Dr. Mahesh G

Dr. Mahesh is a highly educated professional whose academic journey began at Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, where he earned his MBBS in 1995. Following his undergraduate studies, he continued at the same institution to complete his  DO in 1997. During this time, he also passed the International Council of Ophthalmology’s Basic Sciences Examination in 1997 and the Clinical Sciences Examination in 1998. In 1999, Dr. Mahesh furthered his specialization by completing an MS in Ophthalmology at Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, and a fellowship in research at Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai.

The year 2000 saw him achieving the DNB in Ophthalmology from the National Board of Examinations. He continued to refine his expertise by completing a Fellowship in Viteoretinal Surgery at Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai in 2001, the same year he was awarded the prestigious Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS) of Edinburgh.

His educational trajectory culminated in 2022 when he obtained a Post Graduate Diploma in Medical Law and Ethics from the National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS), underscoring his commitment to the ethical dimensions of medical practice. Through these extensive and diverse qualifications, Dr. Mahesh has established himself as a deeply knowledgeable and ethically conscious medical professional.

He has a special interest in complicated retinal detachment and diabetic retinopathy surgery.

Dr. Mahesh is a prominent ophthalmologist who has made significant contributions to the field of vitreoretinal medicine. Currently serving as the Senior Consultant and Head of the Department of Vitreo Retina at Giridhar Eye Institute in Kochi since 2001, he has been instrumental in advancing the institute’s reputation as a leading center for vitreoretinal services. His leadership is marked by his commitment to clinical excellence and patient-centered care.

Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Mahesh has performed approximately 10,000 complex vitreoretinal surgeries, demonstrating his exceptional surgical skills and deep understanding of retinal diseases. His expertise not only enhances the quality of care offered at the institute but also fosters a learning environment that benefits both colleagues and residents alike. Under his guidance, the department has seen significant advancements in treatment protocols and surgical techniques, making it one of the foremost facilities for vitreoretinal surgery in the region.

Dr. Mahesh’s tenure at Giridhar Eye Institute exemplifies his dedication to excellence in ophthalmology, his innovative approach to treatment, and his unwavering commitment to improving patient outcomes. His leadership as Head of the Department has been crucial in establishing and maintaining high standards of care and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in vitreoretinal medicine.

Dr. Mahesh has held several prestigious positions throughout his illustrious career in the field of ophthalmology, demonstrating his commitment to advancing the profession and contributing to its community. Here is a list of the significant roles he has undertaken:

1. President-elect of Kerala Society of Ophthalmic Surgeons (KSOS).
2. Editor, Kerala Journal of Ophthalmology.
3. Scientific Committee Chairman, Kerala Society of Ophthalmic Surgeons.
4. Honorary General Secretary, Kerala Society of Ophthalmic Surgeons.
5. Treasurer, Scientific Committee Chairman and General Secretary of Cochin Ophthalmic Club.
6. Organizing Secretary for RETNET 2015, Cochin.
7. Organizing Treasurer for VRSI 2016, Kumarakom.
8. Executive Committee Member of the Vitreo Retinal Society – India (VRSI).
9. Safety Committee Member of VRSI.
10. Joint Secretary of VRSI.

Dr. Mahesh Gopalakrishnan has an extensive portfolio of publications in peer-reviewed journals, reflecting his significant contributions to the field of ophthalmology. His research has enhanced the understanding of various ocular diseases and treatments, influencing practices worldwide. Below is a comprehensive list of his published work:

