Dr. Jignesh Gala — The Best Retina Specialist in Mumbai, India
A complete, evidence-based review of retina eye surgeries at Crystal Clear Eye, Andheri West — from premature babies (1 month old) to centenarians (100 years old). Vitrectomy • Retinal Detachment • Barrage Laser • ROP • Diabetic Retinopathy • Macular Hole • PRP & more.
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Quick Clinic Info
📑 What You’ll Find in This Guide
- Why this retina surgery review exists
- Meet Dr. Jignesh Gala — Mumbai’s trusted retina surgeon
- About Crystal Clear Eye, Andheri West
- Why we are the best retina centre in Mumbai
- Retina conditions treated
- Complete list of retina eye surgeries we perform
- Eye lasers — barrage, PRP, focal & more
- From 1-month babies to 100-year-old patients
- Cashless mediclaim — Topax & Crystal Clear Eye
- Mediclaim policy types & limits per procedure
- Step-by-step surgery process & documents required
- Frequently asked questions
- Contact, location & booking
Why This Retina Surgery Review Exists
If you or a loved one has been told you need retina surgery in Mumbai, you are probably overwhelmed. You have read a dozen websites, heard conflicting advice, and you are wondering — who is genuinely the best retina specialist in Mumbai? This blog is the answer I wish every one of my patients had read before they walked into my clinic at Crystal Clear Eye, Andheri West. It is written by me, Dr. Jignesh Gala, retina specialist and vitreoretinal surgeon, and it covers everything from the types of retina surgeries I perform, to how cashless mediclaim works, to the exact documents you must carry on the day of surgery.
Retina surgery is not the same as cataract surgery. A cataract surgeon replaces your lens; a retina surgeon operates on the thin, light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye — tissue that is sometimes thinner than a single human hair. The margin for error is measured in microns. That is why, when patients across Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Bandra, Juhu, Vile Parle, Goregaon, Malad, Kandivali, Borivali, Dahisar, Powai, Dadar, Santacruz, Khar and Andheri West search Google for “best retina specialist near me”, I want them to find a genuine, detailed, transparent resource — not a 200-word promotional page. This is that resource.
Meet Dr. Jignesh Gala — Mumbai’s Trusted Retina Surgeon
I am Dr. Jignesh Gala, a vitreoretinal surgeon and the founder-owner of Crystal Clear Eye, Andheri West, Mumbai. For over 15 years I have dedicated my surgical practice to one of the most delicate disciplines in modern medicine — surgery of the retina and vitreous. I am privileged to be the sole retina specialist at Crystal Clear Eye, which means every patient who walks into my clinic is examined, counselled and (when needed) operated on by me personally — not by a junior, not by a chain-hospital trainee, and not by a rotating locum.
My philosophy is simple: retina surgery is too delicate to delegate. Whether you are a 1-month-old premature baby needing ROP laser, a 35-year-old software engineer with a retinal detachment, a 55-year-old diabetic with vitreous haemorrhage, or a 95-year-old with a macular hole, the same pair of trained hands should be responsible for your care from the first OCT scan to the final post-op review. That is exactly how I run Crystal Clear Eye.
I trained in comprehensive ophthalmology before super-specialising in vitreoretinal surgery, and I have since performed thousands of retina procedures — ranging from 27-gauge micro-incisional vitrectomy to complex diabetic vitrectomy, scleral buckling, pneumatic retinopexy, ROP laser and anti-VEGF therapy. My patients travel to Andheri West from across Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Kalyan, Panvel, Vasai-Virar, Karjat, Khopoli and even from Gujarat and other states.
Credentials & Memberships
- MBBS, MS (Ophthalmology), Fellowship in Vitreoretinal Surgery
- Member, All India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS)
- Member, Bombay Ophthalmologists’ Association (BOA)
- Member, Vitreoretinal Society of India (VRSI)
- Member, American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS)
- Empanelled retina surgeon with leading TPAs and insurance carriers
You can read more about my background on the official clinic websites — www.drjigneshgalaeye.com and www.crystalcleareye.in.
About Crystal Clear Eye — Andheri West, Mumbai
Crystal Clear Eye is my own retina-focused eye clinic, located at Laram Centre CHS, A1-202, Swami Vivekanand Road, above Sunil Jewellers, near NADCO Shopping Centre, Railway Colony, Andheri West, Mumbai 400058. I own and operate this clinic — there is no parent hospital chain, no franchise, and no third-party management company. When you choose Crystal Clear Eye, you are choosing my personal surgical reputation, not a brand.
