Ophthalmologist, Vitreo-Retina
Dr. Gaurav Kohli
MBBS, MD, DNB, FVRS
Diabetic retinopathy, retinal diseases, cataract and general eye care.
Ophthalmology (Eye Care)
Cataract, retina and eye care in Lucknow
Blurred or cloudy vision, diabetes affecting the eyes, a red or painful eye, or a child who squints? Our ophthalmologists at Charak Hospital, Hardoi Road, Dubagga, check every part of the eye and treat problems with glasses, medicines, laser or surgery.
NABH-accredited hospital
300-bed multispeciality
Retina specialist (FVRS)
Cataract & retina care
Talk to our eye team
Share your details — our coordinator will call you back to schedule a visit.
24×7 hospital & emergency0522-666-4444
Our approach
Eye care that protects your sight
Many eye diseases, such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, cause no symptoms until vision is lost. Regular eye checks find them early, when treatment is most likely to save sight. Cataract, the most common cause of blurred vision in older adults, is treated with a short operation.
- A complete eye check, including the back of the eye
- Cataract surgery with lens implants
- Retina care for diabetes and other retinal diseases
- Glaucoma checks and treatment
- Joint care with diabetes, neurology and paediatrics
Cataract
Assessment and surgery with intraocular lens implants.
Retina
Diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment and macular disease.
Glaucoma
Eye pressure checks, drops, laser and surgery.
General eye care
Vision checks, glasses, infections, dry eye and injuries.
300Bed multispeciality hospital
NABHAccredited for quality and patient safety
24×7Emergency & critical care
27+Specialities under one roof
Know the signs
When to see an eye specialist
See an eye doctor for any of these, and for regular checks if you have diabetes or are over 40.
Blurred or cloudy vision
Difficulty reading, seeing faces or driving at night.
Glare and halos
Glare from lights, or halos around lamps.
Red or painful eye
Redness with pain, discharge or reduced vision.
Floaters and flashes
New floaters, flashes of light or a curtain over vision.
Diabetes or high BP
Yearly retina checks are needed even with good vision.
Headache with reading
Eye strain, headaches or frequent changes in glasses.
Squint in a child
Eyes that do not look in the same direction.
Eye injury
Any injury, chemical splash or object in the eye.
Come to emergency straight away for sudden loss of vision, a curtain over vision, severe eye pain with headache and vomiting, a chemical splash (wash with clean water first), or an injury to the eye. Call 0522-666-4444.
Conditions A–Z
Find information about an eye condition
Tap a condition to read the common signs, how it is diagnosed and how it is treated.
Cataract
Clouding of the eye’s natural lens
Common signs
Gradually blurred or cloudy vision, glare, faded colours and frequent changes in glasses.
How it is diagnosed
Vision test and slit-lamp examination.
How it is treated
Cataract surgery to replace the cloudy lens with an artificial lens (IOL), usually as a day procedure.
About cataract surgeryRefractive errors
Short sight, long sight and astigmatism
Common signs
Blurred distance or near vision, eye strain and headaches.
How it is diagnosed
Vision and refraction tests.
How it is treated
Glasses or contact lenses; reading glasses after 40.
Diabetic retinopathy
Diabetes damaging the retina
Common signs
Often none until late; blurred vision or floaters.
How it is diagnosed
Dilated retina examination, OCT and fundus photography.
How it is treated
Good sugar control, laser treatment and injections into the eye when needed.
See retinopathy stagesRetinal detachment
The retina pulling away from the eye wall
Common signs
New floaters, flashes of light and a shadow or curtain over vision.
How it is diagnosed
Urgent dilated retina examination and ultrasound.
How it is treated
Urgent laser or surgery to reattach the retina.
See warning signsMacular degeneration and macular oedema
Damage to the centre of the retina
Common signs
Distorted or blurred central vision, difficulty reading.
How it is diagnosed
Retina examination and OCT scan.
How it is treated
Injections into the eye, laser or monitoring, depending on the type.
High BP and the eyes
Hypertensive retinopathy and vein blockages
Common signs
Often none; sudden blurred vision in vein or artery blockage.
How it is diagnosed
Retina examination.
How it is treated
BP control and treatment of complications.
BP & heart careGlaucoma
Raised eye pressure damaging the optic nerve
Common signs
Usually none until side vision is lost; sudden pain and redness in angle-closure glaucoma.
How it is diagnosed
Eye pressure, optic nerve examination, visual field test and OCT.
How it is treated
Daily eye drops, laser or surgery to lower pressure. Lost vision cannot be restored, so early detection matters.
Conjunctivitis (eye flu)
Infection or allergy of the eye surface
Common signs
Red, watery or sticky eyes, itching and discharge.
