Trivandrum, [no date in source]: Chaithanya One, the flagship hospital of Chaithanya Eye Hospital and Research Institute, has launched SiLK, a next-generation laser vision correction technology developed by Johnson & Johnson Vision, marking its introduction to Kerala as part of the hospital’s 31st anniversary celebrations.
The SiLK (Smooth Incision Lenticule Keratomileusis) procedure, available at Chaithanya’s centres in Trivandrum and Kochi, is positioned as an advanced solution for refractive error correction, including myopia with or without astigmatism. The technology is based on the ELITA Femtosecond laser platform, which uses ultra-precise laser pulses for smooth lenticular removal.
SiLK inauguration and leadership presence
Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament, inaugurated the SiLK technology at an event attended by Dr. Unnikrishnan Nair, Managing Partner, CEO & CMO, and Dr. Anil Krishnan Nair, Partner and Director – Healthcare Promotions at Chaithanya One. The launch took place at the Hyatt Regency Trivandrum.
Dr. Unnikrishnan Nair said the introduction of SiLK opens a new “SiLK-Route” in Kerala, making advanced laser eye treatments more accessible across the state. He added that Chaithanya’s centres in Trivandrum and Kochi are now equipped to provide this technology.
Expansion of eye care ecosystem
Chaithanya, which operates a network of 13 eye hospitals in Kerala, has expanded its offerings over the past year to include AI Research Labs, Basic Research Labs, Kerala’s first Oncology Eye Clinic, Childhood Vision Clinics, Cortical Visual Blindness Clinics, the RetinARC Image Reading Centre and Telemedicine, the Ret link Network for community retinal disease recognition, and Sanchari, a portable retinal thickness scanner programme.
The hospital’s new initiatives are part of a broader effort to create a home-hospital-hybrid model, aiming to ensure continuous clinician supervision and reduce barriers such as travel or lack of support systems for patients.
Global ambitions and partnerships
Chaithanya One’s adoption of SiLK follows its association with Johnson & Johnson Vision, which launched the ELITA SiLK platform in 2023 at the 41st European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) congress. The hospital, a JCI-accredited institute, has pledged to advance technology for both domestic and international audiences as part of its comprehensive eye care programme, ‘Sampoorna Chaithanyam’.
According to the hospital, the SiLK procedure offers significant improvements over previous lenticule extraction techniques, supporting Chaithanya’s aim to remain at the forefront of refractive error correction in Kerala.
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