Diagnostic Precision
Zeiss Cirrus OCT, fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), B-scan ultrasonography, wide-field fundus photography and IOL master — every retina scan you need under one roof in Andheri West.
Modern Operation Theatre
27-gauge & 25-gauge micro-incisional vitrectomy systems, endolaser, laser indirect ophthalmoscope (LIO) and a dedicated retinal laser suite for barrage laser and PRP.
Cashless Mediclaim
Direct cashless through Topax Eye Care and third-party cashless through Crystal Clear Eye — most major Indian insurers and TPAs empanelled.
ROP & Pediatric Retina
Specialised ROP screening and laser for premature babies in coordination with neonatologists across Mumbai’s leading NICUs.
Geriatric Retina Care
Safe anaesthesia protocols and high-risk surgical clearance for patients in their 80s and 90s — retina surgery has no upper age limit at my clinic.
Andheri West Location
2 minutes from Andheri station, easy access from Bandra, Juhu, Vile Parle, Santacruz, Khar, Goregaon, Malad — the entire western suburbs and beyond.
Why Crystal Clear Eye Is the Best Retina Centre in Mumbai
Patients often ask me, “Doctor, why should I choose you over a big chain hospital in Mumbai?” The honest answer is below — and it has nothing to do with marketing.
1. Surgeon Continuity — Every Single Time
At a chain hospital, the surgeon who consults you on Monday may not be the surgeon who operates on you on Thursday. At Crystal Clear Eye, I am your consultant, your surgeon, and your post-op doctor. This single-surgeon model dramatically reduces complications and improves outcomes, especially in complex cases like diabetic tractional retinal detachment and recurrent ROP.
2. Micro-Incisional 27-Gauge Vitrectomy
I operate with the latest 27-gauge and 25-gauge sutureless vitrectomy systems. Translated into plain English: smaller incisions, no stitches, faster healing, minimal post-operative discomfort, and most patients resume normal activity within a week. Read more about sutureless vitrectomy outcomes in this PubMed review of 27-gauge vitrectomy.
3. Transparent, Ethical Pricing
You will be given a written cost estimate before any procedure. There are no hidden charges, no “package upgrades”, no surprise add-ons. Most retina surgeries are fully covered under cashless mediclaim (see the insurance section).
4. Genuine Cashless Mediclaim
Direct cashless mediclaim is processed through Topax Eye Care, and third-party cashless mediclaim is processed through Crystal Clear Eye. Star Health, HDFC Ergo, ICICI Lombard, Bajaj Allianz, Niva Bupa, Aditya Birla, TATA AIG, Medi Assist, Vidal Health, Raksha TPA and most other TPAs are empanelled.
5. ROP & Pediatric Retina Expertise
Very few retina surgeons in Mumbai routinely perform ROP laser on premature babies weighing under 1.5 kg. I do — and I have a photo of one such baby in my arms in the hero of this blog. ROP is a time-critical disease; a delay of even 72 hours can mean irreversible blindness. Read the latest evidence in this PubMed review on ROP treatment guidelines.
6. Patient Age — 1 Month to 100 Years
I have personally operated on a 1-month-old baby for ROP and a 100-year-old patient for a macular hole. Few retina centres in India can claim this age range under a single surgeon.
Retina Conditions Treated at Crystal Clear Eye, Mumbai
As a super-specialised retina centre in Andheri West, I treat the entire spectrum of vitreoretinal disease. Below is the list of conditions I routinely manage — if you have been diagnosed with any of these, or if you have been told you need a “retina opinion”, call 077188 85245 and book a consultation.
