Asha Thomas, Managing Director of Nethra Drishti Eye Hospital : Where Quality Eyecare Meets Compassionate Leadership

In an exclusive interview with Corporate World, Asha Thomas, Managing Director of Nethra Drishti Eye Hospital, opens up about her personal journey and the principles that guide her

Asha Thomas, a seasoned healthcare leader and Managing Director of Nethra Drishti Eye Hospital, has played a pivotal role in shaping India’s healthcare sector, particularly in the realm of affordable and accessible eyecare. With over 17 years of experience in hospital management, Asha’s leadership journey began in a corporate eye hospital, and over the years, she co-founded Nethra Drishti Eye Hospital, which focuses on offering advanced eye care treatments, including cataract surgeries at affordable rates.

In an exclusive interview with Corporate World, Asha opens up about her personal journey, the principles that guide her, and the innovative approaches she employs in driving success within her organisation.

Q. What inspired you to pursue a career in healthcare, and how has your journey shaped your leadership style?

My journey in healthcare began after a break when I joined a corporate eye hospital. It was the personal connection I built while interacting with patients that truly inspired me. I realised that a kind word and genuine care can make all the difference in a patient's experience. This sense of empathy and understanding became the foundation of my leadership style. Over the years, I have developed a strong belief that communication and empathy are key in healthcare. Listening to patients, understanding their concerns, and providing a solution tailored to their needs has shaped my leadership. I strongly believe that building trust with patients is essential for creating a healing environment. This has helped me in leading my team and ensuring that every individual in the organization shares the same vision of care, empathy, and excellence.

Q. How do you approach fostering innovation and collaboration in your organisation?

Fostering innovation and collaboration is central to how we operate at Nethra Drishti Eye Hospital. Our primary focus is on ensuring that our patients feel confident and cared for. Innovation starts by understanding our patients' needs and continuously striving to enhance their experience. We collaborate across all levels—whether it’s with our doctors, technicians, or support staff—to ensure we deliver quality care while embracing new advancements in medical technology. We believe in empowering our team to bring forward their ideas and suggestions, making them feel like active contributors to the hospital’s progress. Additionally, we constantly evaluate patient feedback to identify areas for improvement. Whether it's introducing advanced treatments, offering financial flexibility with EMI options, or streamlining processes for better care delivery, we aim to stay ahead of the curve while maintaining a compassionate and patient-centric approach.

Q. Give us an overview of Nethra Drishti Eye Hospital—what makes it a standout in the healthcare industry, and what are its signature areas of specialisation?

Nethra Drishti Eye Hospital stands out for its commitment to offering high-quality eye care at affordable prices, particularly for lower middle-class communities. We specialise in cataract and cornea treatments, offering these services at a significantly lower cost compared to market rates. For example, our cataract surgeries start at just ₹15,000, with EMI options available to make it easier for patients to access the care they need. This affordability, coupled with our use of state-of-the-art equipment and a team of experienced professionals, positions us as a leader in accessible eye care. Despite being located in an area where cost is a significant factor, we never compromise on the quality of care we deliver. Our patients trust us not only because of our expertise but also due to our unwavering commitment to their well-being. This combination of affordability, quality, and compassion makes Nethra Drishti Eye Hospital truly special.

Q. What principles or values guide you as a leader in healthcare?

Empathy is at the core of my leadership philosophy. While sympathy acknowledges a person's situation, empathy goes a step further, connecting with them at a deeper level. I believe that as a healthcare leader, it’s vital to understand the emotions and struggles of patients and their families. This approach helps build trust, which is critical in the healthcare sector. Compassion, integrity, and respect are also fundamental principles that guide me. As a leader, I always strive to foster an environment where the team feels supported and patients feel valued. My leadership is not about directing, but about listening, understanding, and providing solutions that align with both the needs of our patients and the values of our hospital. This patient-first mentality shapes everything we do at Nethra Drishti Eye Hospital.

Q. How is your organisation leveraging cutting-edge technology to improve patient care and outcomes?

At Nethra Drishti, we constantly invest in the latest biomedical equipment to ensure that our patients receive the best possible care. This includes advanced diagnostic tools, laser technology, and surgical instruments that enhance the precision and effectiveness of treatments. However, technology isn’t just limited to the machines we use; it extends to our approach to patient feedback. We take patient reviews seriously, as they provide invaluable insights that help us refine our services and improve our care. In addition to this, we make use of digital platforms for appointment scheduling, patient reminders, and follow-up care, ensuring a seamless experience for our patients. By integrating these technologies with a patient-centered approach, we are able to deliver high-quality care that not only addresses medical concerns but also enhances patient satisfaction.

Q. How does your organization differentiate itself in such a competitive healthcare landscape?

In the highly competitive healthcare sector, Nethra Drishti Eye Hospital differentiates itself by focusing on affordability without compromising on quality. Our pricing structure, which starts at ₹15,000 for cataract surgeries, is significantly lower than many competitors, making our services accessible to a larger segment of the population, especially those from lower-middle-class backgrounds. Moreover, we offer flexible EMI options to ease the financial burden on patients. This commitment to affordability, coupled with our use of cutting-edge medical technology and highly skilled professionals, sets us apart. We ensure that every patient receives personalised care, tailored to their specific needs, and that they walk out of our facility not just treated but truly cared for. It’s this combination of accessibility, quality, and empathy that helps us stand out in a crowded healthcare landscape.

Q. What is one piece of wisdom you’ve learned through your journey that you’d like to share with our readers?

One piece of wisdom I would like to share is: ‘Do good, and good will always come searching for you’. Over the years, I have seen firsthand how genuine care and dedication to the well-being of others can create ripple effects. When you prioritise the needs of your patients and your team, the rewards—whether in the form of trust, satisfaction, or success—naturally follow. In healthcare, as in life, your intentions and actions define your path. It’s about making a difference in people’s lives and staying true to your values, and everything else will fall into place. This principle has been central to my journey and continues to guide me every day.