1. “Intravitreal Gas for Submacular Haemorrhage” – Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, December 2003.
2. “A case of periocular dirofilariasis masquerading as a lid tumor” – Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, March 2005.
3. “Awareness about eye diseases among diabetic patients – A survey in South India” – Community Health, March 2007.
4. “A case of bilateral presumed Chikunguniya Neuroretinitis” – Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, March-April 2007.
5. “Drug induced acute myopia following Chlorthalidon treatment” – Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, Sept-Oct 2007.
6. “Pneumatic Displacement of Sub-macular haemorrhage: Safety, Efficacy and Patient Selection” – Retina, March 2007.
7. “Clinical features, management and visual outcome of Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy in Indian Patients” – Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, Sept-Oct. 2010.
8. “Bilateral regression of Choroidal Neovascularization associated with pathologic myopia following unilateral intravitreal Bevacizumab injection” – World Journal of Retina & Vitreous, 2011.
9. “A 10 year study of Central Serous Chorioretinopathy-recurrence rate and factors affecting recurrence” – World Journal of Retina and Vitreous, Sept-Dec 2011.
10. “Normative Spectral Domain OCT Data on Macular and Retinal Fibre Layer thickness in Indians” – Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, 2012.
11. “Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Findings in Tamoxifen Retinopathy – A Case Report” – Retinal Cases & Reports, 2012.
12. “Varicella Zoster-related Occlusive Retinal Vasculopathy – a rare presentation” – Ocular Immunology & Inflammation, Early Online, 2014.
13. “Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography – guided laser treatment of central serous chorioretinopathy in a pregnant woman” – Retinal Cases and Brief Reports, 2015, Volume 9, Number 1.
14. “Sulfurhexafluoride (SF6) versus Perfluoropropane (C3F8) Gas as Tamponade in Macular Hole Surgery” – Retina, 2016.
15. “Knowledge and awareness about diabetes mellitus and diabetic retinopathy in suburban population of a South Indian state and its practice among the patients with diabetes mellitus: A population based study” – Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, April 2016.
16. “Phacoantigenic Reaction Masquerading as Postoperative Endophthalmitis in a Silicone Oil-filled Eye” – Middle East Afr J Ophthalmol, 2016 Oct-Dec; 23(4): 318–320.
17. “Youngest reported case of macular telangiectasia (MacTel) Type 2” – Retinal Cases and Brief Reports, 2016, Volume 0, Number 0.
18. “Auto-fluorescence and Infrared Fundus Imaging for Detection of Retinal Emboli and Unmasking Undiagnosed Systemic Abnormalities” – J Ophthalmic Vis Res, 2016; 11 (4): 449–451.
19. ““Vacuole” sign adjacent to retinal pigment epithelial defects on spectral domain optical coherence tomography in central serous chorioretinopathy associated with subretinal fibrin” – Retina, 2016.
20. “Comparative analysis of outcomes with variable diameter internal limiting membrane peeling in surgery for idiopathic macular hole repair” – Retina, The Journal of Retinal and Vitreous Diseases, 2017, Volume 37, Number 2.
21. “Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography based microstructural analysis of retinal architecture post internal limiting membrane peeling for surgery of Idiopathic Macular Hole repair” – Retina, The Journal of Retinal and Vitreous Diseases, 2017, Volume 37, Number 2.
22. “Characterization of macular choroidal thickness in ischemic and non-ischemic diabetic maculopathy” – Retina, The Journal of Retinal and Vitreous Diseases, 2017, Volume 37, Number 3.
23. “Risk factors in patients with Macular Telangiectasia 2A in an Asian population – a case control study” – Indian Journal Ophthalmology, 2017, Volume 65, Issue 9, Page 830—834.
24. “Post-vitrectomy macular hole undergoing delayed closure after 28 months” – Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, September 2017, Volume 65, Issue 9.
25. “Long term efficacy and safety of verteporfin photodynamic therapy in combination with anti vascular endothelial growth factor for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy” – Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, March 2018, Volume XX Issue XX.
26. “Long term follow-up of Bietti’s Crystalline Dystrophy with Multi-modal imaging” – DOS Times, May-June 2018.
27. “Long term efficacy and safety of verteporfin photodynamic therapy in combination with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy” – Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, Vol. 66, Issue 8, August 2018, 1119-1127.
28. “Timing and outcome of surgery for persistent macular hole” – Retina, November 2018.
29. “Management of Recalcitrant PCV by feeder vessel laser photocoagulation” – American Journal of Ophthalmology, Case Reports, January 2018.
30. “Ranibizumab induced retinal reperfusion and regression of neovascularization in diabetic retinopathy: An angiographic illustration” – American Journal of Ophthalmology, Case Reports, January 2018.
31. “Lateral elongation of flat irregular pigment epithelial detachment – a novel OCT biomarker in Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy” – Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, January 2020, Vol. 16, Issue 1, Pages 134-140.
32. “Early SD-OCT biomarkers to confirm fellow eye changes in asymmetric Type 2 Macular Telangiectasia: a case control study” (India MacTel Report 1) – Retina, August 2020.
33. “Phenotypes of early Type 2 Macular Telangiectasia based on retinal cavitation and ellipsoid zone loss” (India MacTel Report 2) – Retina, the Journal of Retinal and Vitreous Diseases.
34. “Detection of Diabetic Retinopathy from Ultra-Wide Field Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope Images: A Multi-Center Deep-Learning Analysis” – Ophthalmology Retina.
35. “Early Spectral domain Optical Coherence Tomography biomarkers to confirm fellow eye changes in asymmetric type-2 Macular Telangiectasia –a case control study” (Indian Macular Telangiectasia Report 1) – Retina, March 2021, Volume 41, Issue 3, p 471-479.
36. “Microvascular changes precede visible neurodegeneration in fellow eyes of patients with asymmetric type 2 macular telangiectasia” – Springer Nature, Eye; July 2021.
37. “Clinical features, management and visual outcome of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy in Indian patients” – Indian J Ophthalmol., 2010 Sep-Oct;58(5):399-405.
38. “A case of bilateral presumed chikungunya neuroretinitis” – Indian J Ophthalmol., 2009 Mar-Apr;57(2):148-50.
39. “Drug-induced acute myopia following chlorthalidone treatment” – Indian J Ophthalmol., 2007 Sep-Oct;55(5):386-8.
40. “Awareness about eye diseases among diabetic patients: a survey in South India” – Community Eye Health, 2007;20(61):16-7.
41. “Pneumatic displacement of submacular hemorrhage: safety, efficacy, and patient selection” – Retina., 2007 Mar;27(3):329-34.
42. “A case of periocular dirofilariasis masquerading as a lid tumour” – Indian J Ophthalmol., 2005 Mar;53(1):63-4.
43. “Visual outcome after discontinuation of corticosteroids in atypical severe central serous chorioretinopathy” – Ophthalmology, 2004 Sep;111(9):1708-14.
44. “Intravitreal gas for submacular haemorrhage” – Indian J Ophthalmol., 2003 Dec;51(4):349-50.
45. “Retinal detachment in Marfan syndrome: clinical characteristics and surgical outcome” – Retina., 2002 Aug;22(4):423-8.
46. “Normative Spectral Domain OCT Data on Macular and Retinal Fibre Layer thickness in Indians” – Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, 2012.
47. “Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Findings in Tamoxifen Retinopathy – A Case Report” – Retinal Cases & Reports, 2012.
48. “Bilateral regression of Choroidal Neovascularization associated with pathologic myopia following unilateral intravitreal Bevacizumab injection” – World Journal of Retina & Vitreous, 2011.
49. “Sulfurhexafluoride (SF6) versus Perfluoropropane (C3F8) Gas as Tamponade in Macular Hole Surgery” – Retina, 2016.
50. “Knowledge and awareness about diabetes mellitus and diabetic retinopathy in suburban population of a South Indian state and its practice among the patients with diabetes mellitus: A population based study” – Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, April 2016.
51. “Non-invasive autofluorescence and infrared fundus imaging for detection of retinal emboli and unmasking undiagnosed systemic abnormalities” – Journal of Ophthalmic Vision Research, 2015.
52. ““Vacuole” sign adjacent to retinal pigment epithelial defects on spectral domain optical coherence tomography in central serous chorioretinopathy associated with subretinal fibrin” – Retina, 2016.

