Thoothukudi Government Medical College Hospital (TKGMCH) doctors for the first time successfully performed dermis fat graft, fornix forming sutures and socket reconstruction surgery for a 9-year-old girl from Aralvaimozhi, with congenital anophthalmia with contracted socket.Addressing the media at TKGMCH on Wednesday, TKGMCH Dean Ebenezer Joel Kumar said that the Ophthalmology department at the hospital has been providing advanced eye care services and attends to around 200 patients every day. He added that more than 200 cataract surgeries are performed every month, besides specialised treatment such as glaucoma, squint, DCR&DCT, keratoplasty and orbital surgery.He said that 9-year-old girl child from Aralvaimozhi, was brought to hospital for treatment. The child was born without her left eye, a rare congenital condition and surgery was performed on June 20.The surgery was carried out by a team led by M. Rita Hepsi Rani, Head of the Department, Ophthalmology. The team included plastic surgeon Aruna Devi, anaesthesiologist Sriram along with other doctors and nurses from the hospital.Mr. Kumar noted that the surgery has provided the child with a natural facial appearance by creating the appearance of a normal eye, thereby eliminating the facial disfigurement and helping her lead a life free from social stigma.Speaking to The Hindu, Ms. Rani said that the procedures involved in the operation are dermis fat graft, fornix forming sutures, socket reconstruction and finally a prosthetic eye was fitted.Medical Superintendent R. Padmanabhan, Resident Medical Officer Silas Jeyamani and other doctors and staff were present at the meeting. Published - July 01, 2026 08:41 pm IST