Nethradhama Launches Karnataka’s First Mobile Unit For Bladeless Eye Surgery; Deploys Ziemer Z8 Neo Technology

· A first in Karnataka, the mobile FEMTO surgery unit is designed to bridge the gap between cutting-edge eye care and regional accessibility

· With over 900 successful procedures during the pilot, the rotational deployment ensures world-class eye care reaches Bengaluru, Mysuru, and beyond—at scale and without cost inflation

In a major leap for precision eye surgery in Karnataka, Nethradhama Superspeciality Eye Hospital has launched the Ziemer Z8 Neo, a state-of-the-art multi-purpose femtosecond laser system, now being delivered across multiple centres within the city through a custom-engineered mobile unit. This strategic deployment ensures that patients across all Nethradhama branches can benefit from bladeless, high-precision procedures without the need to centralise care at a single location.

The Ziemer Z8 Neo is often described as the Swiss army knife of ophthalmic lasers. It is used to perform bladeless eye surgeries that are gentle, precise, and quick to heal. These include FEMTO-assisted cataract surgery, vision correction procedures like CLEAR and LASIK to reduce dependence on glasses, and treatments for conditions such as keratoconus or damaged corneas. All of these are performed using laser pulses instead of blades, making the procedures safer, less invasive, and more comfortable for patients.

“Patients today expect precision and fast recovery, and the Z8 Neo allows us to deliver just that. Whether it’s a young professional looking for a quick, bladeless alternative to glasses, or a senior wanting a safer, more precise cataract surgery, the Z8 Neo meets a wide range of vision needs,” said Dr Supriya Sriganesh, Executive Director, Nethradhama.

With patients actively seeking the best available technology, bladeless surgeries are increasingly preferred for their accuracy, comfort, and minimal downtime. The Z8 Neo’s ability to integrate with premium intraocular lenses and advanced planning software ensures patients experience high-definition vision with reduced dependence on glasses.

“We were among the earliest adopters of Femtosecond laser technology in India,” said Prof. Dr. Sri Ganesh, Chairman and Managing Director, Nethradhama. “From introducing the state’s first Catalys platform for bladeless cataract surgery to pioneering SMILE in South India, innovation has always been part of our DNA. With the Z8 Neo, we have elevated this further, not just by upgrading our in-centre capabilities, but also by mobilising the technology itself. Our specially engineered van, with climate and shock control, allows us to rotate the machine between five centres, including three in Bengaluru, one in Mysuru, and one outreach site. This model makes it possible for patients across centres to access cutting-edge treatment without compromising on precision or outcomes.”

During the pilot phase, over 600 cataract surgeries and nearly 300 corneal and refractive procedures have already been successfully completed using the Z8 Neo, including bladeless LASIK and the increasingly popular CLEAR technique. Thanks to its enhanced software engine and robust performance, most patients report clear vision by Day 1 and return to full visual function within a week.

The mobile deployment of the Z8 Neo enables decentralised delivery of premium procedures, offering an approach that balances technological excellence with cost-efficiency. Instead of installing a unit at every branch, Nethradhama’s rotational model allows for weekly procedures at each location, offering consistent care while reducing infrastructure overheads.

Nethradhama plans to expand this mobile FEMTO model further, making it accessible to more centres across southern India and continuing its legacy of bringing global-standard technology to local care.