Overview

The GROW (Genes, Repair and Regeneration in Ophthalmic Workstation) research unit at Narayana Nethralaya, in collaboration with IBMS (Imaging, Biomechanics and Mathematical Modelling Solutions Lab), has delivered impactful scientific and clinical outcomes that strengthen precision eye care and genetic medicine. This work has contributed to the development of indigenous, cost-effective gene therapy platforms for ocular genetic diseases such as keratoconus, retinitis pigmentosa, and age-related macular degeneration, with the aim of significantly reducing treatment costs compared with global therapies. In parallel, this research has led to non-invasive diagnostic innovations, including tear-based biomarker panels and AI-supported models, enabling earlier detection, improved prediction of disease progression, and more personalised treatment decisions.

Key scientific discoveries from this research have revealed novel molecular, immune, and metabolic mechanisms underlying eye diseases, enabling more effective repurposing of existing drugs and the identification of new therapeutic targets. Together, these advances allow clinicians to intervene earlier, select treatments more precisely, and improve long-term patient outcomes.

Overall, GROW and IBMS have strengthened India’s translational research ecosystem, improved access to advanced yet affordable care, and contributed valuable insights to global biomedical science.

NVAULT

Repeatability of a Commercially Available Adaptive Optics Visual Simulator and Aberrometer in Normal and Keratoconic Eyes.

Authors: Shetty R, Kochar S, Grover T, Khamar P, Kusumgar P, Sainani K, Sinha Roy A.

Keywords: NA

PMID: 29117417

DOI: 10.3928/1081597X-20170718-02

Customized corneal crosslinking using different UVA beam profiles.

Authors: Shetty R, Pahuja N, Roshan T, Deshmukh R, Francis M, Ghosh A, Sinha Roy A.

Keywords: NA

PMID: 28991335

DOI: 10.3928/1081597X-20170621-07

Application of high resolution OCT to evaluate irregularity of Bowman's layer in asymmetric keratoconus.

Authors: Pahuja N, Shroff R, Pahanpate P, Francis M, Veeboy L, Shetty R, Nuijts RM, Sinha Roy A.

Keywords: NA

PMID: 27555452

DOI: 10.1002/jbio.201600106