You cannot count on your fingers the number of reasons why Doctors make great entrepreneurs. Medicine is a very people-oriented profession and you will find that you’re dealing with all sorts of people – from suppliers to customers and business partners. Indeed, your ability to establish rapport, build trust and being able to deal with people from all walks of life will set you up ahead of competition in the business world. Doctors are trained in ‘critical thinking ’. They can take a step back and evaluate a problem by looking at the key elements and patterns, while keeping the big picture in mind. Every segment within the medical sciences has witnessed entrepreneurship. Particularly, the need for ophthalmologists and optometrists is going to be greater than ever in the coming decade, and that determines the vibrant future of ophthalmology. Dr.NidhiSaluja, Founder, Saluja Eye Care Centre, gives us a firsthand account of managing an eye care centre with multiple roles to play and at the same time shape the future of ophthalmology

Tell Us About Your Journey From Academia To The Professional Chapter.

I’ve had a rather fruitful journey from my academics through to my career. I pursued a Post Graduation in Ophthalmology. I followed this with clinical fellowship in Glaucoma and Far Vision Aids from the esteemed Aravind Eye Hospital. To further quench my desire to learn, I did a fellowship in cataract surgery from Joseph Eye Hospital headquartered in Trichy. Training in contact lens from LVPEI Hyderabad was also an add on to my endeavours. After having entered a profession, I have also had the opportunity to work as a consultant Ophthalmologist in Karnavati Hospital Ahmedabad and Apollo Hospitals Indore to name a few.

What Makes Saluja Eye Care Centre, A Sought After Eye Care Hospital?

Well, for one thing, Saluja Eye Care Center is one of the pioneers in high quality vision care for more than 14 years. The years of successfully conducted treatments and surgeries speaks volumes for us. Rated as one of the best eye hospitals in Indore, our eye care centre offers the widest range of modern ophthalmic treatment to our patients. We provide comprehensive eye care under one roof with well trained personnel offering best and most updated treatment modalities. Most importantly, while technology has significantly advanced with healthcare, our hospital is equipped with the most modern technology specialising in delivery of affordable medical care of highest quality to patients.

What Are The Various Roles & Responsibilities That You Currently Shoulder At Saluja Eye Care Centre? What Are Some Of The Most Challenging Aspects Of Your Role As Founder? How Do You Overcome Them?

Apart from my routine work consulting patients at the hospital, I am deeply involved in human resource procurement and business development for the hospital. With so many corporate chains venturing in the ophthalmic industry in Indore, you have to keep on making continuous efforts to keep connected with your patients and provide them full satisfaction on their visit to the hospital.

What Have Been The Most Significant Milestones That You Have Achieved So Far In Your Professional Journey? What Is Your Guiding Leadership Philosophy?

Thank you for that question. I don’t really have one guiding philosophy; there are more than a few. Nevertheless, every one of them is close to my lifestyle and important to me. I believe one needs to have clear vision and goals. Part of my responsibilities also requires me to choose the team wisely. I am passionate about my employees and try to maintain one-to -one communication with each one of them. Time & again, I support, encourage, and motivate the employees. I think one of the most important routes to an honest professional path is to be honest to yourself about your strengths, and above all, your weaknesses.

Tell Us About The Varied Expertise That You Possess As An Eye Specialist. How Has Your Prior Industry Experience Helped You In Your Current Role As The Founder At Saluja Eye Care Centre?

My past experiences cumulated working with various corporate and trust hospitals has definitely helped in establishing Saluja Eye Care Centre, and at the same time, further shape it. The diverse culture of both have contributed to my understanding of running Saluja Eye Care. On one hand, trust hospitals offer you a huge number of patients with varied clinical diagnosis, thereby enriching you as a clinician. While on the other hand, corporate hospitals teach you how to work on patient satisfaction and happiness. The various connections and networks you gain during these periods become your life long assets.

"While technology has significantly advanced with healthcare, our hospital is equipped with the most modern technology specialising in delivery of affordable medical care of highest quality to patients"

How Do You Keep Yourself Well Aligned With The Periodic Evolutions Occurring Within The Ophthalmology Field?

Keeping oneself updated with the latest trends in the ophthalmic world is a must. Evidently because, we are in a technology driven fast changing world and ophthalmology too, is undergoing rapid advancements. I keep myself updated by attending various ophthalmic conferences at state and national levels. Besides, at the organizational level, we keep conducting training programmes for hospital staff too, so that they do not miss out on the latest technology advancements.

As A Successful Practitioner And Entrepreneur Yourself, What Would Be Your Advice To Young Women And Girls Who Aspire To Become Business Leaders And Entrepreneurs In Their Respective Science Domain?

Stay focused on the primary goals you want to achieve in your business as well as your personal life. Also, be practical in your approach. Come what may, do not get discouraged upon minor failures. Determination & patience is the key. Over and above all, it is essential to take good care of yourself too. Remember to maintain that perfect balance between your personal and professional life.