“True strength is not just about talent or skill, but about the courage to keep moving forward despite setbacks.”
Introduction
Optom. (Dr.) Thanuja (C.S.) Panicker’s biography is a captivating journey that highlights her outstanding achievements in the field of Optometry, her relentless commitment to public health, and her profound dedication to serving the community. Born with a passion for helping others and a drive to make a tangible difference, Optom. (Dr.) Thanuja (C.S.) Panicker has devoted her life to advancing the field of eye care, both through her practice and her contributions to education and research.
Phase 1 : The Roots of Life
Optom. (Dr.) Thanuja (C.S.) Panicker was born on June 16, 1971, in Chennai, India, into a family that, while originally from Kerala, had been settled in Chennai for generations. She grew up in a supportive and disciplined household, alongside her two younger siblings—her brother and sister, both of whom also followed in her footsteps and became optometrists.
From an early age, Optom. (Dr.) Thanuja (C.S.) Panicker’s life was shaped by the strong influence of her parents. Her father, Mr. C.N.S. Panicker, was a retired officer from the Indian Information Service. He believed strongly in the power of education and often emphasized the importance of academic excellence. While Optom. (Dr.) Thanuja (C.S.) Panicker had an interest in extracurricular activities such as dance and sports, her father encouraged her to focus on her studies, believing that a solid academic foundation would lead to a secure and successful future. Looking back, Optom. (Dr.) Thanuja (C.S.) Panicker often reflects on how her father’s discipline helped shape her work ethic and determination, qualities that have been instrumental in her success.
Her mother, Mrs. Chandrika Panicker, was a homemaker and played a crucial role in maintaining harmony within the family. While her father provided the structure and discipline, her mother offered emotional support and ensured that the home was filled with warmth, respect, and cultural values. Optom. (Dr.) Thanuja (C.S.) Panicker fondly remembers her mother’s nurturing presence and the balance it provided in their household.
Optom. (Dr.) Thanuja (C.S.) Panicker’s educational journey began at the State Bank Officers Association School, a place that helped her develop both academically and personally. The school not only provided a strong academic foundation but also encouraged participation in sports and extracurricular activities. It was here that Optom.
(Dr.) Thanuja (C.S.) Panicker first learned the importance of a well-rounded education. Despite being raised in a Hindu household, she attended a Christian school, an experience that broadened her worldview and fostered her open-mindedness and adaptability.
Phase 2 : A Thirst for Knowledge
Optom. (Dr.) Thanuja (C.S.) Panicker’s academic journey began in the heart of Chennai, where she attended the State Bank Officers Association School. This was where she completed her 10th and 12th grades, laying the foundation for her future success. From a young age, Optom. (Dr.) Thanuja (C.S.) Panicker demonstrated a natural aptitude for academics. She excelled in her studies, and her passion for learning was apparent early on. The school provided not only academic education but also a well-rounded experience, encouraging her to engage in extracurricular activities. It was here that Optom. (Dr.) Thanuja (C.S.) Panicker first discovered the importance of a balanced education, one that included both intellectual and personal development.
Her time at school also played a significant role in shaping her character. Optom. (Dr.) Thanuja (C.S.) Panicker’s parents, particularly her father, emphasized the importance of discipline and a strong work ethic, which she carried with her throughout her academic journey. The values instilled in her during these formative years laid the groundwork for her later success in higher education and her professional life.
After completing her schooling, Optom. (Dr.) Thanuja (C.S.) Panicker knew she wanted to pursue a career in Optometry, a field that intrigued her from a young age. She was accepted into Elite School of Optometry, Sankara Nethralaya,unit of Medical Research Foundation, the Optometry ethics,teaching principles and affordable eyecare service advocated by her mentor Padmabhushan ( Late) Dr.Sengamedu Srinivasa Badrinath,populary known as “ Man of Vision”,that stayed deeply rooted into her .This become a pivotal moment in her academic – service career that marked the begining of her milestone into the world of quality and affordable eyecare service.
In 1992, she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Optometry (B.Opt), a four-year program that equipped her with the foundational knowledge and skills required to become a competent optometrist. This was a pivotal moment in her academic career, as it marked the beginning of her journey into the world of eye care.
