Vision defects in children could rise by 40 percent in the coming years due to excessive mobile phone usage and changing lifestyles, warned G. Natchiar, Director Emeritus of Aravind Eye Hospital.
Addressing reporters during a press meeting here on Friday, she advised parents to stop giving mobile phones to children for playing and instead encourage them to spend time playing outdoors in the sunlight.
Reflecting on the hospital’s history, she noted that Aravind Eye Hospital was established in Madurai in 1976 with just 11 beds by its visionary founder and chairman Dr. G. Venkataswamy.
Today, it has expanded into a premier global eye care organisation playing a critical role in medical services across India and the world.
The hospital is currently gearing up to celebrate its golden jubilee marking 50 years of service on September 20th in Madurai, with P.K. Krishnaraj Vanavarayar, Chairman of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan and a renowned educationist, presiding over the function.
Aravind Eye Hospital Chairman R.D. Ravindran remarked that the institution’s journey—which initially set out with the sole mission of eliminating needless blindness—has successfully diversified into numerous medical and developmental fields.
He shared that the administration currently operates 16 hospitals, 120 vision centres, and eight community eye care facilities, adding that since its founding, over 9.07 crore patients have received treatment and 1.16 crore surgeries have been successfully performed.
Further, through Aurolab, launched in 1992, the organisation manufactures high-grade yet affordable eye care products, including intraocular lenses that are utilized in 160 countries around the globe.
Outlining future expansions, Dr. Ravindran announced that construction for a massive new integrated hospital spanning 15 lakh square feet is currently under way in Karupayurani at an estimated cost of ₹ 300 crore, with completion and public opening slated for two and a half years from now.
They pointed out that vision impairment among children has surged from an earlier 4% to 14% today.
Dr. Natchiar cautioned that excessive screen time on mobile devices will drive this figure even higher, potentially hitting 40% in a few years.
Drawing comparisons internationally, it was noted that much like measures taken in countries such as China and Singapore, the Indian government should encourage schools to increase students’ exposure to natural sunlight, which acts as a key preventive measure against eye problems.
Reiterating the urgent appeal, experts emphasised that for the sake of the younger generation’s future, parents must keep mobile phones away from children and actively foster a habit of outdoor play in the sunlight.
Published – September 18, 2026 07:58 pm IST