Retinal Vascular Disorders
- Diabetic retinopathy (NPDR & PDR) — latest PubMed evidence
- Diabetic macular edema (DME)
- Hypertensive retinopathy
- Retinal vein occlusion (BRVO & CRVO)
- Retinal artery occlusion (BRAO & CRAO)
- Sickle cell retinopathy
Macular Disorders
- Macular hole (full-thickness & lamellar)
- Epiretinal membrane (ERM)
- Age-related macular degeneration (wet & dry ARMD)
- Central serous retinopathy (CSR)
- Myopic macular degeneration
Retinal Detachment & Tears
- Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment
- Tractional retinal detachment (diabetic)
- Exudative retinal detachment
- Retinal tears & lattice degeneration
- Giant retinal tear
- Recurrent / complex retinal detachment
Pediatric & Inherited Retina Disorders
- Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)
- Familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR)
- Coats disease
- Persistent fetal vasculature (PFV)
- Retinoblastoma (suspected — referred)
- Inherited retinal dystrophies (retinitis pigmentosa)
Eye Trauma & Inflammation
- Open-globe & closed-globe trauma
- Intraocular foreign body (IOFB)
- Traumatic retinal detachment
- Endophthalmitis (vitrectomy + intraocular antibiotics)
- Uveitis-related retinal complications
Complete List of Retina Eye Surgeries We Perform
This is the most important section of this blog. If you have been told you need “retina surgery”, this is the menu of operations I perform at Crystal Clear Eye, Andheri West. Each procedure is briefly explained so you can have an informed conversation with me during your consultation.
1. Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV) — The Workhorse of Retina Surgery
Vitrectomy is the most commonly performed retina surgery in the world. I use 27-gauge and 25-gauge sutureless micro-incisional vitrectomy (MIVS) — the smallest available instruments. Three trochars (each less than 0.5 mm) are placed through the white of the eye, the vitreous gel is removed, and the underlying retina problem (hole, membrane, blood, scar) is treated. Recovery is rapid — most patients go home the same day. The latest evidence on outcomes is summarised in this PubMed review of pars plana vitrectomy.
2. Retinal Detachment Surgery — Three Approaches
Retinal detachment is a surgical emergency. At Crystal Clear Eye I offer all three accepted techniques, and I select the right one for your eye based on the type, location and duration of the detachment:
- Scleral Buckling — A silicone band is sutured to the outside of the eyeball to indent the wall and close the retinal break. Best for young patients, traumatic detachments, and primary rhegmatogenous detachments. PubMed evidence on scleral buckle outcomes.
- Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV) for Detachment — The vitreous gel is removed, the retina is flattened with air/oil, and the break is sealed with endolaser. Best for older patients, posterior breaks, and complex detachments.
- Pneumatic Retinopexy — A gas bubble is injected into the eye and the patient is positioned so the bubble closes the break. Suitable for superior detachments with a single break.
3. Diabetic Vitrectomy
Diabetic tractional retinal detachment is one of the most technically demanding retina operations in existence. I have performed hundreds of diabetic vitrectomies at Crystal Clear Eye — gently dissecting fibrovascular membranes off the retina without tearing it. Recovery is slower than for a routine vitrectomy, but vision can often be salvaged even in advanced cases. Read the latest outcomes in this PubMed study on diabetic vitrectomy.
4. Macular Hole Surgery (ILM Peeling)
A macular hole causes a sudden black or grey spot in the centre of your vision. I perform internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling with brilliant blue G stain, followed by gas tamponade and face-down positioning. Anatomical closure rates exceed 90% in my hands. PubMed evidence on macular hole surgery.
5. Epiretinal Membrane (ERM) Peeling
An epiretinal membrane is a thin sheet of scar tissue on the retina that distorts vision (straight lines look wavy). I peel the membrane using micro-forceps under high-magnification viewing — one of the most delicate procedures in retina surgery.
6. Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) Surgery — For Premature Babies
This is surgery on the smallest patients in medicine. ROP affects premature babies (usually born before 32 weeks, under 1.5 kg). I perform:
- ROP Laser (diode/argon ablation) — the gold standard. Performed at the bedside in the NICU under topical anaesthesia.
- Anti-VEGF injection (intravitreal bevacizumab / ranibizumab / aflibercept) — for aggressive posterior ROP (AP-ROP) or Zone 1 disease.
- ROP Vitrectomy — for Stage 4 / Stage 5 ROP (partial or total retinal detachment). PubMed evidence on ROP treatment.
7. Scleral Buckling for Pediatric & Traumatic Retinal Detachment
Scleral buckle is often the best option for young patients (including children) with retinal detachment, because it preserves the natural lens and avoids intraocular surgery. I routinely perform segmental and encircling buckles for traumatic, myopic and pediatric detachments.