But Optom. (Dr.) Thanuja (C.S.) Panicker’s thirst for knowledge didn’t end with Optometry. She believed in the importance of continuous learning and growth. In 1994, she pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Madras. Her studies in psychology were an extension of her Optometry training, as they helped her gain a deeper understanding of human behaviour. This knowledge proved to be invaluable in her career, particularly in her interactions with patients. Understanding the psychological aspect of her patients’ experiences allowed Optom. (Dr.) Thanuja (C.S.) Panicker to provide more compassionate and personalized care.
Optom. (Dr.) Thanuja (C.S.) Panicker’s educational pursuits didn’t stop there. She was always eager to expand her horizons, and in 1999, she decided to further her education in the field of public health. She enrolled in a program at the Institute of Health Care Administration in Chennai, where she earned her Diploma in Public Health Administration. This education gave her a broader understanding of healthcare systems and administration, providing her with the tools needed to improve patient care and contribute to community health initiatives. This knowledge would later become a crucial asset in her ability to manage her own Optometry practice and ensure that it provided the highest standards of care.
Phase 3 : Professional Life
Optom. (Dr.) Thanuja (C.S.) Panicker’s professional journey began in 1992, shortly after completing her academic training. She started her career as a Consultant Optometrist under the guidance of Dr. R. Raveendran ,a Remarkable Ophthalmology surgeon and an excellent unique employer. at Udhi Eye Clinic and Malar Hospitals in Chennai. This was a significant turning point in her life, as it provided her with the opportunity to apply the knowledge she had gained during her studies to real-world clinical practice. At the clinic and hospital, Optom. (Dr.) Thanuja (C.S.) Panicker took on a wide range of responsibilities, each of which played an important role in her growth as an optometrist.
She also became highly skilled in contact lens fitting, a specialized area of Optometry. Optom. (Dr.) Thanuja (C.S.) Panicker would assess the shape and health of the eyes before fitting patients with the correct type of contact lenses. This role was particularly rewarding because it allowed her to help people with various eye conditions who were looking for alternatives to glasses.
In 1993, Optom. (Dr.) Thanuja (C.S.) Panicker expanded her career into the corporate side of Optometry when she joined Bausch & Lomb as a Clinical Executive in Mumbai. This role was quite different from her work in clinical practice, but it gave her the opportunity to grow her knowledge in areas like public outreach, education, and business.
One of her main responsibilities at Bausch & Lomb was organizing and conducting contact lens awareness programs. These programs took place in various colleges and schools, where Optom. (Dr.) Thanuja (C.S.) Panicker worked to raise awareness about the benefits and proper use of contact lenses. She wanted to educate people on how to safely wear and care for contact lenses to prevent eye infections and other complications. In addition, she organized vision screening programs in schools to check students for vision problems, ensuring that any children with undiagnosed issues could get the help they needed before it affected their academic performance.
In 1995, Optom. (Dr.) Thanuja (C.S.) Panicker took on a significant new chapter in her career by joining Doctor Eye Institute in Mumbai. Initially starting as a part-time Consultant Optometrist, her role quickly expanded into a full-time position, marking an important milestone in her professional journey. At Doctor Eye Institute, Optom. (Dr.) Thanuja (C.S.) Panicker worked under the mentorship of Dr. Jayesh Doctor and Dr. Kumar Doctor, two well-respected ophthalmologists known for their expertise and innovative approaches to eye care. This opportunity gave her the chance to refine her clinical skills while learning from the best in the field.
Alongside her work at Doctor Eye Institute, Optom. (Dr.) Thanuja (C.S.) Panicker took on an additional role that would significantly impact her career: she became an Honorary Lecturer at the School of Optometry, Municipal Eye Hospital in Mumbai. Teaching had always been a passion for Optom. (Dr.) Thanuja (C.S.) Panicker, and this opportunity allowed her to share her vast knowledge and experience with the next generation of optometrists. It was a fulfilling experience for her, as she not only taught but also mentored students who were eager to learn about the many facets of Optometry.
In 1996, Optom. (Dr.) Thanuja (C.S.) Panicker joined Aditya Jyot Eye Hospital, a renowned institution specializing in comprehensive eye care, as a Consultant Optometrist. Her work focused primarily on contact lens fitting and Low Vision Aid (LVA), providing her with the opportunity to further specialize in areas she was deeply passionate about. Working under the unique dynamic leadership of globally renowned Vitreo Retinal surgeon, Padmashri Prof. Dr.S.Natarajan, a distinguished vitreo-retinal surgeon and the Medical Director of the hospital, proved to be a transformative experience in Optom. (Dr.) Thanuja (C.S.) Panicker’s career.