This impressive list of publications showcases Dr. Mahesh Gopalakrishnan’s deep involvement in research and his continued impact on the advancement of ophthalmic knowledge and practices.

Dr. Mahesh has been deeply committed to medical education alongside his clinical practice, with a distinguished teaching career spanning nearly two decades. He has served as a DNB  teacher for 19 years, where he has mentored numerous postgraduate students in ophthalmology, helping them to develop their clinical and surgical skills. Additionally, Dr. Mahesh has been a vitreoretinal fellowship trainer for the same duration. In this role, he has guided fellows through the complex field of vitreoretinal surgery, imparting the knowledge and expertise required to excel in this specialized area of ophthalmology. His contributions to teaching and training the next generation of ophthalmologists are highly regarded, reflecting his dedication to advancing the field through education.

Dr. Mahesh has been recognized extensively for his exceptional contributions to the field of ophthalmology, marked by numerous achievements and awards throughout his career:

– National Ophthalmic Quiz conducted by All India Ophthalmological Society** – Runner up in 2003 and Winner in Varanasi 2004.
– Best Poster Award** at the Kerala Society of Ophthalmic Surgeons meeting in Thrissur, 2003.
– Best Paper Sankaramenon Award** at the Kerala Society of Ophthalmic Surgeons Meeting 2005.
– Best Paper Sivareddy Award** at the Kerala Society of Ophthalmic Surgeons meeting 2007.
– Best Posterior Segment Free Paper Award** at the Kerala Society of Ophthalmic Surgeons meeting 2008.
– Best Video Film Tony Fernandez Award** at the Kerala Society of Ophthalmic Surgeons meeting 2008.
– Winner of the National Ophthalmic Quiz** conducted by All India Ophthalmological Society in Cochin 2012.
– Winner of the Noel Moniz Memorial Anterior Segment Free Paper Award** at the Kerala Society of Ophthalmic Surgeons meeting 2014.
– KGR Nair Free Paper Award** 2022.
– Jethwa Oration Award** 2022 from Gujarat Ophthalmological Society.

These accolades reflect Dr. Mahesh’s deep engagement with the academic community, his innovative approach to ophthalmology, and his ongoing commitment to excellence in his field.