8. Vitrectomy for Endophthalmitis
Endophthalmitis is a devastating infection inside the eye — usually after cataract surgery or trauma. I perform urgent vitrectomy with intraocular antibiotic injection. Time is vision; please reach me immediately on 077188 85245 if you have severe eye pain and vision loss after any eye procedure.
9. Vitrectomy for Intraocular Foreign Body (IOFB)
Metallic, glass or organic foreign bodies inside the eye are removed with intraocular forceps during vitrectomy, often combined with endolaser and antibiotic prophylaxis.
10. Submacular Surgery & Macular Translocation
For selected cases of submacular haemorrhage (often from wet ARMD), I perform submacular clot evacuation with anti-VEGF and pneumatic displacement. PubMed evidence on submacular haemorrhage management.
11. Anti-VEGF & Steroid Intravitreal Injections
For wet ARMD, diabetic macular edema, CRVO/BRVO macular edema and myopic CNV — I administer intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin), ranibizumab (Lucentis/Accentrix), aflibercept (Eylea), faricimab (Vabysmo), and dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex). These are in-office procedures with no stitches and minimal downtime.
12. Pneumatic Retinopexy
For carefully selected retinal detachments with a single superior break, an in-office gas injection can reattach the retina without surgery. Patient positioning is critical — I counsel every patient in detail.
13. Complex / Re-Operation Retina Surgery
Patients referred to me after failed primary surgery at other centres form a significant part of my practice. Silicone oil removal, recurrent detachment, PVR (proliferative vitreoretinopathy) and dropped nucleus management are routinely handled.
Eye Lasers — Barrage Laser, PRP, Focal Laser & More
Not every retina problem needs surgery. Many retinal conditions are treated in my laser suite in under 15 minutes with no incision, no injection and no stitches. Below is the full list of retina lasers I perform.
Barrage Laser (Prophylactic Laser Photocoagulation)
A barrage laser is a ring of laser burns placed around a retinal tear, hole or lattice degeneration to “spot-weld” the retina and prevent a retinal detachment. It is the single most common retina laser procedure in my practice. Done in 5–10 minutes, painless, walk-in walk-out. PubMed evidence on barrage laser.
Panretinal Photocoagulation (PRP)
PRP is the sight-saving laser for proliferative diabetic retinopathy and ischaemic retinal vein occlusions. Over 1,200–1,500 laser burns are applied to the peripheral retina in 2–3 sittings. Done timely, PRP reduces the risk of severe vision loss by more than 50%.
Focal / Grid Laser for Macular Edema
Targeted laser for diabetic macular edema (DME) and branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Now often combined with anti-VEGF injections for best results.
Indirect Laser (LIO)
Laser delivered through an indirect ophthalmoscope — used for ROP in babies, peripheral retinal tears, and during scleral buckle surgery. I use a high-end diode LIO system.
Subthreshold Micropulse Laser (SMPL)
A modern, gentler laser for chronic central serous retinopathy (CSR) and diabetic macular edema — it treats the disease without visible burn scars, preserving retinal function.
SLT / YAG Capsulotomy (Co-managed)
While these are not retina lasers, I routinely perform YAG capsulotomy for my post-cataract patients and coordinate SLT for glaucoma.
From a 1-Month-Old Baby to a 100-Year-Old Patient — Retina Surgery Knows No Age Limit
One of the things I am most proud of at Crystal Clear Eye is the sheer age range of patients I have operated on. Most eye hospitals in Mumbai will tell you “we treat all ages” — but very few actually do. Below is the real story of the age spectrum at my clinic.
The Youngest Patient — A 1-Month-Old Premature Baby with ROP
The photo at the top of this blog is real. That is me, holding a premature baby weighing barely 1.2 kg, minutes after I performed bedside diode laser for aggressive posterior ROP in the NICU. That baby will grow up with normal vision because the laser was done in time. ROP is the leading cause of preventable childhood blindness in India — and it is entirely treatable if caught early. I empanel with most major NICUs across Mumbai and provide 24×7 ROP screening.
Children & Teenagers (1–18 Years)
Pediatric retinal detachment, Coats disease, FEVR, traumatic retinal tears, juvenile retinoschisis and inherited dystrophies are diagnosed and treated at Crystal Clear Eye with paediatric-anaesthesia support.
Young Adults (18–40 Years)
High-myopia related retinal tears and detachments, diabetic retinopathy in early-onset diabetics, and traumatic retinal injuries make up a large share of my practice in this age group.
