Medical Research Foundation (The Sankara Nethralaya Academy), Chennai
Excellence in Optometry, Healthcare Management and Medical Laboratory Science
About Medical Research Foundation (The Sankara Nethralaya Academy), Chennai
The Sankara Nethralaya Academy (TSNA), Chennai, is the academic arm of the Medical Research Foundation / Sankara Nethralaya group, founded in 2010 by the late Padma Bhushan Dr. S.S. Badrinath. Operating from the Dr. V.G. Appukutty Campus on GST Road, St. Thomas Mount, TSNA offers globally aligned programmes in affiliation with The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University and in academic collaboration with Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science. TSNA is organised into three schools: the School of Optometry (Master of Optometry plus six clinical fellowship programmes and a certificate course in Occupational Optometry), the School of Management Studies (Master of Hospital Administration), and the School of Medical Laboratory Sciences (Bachelor and Master of Medical Laboratory Science, BMLS/MMLS, both NCAHP-aligned). A separate certificate programme in Hospital Infection Control (CPHIC) is also offered. The campus features air-conditioned smart classrooms, NABL-accredited medical laboratories (Biochemistry, Microbiology, Haematology, Histopathology), and dedicated optometry clinics including a Contact Lens Clinic, Low Vision Clinic, Binocular Vision & Vision Therapy Clinic, Myopia Clinic, Pediatric Optometry Lab and Sports Clinic. The Medical Laboratory Sciences programme reports 100% placement, 135 undergraduate and 19 postgraduate graduates to date, 20+ student scholarships awarded, and clinical tie-ups with 3+ multi-specialty hospitals, including Kanchi Kamakoti Child Trust Hospital and Sundaram Medical Foundation.
Highlights
Courses Offered
Admission Process
Meet Eligibility Criteria
For BMLS: 10+2 (Science) with at least 50% aggregate in Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Botany & Zoology. For MMLS: Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science with 50% minimum from a recognized university. For M.Optom and MHA: relevant bachelor's degree as per programme-specific eligibility.
Apply Online
Download and submit the UG/PG application form available on the official TSNA website, or apply through the Admissions section.
Entrance Exam & Interview (for PG programmes)
MMLS and select postgraduate programmes require candidates to appear for an entrance exam and interview.
Document Submission & Fee Payment
Submit required academic documents and complete fee payment as specified by the admissions office.
Reporting & Enrollment
Report to the Dr. V.G. Appukutty Campus, St. Thomas Mount, with original documents for final enrollment.
Facilities
Placement Information
Scholarships
- 20+ Student Scholarships Awarded (Medical Laboratory Sciences Programme, Official Figure)
Hostel Facilities
Events
- Braillive CME Quiz Competition (SRIHER) — Student Prize Winners
- Poster Presentation Competitions (Inter-Collegiate CMEs)
- Model Making Competition (e.g. VIZENSA obstacle-detection glasses project)
- Blood Donation Camps
- Yoga & Meditation Sessions
- Sports & Cultural Events
- Industrial Visits & Alumni Talks/Expert Meets
Campus Life
Technical Clubs
- Optometry Clinical Skills Club
- Medical Laboratory Research Club
Cultural Clubs
- Student Cultural & Sports Committee
Community Service
- Blood Donation Camps
- Community Optometry Fellowship (Vision Outreach)
- Rotary Central TTK-VHS Blood Bank Collaboration