A visioner with a 'Maxi-Vision' for you, Dr. Kasu Prasad Reddy

When our correspondent met Dr. K.P. Reddy at his chambers, he was most cordial and warm natured person to be with. He is quite experimental and the result of the same is Maxi vision. He is a man with ethics. Before trying out LASIK (Laser Assisted Insitu Keratomileusis) on others, he tried it on himself. He maintains a neat hospital atmosphere where his patient's feel relaxed. He left a very lucrative career at UK to spend his rest of life in his motherland and be of service.

Q: "Vaidyo Narayano Hari" means the person who cures is compared with god. What do you have to say about it?

A: Well, basically nobody is God. God is only God. We are his representatives. When we are successful with a surgery, people thank us and make us feel like God. We thank God for giving us the opportunity to serve the needy.

Q: Laser is the keyword of the day. Is the LASIK treatment that you offer inline with the laser treatment?

A: Yes, Lasik is inline with laser. In fact Lasik is a combination of Laser and Microsurgery. The details of the most popular Lasik surgery are available at http://www.maxivisionhyd.com

Q: Most of the young doctors are migrating to greener pastures. What made you come back after 20 years of stay in UK?

A: Well, I think everybody should migrate; West has more to offer. It doesn't mean we don't have it in India. But the opportunity for learning and exposure is better in Western Countries. In my case, I went to UK in 1978 to play cricket then I got struck there, build up a career in lasers in eyes as a super speciality. It's not that my learning is thorough, I am still learning. I have learnt a lot in Twenty years while abroad. I have decided to get back to my motherland in the last leg of my life.

Q: The information Technology explosion has changed the life styles, how is it useful when it comes to medical profession?

A: Well, in Medical profession, a Doctor is a plumber, a carpenter, all turned into one. Information Technology, rather the word computer, plays a major role in Medical profession, we can't survive without IT. In the past medical information was not available as on today. The touch of a button will pour the success, pros and cons i.e. the good, bad and ugly side of everything. IT is playing a major role in everybody's life, and continues to do so in future.

Q: It is stated that LASIK is the ultimate in refractive surgery today. Who are eligible to undergo this treatment and what are its side effects?

A: Over 18 years of age and people with glasses and contact lens are eligible for this treatment. One should not have cataract, while undergoing this surgery, my oldest patient is of 65 years. According to me the side effects are next to none. Many journals are writing different articles like, haloes or night time glare and other problems. But according to me everything is a temporary problem. All these temporary side effects can be get over by experienced doctors advise.

Q: How many surgeries do you perform average in a month?

A: On an average, I treat about 200 eyes a month. In total right from the inception in 1996, I have performed 5,500 surgeries approximately; out of which 5,200 are Lasik.

Q: How is the medical scenario in India? There is a wider perception that it is getting commercialised. Your comments please.

A: Yes, it is commercialised. I think it should be commercialised. My dream will be fulfilled when the modern medicine reaches the poorest of the poor, but it may remain a dream. Indian government, doctors and charitable organisations are working towards ensuring the welfare of the needy. Every Indian doctor gets up in the morning and does charity in his own way like giving concession, reduction and at times providing free medial facility for the poor. In UK every 15 miles there is a super speciality hospital. Does it ever happen in India? Then we will be successful. Let me hope the day is not far off.

Q: It is a known fact that the occupational hazards of computer professionals punching the keys for hours together were much more serious and disabling than in any other industry. What eye care scheme do you recommend for such professionals?

A: The most apt question of today! More and more people are turning to computers. While working on computer our frequency is to stare at monitor. Two things that one should do:

Remember to blink Take a break once in every 30 minutes to look away from the screen so that there is no ciliary spasm. An IT organisation should get their personnel checked every year with a local ophthalmologist.

Q: What is your advice for a healthy life for a third world country like India?

A: I don't know what you are talking about the third world and the first world countries. In India we do require one basic thing for our society that is discipline. Most of them lack that quality. If there is one person who is disciplined, he will be forced to join the in disciplined mob. We have to be put an end to this problem, if you are dreaming of a well-tuned nation.

Interviewer - Lakshmi Mantha

Profile of Dr. K. Prasad Reddy

Employment History

1075-78 Post Graduate Medic in MS General Surgery at Stanley Medical College, Madras. From Feb 1978 settled in United Kingdom, Feb'1996 came back to Hyderabad, India 1978 to 1983 SHO Accident and Emergency, Orthopaedic, Neurosurgery. 1983 to 1993 SHO and Staff Grade Ophthalmologist - Doncaster Royal Infirmary, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, U.K. 1993-1996 Medical Director Corneal Laser Centre, St.James's University Hospital, Leeds, UK. 1996 onwards, Managing Director, MaxiVision, Hyderabad, India.

Since September 1991, activity involved with Excimer laser refractive surgery and started with the first Excimer laser centre in Europe at Clatter Bridge Hospital, Liverpool, UK. Conducted 7000+ excimer laser surgical procedures so far. Out of these 7000+ operations 4000+ are LASIK procedures.

First in India for Lasik Treatment MaxiVision Laser Centre, with Dr. Kasu Prasad Reddy as their Medical Director claims to have an experience of 4500+ Laser treatments done in England and since starting on 11th March '96 in Hyderabad 4000+ treatments.

For centuries people have relied on glasses and more recently contact lenses, to help them see well. Technological advances in these appliances have produced general satisfaction. However, these solutions are not satisfactory for everyone. For reasons of careers like fire service, naval, air force and armed services, sporting activities like swimming, etc., and appearances (marriages) glasses are not always suitable. Contact lenses may also be problematical with many people becoming intolerant or allergic and rarely having infections leading to blindness. Therefore, for many, refractive surgery offers the only opportunity to see well without glasses or contact lenses.

MaxiVision's latest American laser has flying spot technology and is helping many people to see without glasses or contact lenses. You could join them.

Conferences Attended

Conference for Radial Keratotomy in Scarborough in 1990 Course for Excimer Laser at Clatter bridge Hospital in 1991 Summit laser meeting in Switzerland December 1994 - Prof. Knotz in Mannhein, Germany to learn LASIK (Laser Assisted Insitu Keratomileusis) procedure Course in Chicago - Dr. Nicholos Carro, to learn Micro Lamellar Keratoplasty with the new micro keratome by Microtech USA.

Sporting Interests

Cricket, Squash, Horse riding. Qualified private pilot since 1989 with British licence, flying light aircrafts, gliders micro lights and hand gliders. Authorised Medical Examiner for CAA (Civil Aviation Authority), Gatwick Airport, London.

Related Links

LASIK News Kitty's LASIK Page All About LASIK My Personal Experience LAISK Facts