FEATURE:
In the heart of Odisha, a beacon of hope for eyecare emerged in 2009 with the establishment of Bhoomika Eye Institute. Spearheading this transformative journey is Dr. Bhumika Rath, whose dedication to eye health and societal upliftment has revolutionized healthcare in the region.
The Beginning: A Personal Mission
Bhoomika Eye Institute was born from a deeply personal experience. Dr. Rath’s father, driven by his mother’s struggle with vision loss, realized the pressing need for accessible eyecare in rural Odisha. In Jajpur, where even basic treatments were scarce, Bhoomika Eye Hospital, a secondary eyecare facility, began its journey in the town of Jaraka in 2009 to deliver primary eyecare, prevent avoidable blindness, and improve lives.
“Our goal was simple but profound,” shares Dr. Rath. “We wanted to bring basic eyecare to the people, so they wouldn’t have to travel far and face hardships.” Starting with cataract surgeries—a procedure often inaccessible to many—it has grown into a hub of hope and healing.
Expanding a Legacy: The Bhoomika Group
Today, the Bhoomika Group of Eye Hospitals leads a robust network comprising Bhoomika Eye Institute, a tertiary eyecare centre; 16 Bhoomika Eye Hospitals, secondary eyecare facilities; and 10 Bhoomika Vision Centres, primary eyecare facilities. Together, they make quality eyecare accessible to 22 million people across 60% of Odisha.
Empowering Women Through Healthcare
From its inception, Bhoomika Eye Hospitals have been a pioneer not only in healthcare but also in empowering women. “We prioritized hiring women, creating an environment that was safe and encouraging,” explains Dr. Rath. This initiative inspired families to allow their daughters to step into the workforce, creating a ripple effect of empowerment. Today, 80-90% of Bhoomika Group’s workforce comprises women, a testament to its enduring commitment to gender equality.
Project DREAM: Fighting Diabetes-Related Blindness
With diabetes on the rise, diabetic retinopathy and other related eye diseases are becoming alarmingly common. To combat this, Bhoomika Eye Institute launched Project DREAM, which stands for Diabetic Retinopathy Evaluation, Assessment, and Management. The initiative addresses the growing concerns of vision loss due to late diagnosis or lack of awareness. Through this project, Bhoomika Eye Institute strives to create awareness, provide timely interventions, and reduce preventable vision loss, thereby improving the quality of life for individuals affected by diabetes.
The long-term vision of Project DREAM is to significantly reduce cases of preventable blindness caused by diabetic retinopathy in Odisha. Dr. Rath also seeks to establish a state-wide network of awareness and treatment centres to ensure no individual is left behind, while fostering a culture of proactive eye care and regular screening among diabetic patients.
Rising to Challenges: COVID-19 and Beyond
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Rath led the institute in building a makeshift ICU in Jajpur, treating over 1,000 patients in three months. “It was one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my life. I felt I was truly contributing to society,” she recalls.
Excellence in Ophthalmology
Dr. Bhumika Rath, a gold medalist from Hi-Tech Medical College, also secured the highest marks in the postgraduate ophthalmology exam at Utkal University. Her journey from being a skilled cataract surgeon to specializing in retina surgery reflects her dedication to mastering advanced medical techniques and pushing the boundaries of ophthalmic care.
A Vision for the Future
Bhoomika Eye Institute is driven by a vision to expand its services to the most remote regions of Odisha, including tribal areas like Similipal. Dr. Rath also aims to introduce cutting-edge advancements, such as Ocular Oncology, to Odisha and build NABH-accredited green hospitals. She envisions transforming rural healthcare by ensuring that no one is left behind, integrating climate-conscious practices, and advancing eyecare services for future generations.
Advice to Aspiring Doctors
Passion and clarity of purpose are central to Dr. Rath’s philosophy. She believes that anyone aspiring to become a doctor should pursue it with unwavering passion, remain clear about their goals, and never let societal pressures deter them from their chosen path.
Under Dr. Bhumika Rath’s leadership, the Bhoomika Group is not just a network of eyecare facilities—it is a movement for accessible, inclusive, and world-class healthcare that uplifts society, empowers women, and transforms lives.