Chaitra MC

Dr. Chaitra M C is a highly experienced medical professional currently serving as a Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at Sri Devaraj Urs Medical College, Kolar. With 14 years of teaching experience, she is deeply committed to mentoring undergraduate, postgraduate, and Allied Health Sciences students. Her core areas of interest include cataracts, uvea, ocular trauma, medical education, medical ethics, and research. She completed her M.B.B.S. at Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangalore, and her M.S. in Ophthalmology at M V J Medical College & Research Center, Bangalore, both affiliated with RGUHS University. During her master's program, she authored a thesis titled "A clinical study of dacryocystitis". To complement her clinical knowledge, she pursued Post Graduate Diplomas in Medico Legal Systems (PGDMLS) and Quality Management of Hospital and Healthcare Organizations (PGDQMHHO) from SSODL, Pune. Additionally, she completed a Masterclass in Clinical Ophthalmology approved by The Royal College of Ophthalmologists in 2021 and underwent advanced training in Medical Education Technologies at the NMC nodal Centre, CMC Vellore.

Clinically, Dr. Chaitra is highly skilled in general ophthalmology and ophthalmic surgeries. She is competent in performing Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS) and proficiently manages complications while training post-graduate students. Her surgical repertoire also includes oculoplasty, dacryocystectomy, therapeutic keratoplasty, and retinal laser procedures for diabetic patients. At her institution, she is actively in charge of Retinopathy of Prematurity screening and treatment. Beyond her clinical and teaching duties, Dr. Chaitra holds significant leadership and administrative responsibilities. She has been a postgraduate guide for M.S. Ophthalmology and M. Optometry students for three years and served as the Department Registrar for over six years until December 2024. She currently acts as the Convenor of the Scientific Review Board, a task force member for NAAC's 7th criteria, a core member of the Learning Management System, and a member of the Board of Studies for Allied Health Sciences. Externally, she extends her expertise as an external board member of the Research Advisory Committee at Apollo University and has guided an MBA student from Mysuru University. An avid researcher, Dr. Chaitra has published 51 scientific papers in indexed journals and holds an H-index of 4. She has actively participated in and presented oral papers and posters at numerous state, national, and international conferences. Her research portfolio includes multiple funded and non-funded multidisciplinary projects.

In recognition of her exceptional contributions to the field, Dr. Chaitra was honoured with the Distinguished Researcher Award in Ophthalmology in January 2026 by the International Scientific Laurels Committee. Furthermore, she was awarded the prestigious Honorary Membership of the National Academy of Medical Sciences (MNAMS) at the 65th convocation held at PGIMER, Chandigarh, in November 2025. She is registered with the Karnataka Medical Council and maintains active affiliations with the Karnataka Ophthalmic Society, All India Ophthalmic Society, Women Ophthalmologists Society, and is a life member of the Epidemiology Foundation of India.