Department of Ocular Research

OCULAR RESEARCH

Visual impairment due to diabetes is a major public health concern. Recognising this challenge, the Ocular Research at MDRF was established in 1996 to study retinal diseases associated with diabetes. The department’s research encompasses a wide spectrum, including clinical, biochemical, genetic, epidemiological, and experimental aspects of diabetic eye disease.

Its research efforts aim to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of retinal neovascularisation, thereby paving the way for future therapeutic strategies. The department has also established India’s first retinal endothelial cell culture facility, enabling advanced molecular-level investigations.

In 2003, the department launched a Ph.D. programme in ophthalmology, and three students have successfully completed their doctorates under the mentorship of Dr M. Rema.

Vision

To determine the prevalence and incidence of diabetes-related eye disorders in both general and clinical populations. To assess the impact of therapies for diabetic retinopathy and study molecular mechanisms using post-mortem retinal endothelial cells.

Mission

To deliver excellence in diabetes-related eye research by advancing knowledge on the burden, causes, prevention, and management of ocular complications. The department also aims to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among researchers within MDRF and across India.

As Head of the Department, Dr Poongothai has played a pivotal role in strengthening MDRF’s clinical trial infrastructure by ensuring protocol adherence, regulatory readiness, and operational excellence. She has successfully guided the organisation through audits by EMEA, DCGI, and numerous international sponsors. A respected speaker at national and international conferences, she is widely recognised for her expertise in research ethics, protocol development, informed consent, safety reporting, and participant retention. With over 50 peer-reviewed publications exploring depression, impaired glucose tolerance, diabetes, and its complications, she has made significant academic contributions. Her achievements include the Best Poster Presentation Award for participant retention and the Ahuja Award for her work on depression and diabetes. Her invited lectures at institutions such as Duke University, Sanofi-Aventis, and Novo Nordisk further highlight her leadership in advancing India’s clinical trial landscape, while her record of achieving 100% follow-up across more than 168 trials underscores her exceptional professional commitment.

Dr. Rajalakshmi

Dr. Prathiba

Facilities

The department is equipped with cutting-edge technologies for diagnosis, research, and therapy, including:

Indirect ophthalmoscopes and slit lamp biomicroscopes
FF450 PLUS Fundus Digital Camera
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
Computerized visual field testing for glaucoma
Argon and ND-YAG lasers for retinal treatments
Phacoemulsification equipment for cataract surgeries
Central Grading Centre for DR (as per ETDRS standards)
Primary retinal endothelial cell culture facility for molecular research

Current Research Activities

Population-Based Prospective Cohort StudyInvestigators:

Dr. M. Rema, Dr. M. Deepa, Dr. R. Pradeepa

This study evaluates the five-year incidence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) among participants in the Chennai Urban Rural Epidemiology Study (CURES), identifying major risk factors and progression patterns.

Young Diabetic Retinopathy Study (YDRS) Investigators:

Dr. R. Rajalakshmi, Dr. M. Rema

Focuses on prevalence, incidence, and risk factors of DR among young diabetic patients and examines correlations with other microvascular and macrovascular complications.

Erythropoietin: Friend or Foe in Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy Investigators:

Ms. M. Nithyakalyani, Dr. M. Rema

Studies the dual role of Erythropoietin (EPO) and its signaling mechanisms in DR, exploring potential therapeutic pathways through in vitro retinal endothelial cell models.

MDRF Rural Tele-Ophthalmology Project Supported by:

World Diabetes Foundation (WDF), Denmark

Investigators: Dr. M. Rema, Dr. V. Prathiba, Dr. R. Rajalakshmi, Dr. R. Guha Pradeepa

This project leverages telemedicine to screen for diabetic eye disorders in rural India, empowering local communities to promote early diagnosis and preventive care.

Past Research Activities

Clinic-Based Studies :

Assessed the prevalence and progression of diabetic retinopathy in type 1 and type 2 diabetes, visual outcomes post-laser therapy, and the impact of cataract surgery on DR progression.

Population-Based Studies :

Major projects such as CUPS and CURES identified DR prevalence, gender-based risk, and associations between lipid levels, HbA1c, and macroalbuminuria with diabetic eye disease.

Biochemical Studies :

Explored growth factors, adhesion molecules, AGEs (Advanced Glycation End-products), and antioxidants linked to DR progression. Introduced Advanced Glycation Index (AGI) as a prognostic marker.

Genetic Studies :

Identified genetic predispositions for DR, screening polymorphisms in RAGE, PEDF, and VEGF genes, contributing to understanding hereditary risk factors for diabetic retinopathy.

Cell & Molecular Biology :

Investigated curcumin’s anti-angiogenic properties, showing that it inhibits retinal endothelial cell proliferation, reduces oxidative stress, and modulates VEGF-related pathways — suggesting curcumin as a potential therapeutic compound.