Middle-Aged Adults (40–65 Years)
The diabetic retinopathy “tsunami” hits hardest in this group. I perform hundreds of anti-VEGF injections, PRP lasers, vitrectomies and diabetic tractional retinal detachment repairs every year in this age band.
Seniors (65–85 Years)
Macular holes, epiretinal membranes, wet ARMD, retinal vein occlusions and rhegmatogenous detachments dominate. With modern sutureless vitrectomy, age is no longer a barrier.
The Oldest Patient — A 100-Year-Old with a Macular Hole
Yes, I have operated on a 100-year-old patient. With proper anaesthesia clearance, sutureless 27-gauge vitrectomy and ILM peeling, age is no longer a contraindication for retina surgery. The deciding factor is the patient’s general health, not the date of birth.
Cashless Mediclaim for Retina Surgery in Mumbai — How It Works at Crystal Clear Eye
One of the biggest anxieties patients face before retina surgery is money. A vitrectomy can cost ₹50,000 to ₹1,50,000; a complex diabetic vitrectomy can cross ₹2,00,000. The good news: almost every retina surgery is covered under mediclaim, and at Crystal Clear Eye I have structured my clinic to make the cashless process genuinely seamless.
Two Clear Cashless Pathways
- Direct Cashless Mediclaim — through Topax Eye Care. If your insurer / TPA is empanelled with Topax Eye Care, your pre-authorisation, surgery and discharge will all be cashless with zero out-of-pocket (except non-medical expenses and co-payments if your policy has them).
- Third-Party Cashless Mediclaim — through Crystal Clear Eye. For TPAs and insurers directly empanelled with my clinic, Crystal Clear Eye processes the cashless claim in-house. My insurance desk coordinates directly with your TPA.
Empanelled Insurers & TPAs (Partial List)
Government
CGHS, CGHS Mumbai, ESIC, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MJPJAY), Ayushman Bharat PMJAY, Mumbai Police Arogya.
Private Insurers
Star Health, HDFC Ergo, ICICI Lombard, Bajaj Allianz, Niva Bupa, Aditya Birla Health, TATA AIG, Reliance General, SBI General, New India Assurance, United India Insurance, National Insurance, Oriental Insurance.
TPAs
Medi Assist, Vidal Health, Raksha TPA, Heritage Health, Paramount Health, Family Health Plan, MDIndia, Genins India.
Mediclaim Policy Types in India & Coverage Limits per Retina Procedure
Below is a practical, real-world guide to the mediclaim policies available in the Indian market and the typical coverage limits for retina procedures. Actual limits depend on your specific policy sum insured, room-rent cap, and co-payment clauses — please confirm with my insurance desk on 077188 85245.
Policy Types Available in India
- Individual Mediclaim Policy — covers one person; sum insured typically ₹3–25 lakh.
- Family Floater Policy — one sum insured shared by the entire family; most popular format.
- Group Mediclaim (Employer-Provided) — covers employees & family; usually cashless with a TPA panel.
- Senior Citizen Health Insurance — for 60+; specific retina-friendly plans from Star, Bajaj, Care, Niva Bupa.
- Top-Up & Super Top-Up Plans — kicks in above a deductible; useful for high-cost retina surgery.
- Government Schemes — Ayushman Bharat PMJAY (up to ₹5 lakh/year/family), MJPJAY (Maharashtra), CGHS (Central Govt employees), ESIC.
- Standalone Critical Illness Policies — some cover blindness / retinal detachment as a defined critical illness.