How it is diagnosed
Examination.
How it is treated
Drops depending on the cause; hygiene to prevent spread.
Dry eye
Not enough or poor-quality tears
Common signs
Gritty, burning or tired eyes, worse with screens.
How it is diagnosed
Examination and tear tests.
How it is treated
Lubricating drops, screen breaks and treating lid inflammation.
Corneal ulcer
Infection of the clear front of the eye
Common signs
Pain, redness, watering and a white spot on the eye, often after an injury.
How it is diagnosed
Slit-lamp examination and scrapings.
How it is treated
Urgent, frequent eye drops. Do not use steroid drops without advice.
Eye injuries
Blunt, sharp or chemical injury
Common signs
Pain, redness, reduced vision or a foreign body sensation.
How it is diagnosed
Examination, sometimes with scans.
How it is treated
Urgent care; wash chemical injuries with plenty of clean water first.
See emergency signsSquint (strabismus)
Eyes not aligned
Common signs
One eye turning in, out, up or down.
How it is diagnosed
Vision tests and eye alignment checks.
How it is treated
Glasses, patching for lazy eye, and surgery when needed.
PaediatricsLazy eye (amblyopia)
Reduced vision in one eye in childhood
Common signs
Often none; found on screening.
How it is diagnosed
Vision tests in children.
How it is treated
Glasses and patching; results are better when started early.
Retinopathy of prematurity
Eye problem in babies born early
Who needs screening
Babies born very early or with low birth weight.
How it is diagnosed
Retina examination in the first weeks of life.
How it is treated
Laser or injections when needed.
Neonatal careNo match found. Please call us on 0522-666-4444 — we will guide you.
Eye tests
Eye tests we use
A complete eye check includes tests of vision, eye pressure and the back of the eye. Dilating drops are used to see the retina.
Vision test
Reading letters on a chart, with and without glasses.
Slit-lamp examination
A microscope check of the front of the eye.
Eye pressure
Measured to check for glaucoma.
Dilated retina check
Drops widen the pupil to examine the retina.
OCT & field tests
Scans of the retina and optic nerve, and side vision tests.
Diabetic retinopathy stages
Diabetes can damage the retina slowly, often without symptoms. Tap a stage to see what it means.
Treatment
The main treatments we offer
Choose a topic to see what treatment involves and how to stay safe.
Cataract surgery with lens implant
The cloudy lens is removed through a small cut and replaced with a clear artificial lens. It usually takes less than half an hour under local anaesthesia.
PhacoemulsificationLens implant (IOL)Day-care surgeryWhat to expect
- Eye drops to numb the eye
- Home the same day
- Vision improves over days to weeks
After surgery
- Use the eye drops as prescribed
- Avoid rubbing the eye and splashing water for a week
- Report pain, redness or falling vision at once
Laser and injections
Diabetic retinopathy, macular oedema and other retinal problems are treated with laser or with medicine injected into the eye, done in a clean procedure room.
Retinal laserIntravitreal injectionsRetina surgery referralWhat to expect
- Numbing drops before treatment
- Several sessions may be needed
- Regular OCT scans to check progress
Staying safe
- Control sugar and BP
- Attend every follow-up
- Report sudden loss of vision
Lowering eye pressure
Glaucoma is controlled with daily drops that lower eye pressure. Laser or surgery is used when drops are not enough.
Eye dropsLaser treatmentGlaucoma surgeryWhat to expect
- Regular pressure and field checks
- Lifelong treatment in most people
- Treatment adjusted to your readings
Good habits
- Use drops every day at the same time
- Do not stop drops when you feel fine
- Ask family members to get checked too
Vision correction
Glasses are prescribed after a careful refraction test. Children are checked for lazy eye and squint.
Refraction testGlasses prescriptionContact lens adviceChildren’s vision checksWhat to expect
- Vision test with and without drops in children
- A written prescription
- Review every 1–2 years
Good habits
- Wear glasses as prescribed
- Take screen breaks
- Ensure good light for reading
Treatment of the eye surface
Infections, allergies and dry eye are treated with the right drops. Some infections need urgent and frequent treatment to protect vision.
Antibiotic or antiviral dropsLubricating dropsAllergy dropsWhat to expect
- Examination with a slit lamp
- Clear instructions on drop timing
- Review to check healing
Staying safe
- Never use steroid drops without advice
- Do not share towels or eye drops
- Wash hands before using drops
Squint and lazy eye
Squint and lazy eye are treated with glasses, patching and, for some children, surgery. Treatment is more effective when started early.
Vision screeningPatchingSquint surgeryWhat to expect
- Child-friendly vision tests
- Regular follow-up
- Parents shown how to patch
At home
- Patch exactly as advised
- Encourage glasses wear
- Limit screen time
Services
Eye services at Charak
Tests and procedures available in the department.
