About Us

Vivekananda Netralaya - About Us

A Legacy of Service and Compassion

                           Vivekananda Netralaya is a charitable super-specialty eye care institution established under the aegis of Ramakrishna Ashrama, Dehradun. Inspired by the ideals of Sri Ramakrishna, Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi, and Swami Vivekananda, the hospital is dedicated to providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality eye care services to all sections of society.

Our work is guided by the timeless motto of the Ramakrishna Mission:

“Atmano Mokshartham Jagat Hitaya Cha”
“For one’s own liberation and for the welfare of the world.”

Through compassionate service, advanced medical care, education, and community outreach, we strive to transform lives by restoring vision and promoting eye health.

The Legacy of Ramakrishna Ashrama, Dehradun

Ramakrishna Ashrama Dehradun - History

Ramakrishna Mission was established by Swami Vivekananda in 1897 with the motto of ‘Atmano mokshartham jagat hitaya cha’ - Salvation for oneself and do good to the world. Since its inception, Ramakrishna Mission has been trying to fulfil Swami Vivekananda’s dream - ‘Service to Man is Worship to God’ with the invaluable support of lay devotees and well-wishers.

Swami Vivekananda visited Dehradun twice. First in 1890 when he came here for the treatment of his brother-monk Swami Akhandananda. They suddenly met Swami Turiyananda who was practicing severe spiritual disciplines at Bauri Shiva Mandir, a little away from Rajpur Road, Dehradun, towards Mussoorie. 

At that time, it did not materialise. As though in fulfillment of this wish, Swami Karunananda, a disciple of Swami Brahmananda, while trekking through Dehradun decided to open a spiritual retreat centre in 1916 Kishanpur. At the foothills of Mussoorie amidst the picturesque surroundings on Dehradun Mussoorie road, Kishanpur is 6 Kms. away from Dehradun City proper, overlooking the beautiful Shivalik range.

                He Ramakrishna Mission was founded by Swami Vivekananda in 1897 with the vision of combining spiritual growth with dedicated service to humanity. Guided by the principle “Service to Man is Worship of God,” the Mission has been serving society through education, healthcare, spiritual guidance, and humanitarian activities across the world.

Swami Vivekananda visited Dehradun twice. His first visit was in 1890 when he came for the treatment of his brother-disciple Swami Akhandananda. During this visit, they met Swami Turiyananda, who was engaged in intense spiritual practices near Dehradun. The serene environment of the Himalayan foothills deeply impressed them and inspired thoughts of establishing a spiritual centre in the region.

This vision began to take shape in 1916 when Swami Karunananda, a disciple of Swami Brahmananda, established a spiritual retreat at Kishanpur, situated amidst the picturesque foothills of Mussoorie. Originally started as an experimental centre, it gradually developed into a permanent institution.

In 1919, the property was legally transferred to Swami Brahmananda, the first President of the Ramakrishna Order, and affiliated with Ramakrishna Math, Belur Math. Over the following years, the centre expanded its activities and evolved into a place for spiritual practice, service, and care for elderly monks.

In 1934, the institution became an independent centre directly under Ramakrishna Math, Belur Math, and was officially renamed Ramakrishna Ashrama, Dehradun. Under the guidance of Swami Baladevananda (Nitai Maharaj), a direct disciple of Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi, the Ashrama steadily grew from humble beginnings into a respected spiritual and service institution.

Today, Ramakrishna Ashrama, Dehradun continues to uphold the ideals of the Ramakrishna Movement through spiritual activities, educational initiatives, healthcare services, rural development programmes, and humanitarian relief work.

"They alone live who live for others." — Swami Vivekananda

Mission & Vision

Our Mission

"Service to Man is Service to God."

The Ramakrishna Mission is a spiritual and philanthropic organization dedicated to the welfare of humanity through selfless service. Inspired by the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna and founded by Swami Vivekananda, it promotes:

  • Spiritual growth and character development
  • Education and skill development
  • Healthcare and medical services
  • Cultural preservation and value-based education
  • Rural and community welfare initiatives
  • Humanitarian and relief services
Our Commitment to Eye Care Excellence

At Vivekananda Netralaya, we believe that good vision is fundamental to a better quality of life. Our mission is to provide comprehensive eye care services using advanced technology and highly skilled professionals while maintaining affordability and accessibility.

Our strengths include:

  • Experienced ophthalmologists and healthcare professionals
  • State-of-the-art operation theatres and diagnostic facilities
  • Advanced cataract, glaucoma, retina, cornea, and pediatric eye care services
  • Patient-centred and ethical healthcare practices
  • Affordable and charitable treatment programmes
  • Continuous medical education and training initiatives

Our Vision

"Service to Man is Service to God."

Serving the Community

A significant part of our mission is reaching underserved populations, particularly in the remote and hilly regions of Uttarakhand where access to quality eye care remains limited.

Through our outreach programmes, we regularly organize:

  • Free Eye Screening Camps
  • Cataract Detection and Treatment Programmes
  • Community Eye Health Awareness Initiatives
  • School Eye Screening Programmes
  • Vision Care Services in Rural Areas
  • Outreach Centres for Remote Communities

Our efforts are focused on reducing preventable blindness and ensuring that quality eye care reaches those who need it most.

Education and Training

Vivekananda Netralaya is committed to developing future eye care professionals through structured educational and training programmes.

Our educational initiatives include:

  • Ophthalmic Training Programmes
  • Clinical Fellowship Programmes
  • Continuing Medical Education Activities
  • Maa Sarada Optometry School (B.Sc. Optometry)

These programmes help prepare skilled professionals who contribute to strengthening eye care services across the region and beyond.

Our Vision

To be a centre of excellence in ophthalmology, education, research, and community service, delivering compassionate and affordable eye care while upholding the ideals of the Ramakrishna Mission.

Our Guiding Principle

"Service to Man is Service to God."

Every patient who walks through our doors is served with dignity, compassion, and respect. Guided by the spiritual ideals of Sri Ramakrishna, Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi, and Swami Vivekananda, we continue our journey of restoring sight, relieving suffering, and serving humanity.