Typical Coverage Limits for Retina Procedures
| Retina Procedure | Typical Cost in Mumbai (per eye) | Usually Covered? | Average Cashless Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barrage Laser (Retinal Tear) | ₹3,000 – ₹8,000 | Yes (OPD or day-care) | Up to ₹10,000 |
| Panretinal Photocoagulation (PRP) | ₹6,000 – ₹15,000 | Yes | Up to ₹15,000 |
| Focal/Grid Laser for DME | ₹4,000 – ₹10,000 | Yes | Up to ₹12,000 |
| Intravitreal Anti-VEGF Injection | ₹15,000 – ₹45,000 | Yes (subject to policy) | ₹20,000 – ₹45,000 per injection |
| Intravitreal Steroid Implant (Ozurdex) | ₹25,000 – ₹40,000 | Yes (case-by-case) | ₹25,000 – ₹40,000 |
| Scleral Buckling Surgery | ₹50,000 – ₹1,00,000 | Yes (surgical) | ₹60,000 – ₹1,00,000 |
| Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV) — routine | ₹60,000 – ₹1,20,000 | Yes | ₹75,000 – ₹1,20,000 |
| Diabetic Tractional Retinal Detachment Vitrectomy | ₹1,20,000 – ₹2,20,000 | Yes | ₹1,50,000 – ₹2,20,000 |
| Macular Hole Surgery (with ILM peel) | ₹70,000 – ₹1,40,000 | Yes | ₹80,000 – ₹1,40,000 |
| Epiretinal Membrane Peeling | ₹65,000 – ₹1,30,000 | Yes | ₹75,000 – ₹1,30,000 |
| ROP Laser (per baby) | ₹20,000 – ₹40,000 | Yes (often govt schemes) | ₹25,000 – ₹45,000 |
| ROP Vitrectomy (Stage 4/5) | ₹1,00,000 – ₹2,00,000 | Yes | ₹1,20,000 – ₹2,00,000 |
| Endophthalmitis Vitrectomy | ₹80,000 – ₹1,80,000 | Yes | ₹1,00,000 – ₹1,80,000 |
| Silicone Oil Removal | ₹30,000 – ₹60,000 | Yes | ₹40,000 – ₹60,000 |
What Is Generally NOT Covered
- One-year waiting period for pre-existing diseases (diabetic retinopathy may fall under this in fresh policies).
- Specific disease waiting periods (usually 2 years) for some policies.
- Non-medical expenses (disposable kit components, food, attendant charges).
- Refractive surgery (LASIK / ICL) — not a retina procedure, listed only for clarity.
Step-by-Step Retina Surgery Process at Crystal Clear Eye, Mumbai
This is the section most patients care about the most — what exactly happens from the day I walk in, to the day I see clearly again? Below is the complete journey at Crystal Clear Eye, Andheri West.
Documents to Carry on Your First Visit
- Government photo ID — Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, or driving licence.
- Address proof — Aadhaar, voter ID, or utility bill.
- Health insurance card / policy document / TPA card (if cashless planned).
- Previous eye records — old prescriptions, prior OCT/FFA reports, spectacle numbers.
- List of current medications & known drug allergies.
- Diabetes / hypertension / cardiac history files (if applicable).
- Recent blood sugar, HbA1c, BP and ECG reports (for surgical clearance).
- COVID-19 vaccination certificate (if requested).
- For ROP / paediatric patients — birth summary, NICU discharge card, weight record.
- For senior citizens — physician fitness / anaesthesia clearance.
- For employed patients — employer ID / HR letter (for group mediclaim).
- For government scheme patients — Ayushman card / CGHS card / MJPJAY card.
- Referral letter from your referring ophthalmologist or physician (if any).
- Payment mode — UPI / card / cash (for non-covered amounts).
- Attendant — every patient must be accompanied by one responsible adult.
The 9-Step Retina Surgery Journey
Step 1 — Detailed Retina Consultation
I personally examine every patient with slit-lamp biomicroscopy, +90D / +78D lens evaluation, and indirect ophthalmoscopy. Your pupils are dilated. Plan 60–90 minutes for this visit.
Step 2 — Retina Imaging & Investigations
OCT (Zeiss Cirrus), FFA, B-scan, wide-field fundus photo, IOL master — all under one roof at Crystal Clear Eye, Andheri West.
Step 3 — Diagnosis & Treatment Plan
I sit with you, show you your own scans, and explain the diagnosis in plain language. You receive a written surgical plan, alternatives, risks, and cost estimate.
Step 4 — Insurance Pre-Authorisation
My insurance desk raises a pre-auth request with your TPA / insurer — direct via Topax Eye Care, or in-house via Crystal Clear Eye. Usually approved within 4–24 hours.
Step 5 — Pre-Anaesthesia Evaluation
For surgery under local / topical / monitored anaesthesia, you’ll need basic blood tests, ECG, and (if needed) physician fitness. For general anaesthesia (children / ROP), full paediatric clearance is arranged.
Step 6 — Day of Surgery
Arrive 90 minutes before scheduled time. Dilatation, consent signing, anaesthesia, and surgery in our dedicated retina OT. Most vitrectomies take 30–90 minutes; complex cases may take 2–3 hours.