Your visit
What happens, step by step
Step 1
Consultation
Tell us about your vision, diabetes, BP and eye history.
Step 2
Eye tests
Vision, pressure and slit-lamp tests.
Step 3
Dilated check
Drops to examine the retina; vision may be blurred for a few hours.
Step 4
Diagnosis & plan
Glasses, drops, laser or surgery explained.
Step 5
Procedure if needed
Most eye procedures are day care.
Step 6
Follow-up
Checks to make sure your eye has healed.
Eye check
Many eye diseases have no early symptoms
Diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma can damage sight before you notice anything. A yearly eye check protects your vision.
Who should have a regular eye check
Book an eye check if any of these apply:
- !Diabetes — a retina check every year, even if vision is good.
- !Age 40 or above — for glaucoma and cataract.
- !A family history of glaucoma — earlier and regular checks.
- !A child with squint or poor school performance — vision screening.
Eye care at Charak
- Retina care with Dr. Gaurav Kohli, retina specialist.
- Diabetes care with the endocrinology team.
- Children’s eye checks with our paediatrics team.
Look after your eyes
Tap each one you do:
- I have had an eye check in the last year
- I control my sugar and BP, if I have diabetes or high BP
- I follow the 20-20-20 rule for screens
- I wear sunglasses in bright sunlight
- I wear eye protection for risky work
- I never use eye drops without advice
- I eat green leafy vegetables and fruit
20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Book an eye check
Recovery
After eye treatment
General guidance — always follow the specific instructions your eye doctor gives you.
After cataract surgery
Use your eye drops exactly as prescribed and wear the shield at night for the first week.
Avoid rubbing the eye, splashing water, heavy lifting and dusty places for a week or two.
After laser or injections
Mild discomfort or floaters are common for a day or two.
Attend all follow-up visits — several treatments may be needed.
Living with glaucoma
Use drops every day, even when your eyes feel fine.
Bring your drops to each visit so we can check your technique.
Diabetes and your eyes
Good control of sugar, BP and cholesterol slows retinopathy.
Have your retina checked at least once a year.
Screens and dry eye
Take regular breaks and blink often when using screens.
Use lubricating drops if advised.
Children with glasses or patches
Encourage your child to wear glasses all day if prescribed.
Patch for the hours advised and make it part of play time.
Contact us urgently if
- Sudden loss or dimming of vision
- A curtain or shadow over vision
- New floaters or flashes of light
- Severe eye pain, especially with headache and vomiting
- Increasing redness or pain after surgery
- A chemical splash or injury to the eye
Family care
Eye care for every stage of life
Children
- Squint and lazy eye
- Vision checks before school
- Screening for babies born early
Working adults
- Screen-related eye strain and dry eye
- Diabetic eye checks
- Eye protection at work
Older adults
- Cataract
- Glaucoma and macular degeneration
- Regular checks to prevent falls from poor vision
Prevention
Eye checks and how often to have them
These are general guides. Your doctor may advise differently.
| Who | What we recommend | How often |
|---|---|---|
| People with diabetes | Dilated retina examination | Every year, or more often if advised |
| Adults 40 and above | Eye check including pressure | Every 1–2 years |
| Family history of glaucoma | Glaucoma check | Every year from 40, or earlier |
| Children | Vision screening | Before school and every 1–2 years |
| Babies born very early | Retinopathy of prematurity screening | In the first weeks of life |
| People on long-term steroids | Eye pressure and cataract check | As advised |
Control sugar and BP
Follow the 20-20-20 rule
Wear sunglasses outdoors
Use eye protection for risky work
Do not use eye drops without advice
Eat leafy greens and fruit
Myths & facts
Clearing up common misunderstandings
Tap a card to see the fact.
Myth
“A cataract must be ‘ripe’ before surgery.”
Tap to flipFact
Modern cataract surgery can be done when the cataract affects your daily life. Waiting too long can make surgery harder.
Myth
“Good vision means my eyes are healthy.”
Tap to flipFact
Glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy can be present with normal vision. Only an eye check can tell.
Myth
“Wearing glasses weakens the eyes.”
Tap to flipFact
Glasses do not weaken the eyes. They help you see clearly.
Myth
“Eye flu spreads by looking at someone.”
Tap to flipFact
Conjunctivitis spreads by touch and shared items, not by looking. Wash hands often.
Myth
“Steroid drops are fine for red eyes.”
Tap to flipFact
Steroid drops used without advice can cause glaucoma, cataract and worsen some infections.
Myth
“Reading in dim light damages the eyes.”
