PGIMER team's Braille eye prosthesis wins national award
A PGIMER team just won a national award for designing a special eye prosthesis with Braille markings, enabling a six-year-old child to identify the correct prosthesis and fit artificial eyes independently.
Their project took first prize in the faculty presentation category at the Indian Prosthodontic Society's conference in Navi Mumbai earlier this month.
How it works
Led by Professor Sudhir Bhandari and his team, the prosthesis has Braille letters inside so kids who are blind can feel which eye goes where—no more guesswork or needing constant help.
The idea came after the child lost vision due to cancer treatment and was learning at a Braille school.
Real-world impact
Check-ups over six months showed no problems with the fit, and caregivers noticed the child got much better at handling their own eyes—plus, their confidence grew.
This low-cost solution is being called a first in maxillofacial prosthetics, making life easier for kids who need artificial eyes and reducing risks of injury or dependence on adults.