Step 7 — Recovery & Discharge
Most patients are discharged the same day. Some complex cases (diabetic tractional RD, giant tear, ROP vitrectomy) may require overnight observation.
Step 8 — Post-Operative Care
Eye drops (antibiotic + steroid + cycloplegic), positioning instructions (for gas / oil cases), and a written post-op schedule. First review at 1 day, then 1 week, 1 month, 3 months.
Step 9 — Long-Term Follow-up
Retina patients are followed for 6–12 months minimum. Silicone oil removal (if used) is typically scheduled 3–6 months after the primary surgery.
Pre-Operative Instructions
- Continue routine BP / thyroid / cardiac medicines unless told otherwise. Diabetic patients — consult your physician on insulin adjustment for the fasting window.
- Stop anti-platelets (aspirin, clopidogrel) only if your physician and I jointly advise it. Most modern sutureless vitrectomy does not require stopping these.
- Fast for 6 hours before surgery if sedation / general anaesthesia is planned.
- Remove contact lenses, eye make-up, nail polish and jewellery before arrival.
- Wear comfortable, front-button clothing. Bring sunglasses for the ride home.
Post-Operative Instructions
- Use prescribed drops exactly as scheduled — set phone alarms.
- For gas / oil cases — follow face-down or lateral positioning strictly for the prescribed duration.
- Do not fly or travel to high altitude while a gas bubble is in your eye — it can expand and cause blinding glaucoma.
- Avoid heavy lifting, bending, swimming and eye-rubbing for 4 weeks.
- Report immediately — severe pain, sudden vision loss, new floaters, curtain in vision, discharge.
Frequently Asked Questions — Retina Surgery in Mumbai
Who is the best retina specialist in Mumbai?
Dr. Jignesh Gala is widely regarded as one of the best retina specialists in Mumbai. He is the founder and owner of Crystal Clear Eye in Andheri West and personally performs the full spectrum of vitreoretinal surgery — from ROP laser in premature babies to complex retinal detachment repair in 100-year-old patients. Book an appointment on 077188 85245.
Where is Dr. Jignesh Gala’s retina clinic in Mumbai?
Crystal Clear Eye is at Laram Centre CHS, A1-202, Swami Vivekanand Road, above Sunil Jewellers, near NADCO Shopping Centre, Railway Colony, Andheri West, Mumbai 400058. Open daily until 9 PM.
Is cashless mediclaim available for retina surgery?
Yes. Direct cashless mediclaim is processed through Topax Eye Care, and third-party cashless mediclaim is processed through Crystal Clear Eye. Most major insurers and TPAs are empanelled.
What is the cost of vitrectomy surgery in Mumbai?
At Crystal Clear Eye, a routine pars plana vitrectomy typically costs ₹60,000–₹1,20,000. Complex diabetic vitrectomy can go up to ₹2,20,000. Most of this is covered under cashless mediclaim. Call 077188 85245 for an exact estimate.
Can retina surgery be performed on premature babies?
Yes. Dr. Jignesh Gala performs bedside ROP laser and anti-VEGF injections in premature babies weighing less than 1.5 kg. He is empanelled with most major NICUs across Mumbai.
Is retina surgery safe for senior citizens above 80?
Absolutely. With modern 27-gauge sutureless vitrectomy and proper anaesthesia clearance, retina surgery is safely performed at Crystal Clear Eye in patients up to 100 years of age.
What is a barrage laser and when is it needed?
A barrage laser is a ring of laser burns placed around a retinal tear or hole to prevent progression to retinal detachment. It is a 5–10 minute, painless, in-office procedure at Crystal Clear Eye.
What is the recovery time after vitrectomy?
Most patients resume normal activity within 1 week. Final visual recovery may take 4–12 weeks, depending on the underlying condition. If a gas bubble is used, vision remains blurred until the bubble absorbs (2–8 weeks).
Do I need to position face-down after retina surgery?
Only for certain cases — macular hole, inferior retinal detachment, giant tear, and some oil/gas cases. Dr. Jignesh Gala will give you a written positioning chart and a positioning aid if required.
How do I reach Crystal Clear Eye from outside Mumbai?
The clinic is 5 minutes from Andheri railway station and 10 minutes from Andheri metro. Outstation patients from Thane, Navi Mumbai, Kalyan, Pune, Surat and Nashik regularly visit. My team will coordinate travel & stay on request.
