Today, Centre for Sight boasts 44 centres across India and the largest lasik network across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. The acquisition of 60,000 sq. ft. of land in Dwarka, Delhi, will establish North India’s largest composite ophthalmology facility, integrating teaching, research, and treatment under one roof.
A Vision for the Future
With ambitious plans to open ten new centres annually, Centre for Sight aims to extend its services to underprivileged regions in Africa, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.
Honors and Recognition
Dr. Sachdev’s dedication to eye care was honored with the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2007. Acknowledgment from society and peers remains his greatest motivation, driving him to set new milestones in the field of ophthalmology.
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