At ICIRC, we are more than just a research centre —we are a beacon of hope for millions vulnerable to irreversible vision loss.
Established in 1991, the Iladevi Cataract and IOL Research Centre (ICIRC) has evolved into one of India’s leading institutions dedicated to pioneering eye research.
Establishment
Since becoming a fully operational research facility in 2000, ICIRC has earned recognition from the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India.
Recognition
Notably, we are the only DSIR-recognized eye research laboratory in western India, a distinction that underscores our commitment to impactful, innovation-driven science.
Uniqueness
Our mission is to turn cutting-edge research into real-world solutions through translational science, early diagnostics, and preventive strategies. We envision a future where blindness is no longer Inevitable but predictable, preventable, and manageable.
Mission
Over the past two decades, ICIRC has laid a strong foundation in both basic and clinical ophthalmic research. We have made substantial investments in state-of-the-art infrastructure, including genetics and genomics, cell and tissue culture, molecular cloning, and high-resolution imaging technologies.
Translational Research
Our passionate team of scientists has secured multiple national research grants and has mentored a new generation of doctoral and postgraduate researchers.
Accolades
As we continue to expand, ICIRC remains committed to strategic collaborations, sustainable funding, and donor partnerships.
With renewed energy and purpose, we are driving forward the next generation of vision-saving innovations for India and the world.
Expansion
Our Vision
To advance cutting-edge research and
to develop innovative solutions for some
of the most devastating complex
diseases affecting the wellness of
millions globally.
Ph.D. Programs at ICIRC
Since its inception, the Iladevi Cataract & IOL Research Centre (ICIRC) has been dedicated to fostering advanced research and innovation in the life and biomedical sciences. Through its collaborative doctoral programs with premier academic institutions, ICIRC offers opportunities for scholars to pursue cutting-edge research leading to a Ph.D. degree in diverse scientific disciplines, including:
- Genomics and Molecular Genetics
- Cell and Molecular Biology
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
Over the years, ICIRC has nurtured exceptional doctoral scholars who have gone on to make significant contributions in academia, research, and clinical science across the world. Their achievements exemplify ICIRC’s commitment to excellence, discovery, and global impact in vision and biomedical research.
Our Distinguished Ph.D. Alumni
(Degrees Awarded through ICIRC in collaboration with premier academic institutions)
Dr. Bhagwat V. Alapure, M.Sc., Ph.D.
Ph.D in Protein Biology
(2006-2010)
(2006-2010)
Manipal Academy of Higher Education
Manipal, Karnataka.
His doctoral research focused on the molecular mechanisms underlying the formation of cortico-capsular adhesion (CCA) in the human lens
Current Position
Senior Scientist, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, USA.
Dr. S. Rajkumar, M.Sc., Ph.D.
Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics
(2007-2011)
(2007-2011)
Manipal Academy of Higher Education
Manipal, Karnataka.
His doctoral research focused on the genetic and molecular basis of oxidative stress in human cataractogenesis
Current Position
Principal Scientist
Department of Genetics and Genomics Iladevi Cataract and IOL Research Centre Ahmedabad, Gujarat India.
Dr. Anshul I. Arora, M.Sc., Ph.D.
Ph.D. in Cell Biology
(2010-2013)
(2010-2013)
Kadi Sarva Vidyalaya
Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
Her doctoral research focused on dynamics of cell polarity complexes in cataract and posterior capsular opacification
Current Position
Postdoctoral Fellow
1Voice Foundation & 1Voice Academy Florida, USA.
Dr. Anuradha K. Pal, M.Sc., Ph.D.
Ph.D. in Microbiology
(2010-2014)
(2010-2014)
Manipal Academy of Higher Education
Manipal, Karnataka.
Her doctoral research focused on identifying virulence factors and the mechanisms underlying pathogenesis of fungi causing keratitis
Current Position
Clinical Technician
Department of Pathology, Gold Coast University Hospital, Australia.
Dr. Forum B. Kayastha, M.Sc., Ph.D.
Ph.D. in Phyto Therapeutics
(2011-2015)
(2011-2015)
Manipal Academy of Higher Education
Manipal, Karnataka.
Her doctoral research focused on the influence of plant derived bioactive components on the plasticity of lens epithelial cells.
Current Position
Postdoctoral Fellow
Virginia Commonwealth University
School of Medicine, Richmond, USA.
Dr. Darshini A. Ganatra, M.Sc., Ph.D.
Ph.D. in Epigenetics
(2012-2017)
(2012-2017)
Manipal Academy of Higher Education
Manipal, Karnataka.
Her doctoral research focused on epigenetic regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition of lens epithelial cells.
Current Position
Scientific Associate
University Health Network, Canada.
Dr. Vidya G. Nair, M.Sc., Ph.D.
Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics
(2015 – 2019)
(2015 – 2019)
Manipal Academy of Higher Education
Manipal, Karnataka.
Her doctoral research focused on genetic variants associated with diverse congenital ocular anomalies including cataract, anophthalmia, microphthalmia, and aniridia.
Current Position
Research Associate
Weill Cornell Medical College, Qatar.
Dr. Dhaval Shukal, M.Sc., Ph.D.
Ph.D. in Cell Biology
(2017-2021)
(2017-2021)
Manipal Academy of Higher Education
Manipal, Karnataka.
His doctoral research focused on elucidating molecular pathways regulating retinal pigment epithelial
cells homeostasis
Current Position
Postdoctoral Researcher
Thomas Jefferson University, USA.
Dr. Pooja B. Malaviya, M.Sc., Ph.D.
Ph.D. in Nanotechnology and Drug
Delivery
(2018-2022)
(2018-2022)
Manipal Academy of Higher Education
Manipal, Karnataka.
Her doctoral research focused on developing nanoparticle-based drug delivery system for retinal disorders.
Current Position
Postdoctoral Researcher at Wayne
State University, USA.
Dr. Atiyabanu N. Saiyed, M.Sc., Ph.D.
Ph.D. in Epigenetics
(2018-2023)
(2018-2023)
Manipal Academy of Higher Education
Manipal, Karnataka.
Her doctoral research focused on the regulatory potential of plant-derived microRNA on retinal pigment epithelial cells
Current Position
Postdoctoral Researcher at the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, USA.
Collaborations & MoUs
ICIRC has Established Academic and Research Collaborations with:
Indian Institute of Technology,
Gandhinagar (IIT-Gn), Gujarat
Gandhinagar (IIT-Gn), Gujarat
Manipal University,
Karnataka
Karnataka
Gujarat University,
Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Ahmedabad, Gujarat
