Meet the Founder

Meet the Founder and Director

Dr. Saikumar Gandapodi is the Founder and Director of Netra Eye Institute and a pioneer in the field of integrative ophthalmology, an emerging approach that combines modern ophthalmic science with evidence-informed traditional medical systems to support long-term retinal and optic nerve health.

Dr. Gandapodi holds a Doctorate from Five Branches University and a Master in Traditional Oriental Medicine from Pacific College of Health and Science , where he received rigorous training in integrative and traditional medical sciences. His academic and clinical work has focused on understanding the physiological mechanisms that influence chronic eye diseases beyond intraocular pressure alone, including vascular regulation, neuroprotection, inflammation, and oxidative stress.

To further expand his expertise, Dr. Gandapodi underwent advanced clinical training in India, where he trained in eye hospitals and gained hands-on experience in ocular diagnostics and modern ophthalmic imaging technologies. This exposure provided him with a deep understanding of contemporary ophthalmic evaluation while also reinforcing the potential of integrative approaches to support ocular health.

Drawing on this multidisciplinary background, Dr. Gandapodi developed Netra Restoration Therapy (NRT)—a physiology-based, integrative eye care program designed to support retinal and optic nerve function. NRT focuses on key biological pathways increasingly recognized in ophthalmic research, including ocular blood flow regulation, neuroretinal resilience, inflammatory balance, and oxidative stress reduction.

At Netra Eye Institute, Dr. Gandapodi applies advanced diagnostic insights together with integrative therapeutic strategies to support patients with complex eye conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, myopic degeneration, and other retinal disorders. His work emphasizes a science-guided, whole-system approach to eye health, aimed at supporting long-term visual function while complementing conventional ophthalmologic care.

Through his clinical work and ongoing research interests, Dr. Gandapodi continues to advance the field of integrative vision care, helping patients explore comprehensive strategies to protect and support the health of the retina and optic nerve.