Can both eyes be operated on the same day?
Generally, retina surgeries are staged 1–2 weeks apart to prevent bilateral simultaneous complications like infection. Exceptions exist for select paediatric cases.
Real Outcomes from Crystal Clear Eye, Andheri West
Below are anonymised summaries of real patients I have treated at Crystal Clear Eye. Names have been changed to protect privacy; the clinical details are accurate.
Priya R., 32 weeks premature baby
“My baby was born at 28 weeks weighing 980 g. The NICU team flagged ROP. Dr. Gala came at midnight and performed bedside diode laser. Today my daughter is 3 years old with normal vision. There are no words.”
Ashok M., 58 — diabetic tractional RD
“I had been told at two big hospitals that my eye was too complex to operate. Dr. Gala operated in 2 stages — diabetic vitrectomy with membrane peeling and silicone oil. I now have 6/18 vision. Saved my livelihood.”
Saroj K., 92 — macular hole
“At 92, my family was scared of surgery. Dr. Gala reassured us, did a 27-gauge vitrectomy under local anaesthesia. Hole closed in 3 weeks. I can read my Bhagavad Gita again.”
Rahul S., 24 — traumatic retinal detachment
“Cricket ball injury, retinal detachment. Dr. Gala did a scleral buckle + vitrectomy + endolaser. Vision is 6/6 with glasses. I’m back playing.”
Fatima T., 49 — wet ARMD
“Monthly anti-VEGF injections for wet ARMD. Painless, quick, and my central vision is stable at 6/9 for 2 years now.”
Vinod P., 100 — macular hole
“My grandfather is 100. Dr. Gala was the only surgeon in Mumbai who agreed to operate. Today he reads the newspaper. A miracle in our family’s eyes.”
Retina Care Across Mumbai & the 75 km Radius
Crystal Clear Eye, Andheri West is the preferred retina centre for patients travelling from every corner of Mumbai and the surrounding region. Below is the geographic spread we routinely serve — if your locality is on this list, you are within easy reach of Mumbai’s best retina specialist.
Western Suburbs
Andheri West, Andheri East, Vile Parle, Juhu, Santacruz, Khar, Bandra, Bandra West, Mahim, Dadar, Goregaon, Malad, Kandivali, Borivali, Dahisar, Mira Road, Bhayandar, Vasai, Nalasopara, Virar.
Central & Harbour
Worli, Prabhadevi, Lower Parel, Worli, Parel, Byculla, Chembur, Ghatkopar, Vikhroli, Bhandup, Mulund, Kanjurmarg, BKC, Kurla, Tilak Nagar, Govandi, Mankhurd.
Thane & Navi Mumbai
Thane West, Thane East, Mulund, Ghodbunder Road, Kolshet, Majiwada, Vashi, Nerul, Belapur, Kharghar, Panvel, Ulwe, Taloja, Sanpada, Juinagar, Airoli, Ghansoli, Kopar Khairane, Dombivli, Kalyan, Ambernath, Badlapur.
Extended Mumbai Region (75 km)
Vasai-Virar, Palghar, Boisar, Bhiwandi, Karjat, Khopoli, Panvel, Uran, Alibaug, Neral, Matheran, Shahapur, Titwala, Badlapur, Umroli.
Outstation Patients
Pune, Nashik, Surat, Vapi, Navsari, Bharuch, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Goa, Indore, Bhopal, Jaipur, Delhi, Bangalore — patients travel to Andheri West from across India.
Nearby Eye Hospitals Referred From
Nanavati, Kokilaben, Hiranandani, Lilavati, Breach Candy, P.D. Hinduja, Bombay Hospital, S.L. Raheja, Aditya Jyot, H.V. Desai, Centre for Sight, Dr. Agarwal’s, Eye-Q — many retina referrals come to me from these centres.
Don’t Wait for Vision Loss to Become Permanent
Retina disease is time-sensitive. A retinal tear can become a detachment in hours. A wet ARMD bleed can scar in days. ROP can blind a baby in a week. If you or a family member has been advised retina surgery, please don’t delay.
Crystal Clear Eye, Laram Centre CHS, A1-202, Swami Vivekanand Rd, above Sunil Jewellers, near NADCO Shopping Centre, Andheri West, Mumbai 400058. Open daily · Closes 9 PM.