Tap to flipFact
It can cause strain but not permanent damage. Good light makes reading more comfortable.
Our doctors
Meet our eye team
Consultant Ophthalmologist
Dr. Devanand Bharti
MBBS, MS (Ophthalmology)
Cataract, glaucoma, vision problems and general eye care.
Practical help
Preparing for your visit, costs & insurance
A little preparation helps us make the most of your appointment.
What to bring to your visit
Tick off as you pack:
- Your current glasses and any old prescriptions
- All eye drops and medicines you use
- Your sugar and BP reports, if you have diabetes or high BP
- Someone to accompany you — dilating drops blur vision for a few hours
- Sunglasses for after the dilated check
- A list of the questions you want to ask
Costs & insurance
Costs depend on the tests and treatment you need. Ask our team for a written estimate before planned tests, procedures or admission.
- ✓Written estimate— ask for one before planned procedures or admission.
- ✓Health insurance & TPA— cashless treatment for admissions under tie-up insurers; outpatient visits depend on your policy.
- ✓Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) accepted for eligible admissions.
- ✓Corporate & PSU panels— ask whether your employer has a tie-up with Charak Hospital.
*Coverage depends on your policy and the treatment. Our insurance desk can check this for you.
Call 0522-666-4444
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
When should I have cataract surgery?
When the cataract affects your daily activities, such as reading, driving or recognising faces. You do not need to wait for it to become ‘ripe’.
How long does cataract surgery take?
The operation usually takes less than half an hour, and most people go home the same day.
Why do I need a retina check if I have diabetes?
Diabetes can damage the retina without symptoms. Yearly checks find problems early, when treatment can protect your sight.
Can glaucoma be cured?
Glaucoma cannot be cured, but it can be controlled with drops, laser or surgery to prevent further vision loss.
Will dilating drops affect my vision?
Your vision will be blurred and sensitive to light for a few hours. Do not drive until it clears.
Are injections into the eye painful?
The eye is numbed with drops first. Most people feel only mild pressure.
At what age should a child have an eye check?
Before starting school, and earlier if you notice a squint or your child holds things very close.
How do I book an appointment?
Call 0522-666-4444 or use the request call back form on this page. For sudden vision loss or eye injury, come straight to the 24×7 emergency.
Glossary
Words you may hear from your eye doctor
CataractClouding of the eye’s natural lens.
IOLIntraocular lens — the artificial lens placed during cataract surgery.
PhacoemulsificationCataract surgery through a small cut using ultrasound.
RetinaThe light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye.
MaculaThe centre of the retina used for fine vision.
Diabetic retinopathyDiabetes damage to the retina.
Macular oedemaSwelling of the macula.
OCTA scan of the retina layers.
GlaucomaDamage to the optic nerve, often from raised eye pressure.
IOPIntraocular pressure — eye pressure.
Visual field testA test of side vision.
Retinal detachmentThe retina pulling away from the back of the eye.
FloatersSpots or threads drifting in vision.
Intravitreal injectionMedicine injected into the eye.
RefractionA test to find the right glasses power.
MyopiaShort sight.
HypermetropiaLong sight.
AstigmatismUneven focusing causing blurred vision.
AmblyopiaLazy eye.
StrabismusSquint — misaligned eyes.
No matching term. Please ask your doctor at your next visit.
Related pages
Related departments and guides
Blurred vision, diabetes or an eye problem to check?
Speak with our eye team. For sudden vision loss or eye injury, come straight to the 24×7 emergency.
Medical information disclaimer: This page provides general health information for patients and families. It is not a substitute for a consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified doctor. Treatment decisions depend on each patient's individual condition. In an emergency, call 0522-666-4444 or go to the nearest emergency department.
About this page: Prepared by the Charak Hospital web team with the help of AI writing tools, using information from the Department of Ophthalmology, Charak Hospital & Research Centre · Last updated: October 2026
Explore other clinical departments
- Interventional Radiology
- Critical Care & Anaesthesia
- Dermatology & Cosmetology
- Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT)
- Endocrinology & Diabetes
- Hematology | Hemato-Oncology
- Internal Medicine
- Medical and Surgical Oncology
- Medical Gastroenterology & Hepatology
- Minimal Access/Laparoscopic & Bariatric Surgery
- Nephrology, Kidney Transplant & 24/7 Dialysis
- Obstetrics & Gynaecology
- Orthopaedics & Joint Replacement
- Pediatrics & Neonatology
- Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
- Radiology
- Surgical Gastroenterology & HPB Surgery
- Dietetics & Nutrition
- Institute of Cardiac Sciences
- Institute of Neurosciences
- Institute of Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine
- Institute of Urology and Kidney Transplant
- Interventional Pain Management
- Psychiatry & De-addictions