Team StartupCity

• The Eye Foundation secures $75 million from Verlinvest.
• Funds will support expansion across underserved regions in South India.
• The chain treats over 1 million patients annually through 25+ hospitals.

The Eye Foundation, a leading South Indian eye care chain, has raised $75 million from Verlinvest, one of India’s top consumer-focused investment firms. This deal is among the largest single investments in India’s specialty healthcare sector.

Founded by Dr. Ramamurthy and Dr. Chitra Ramamurthy, The Eye Foundation operates more than 25 hospitals across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. The Coimbatore-based chain provides comprehensive eye care services, including cataract, retina, LASIK, glaucoma, corneal transplants, and ocular trauma treatments, serving over one million patients each year through high-tech tertiary and well-equipped secondary centres.

Dr. Ramamurthy, Chairman of The Eye Foundation, said, “Partnering with Verlinvest will help us expand our reach and bring affordable, cutting-edge eye care to underserved regions while maintaining the high standards patients associate with us”. Dr. Shreyas Ramamurthy, MD, added that the collaboration will strengthen the chain’s services and extend its impact across South India.

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For Verlinvest, the investment reflects an accelerated strategy in India’s healthcare and consumer sectors. Arjun Anand, Managing Director & Head of Asia at Verlinvest, stated, “We see immense potential in building high-impact healthcare brands like The Eye Foundation, which combine clinical excellence with exceptional patient experience”.

Veda Corporate Advisors acted as exclusive financial advisors for the transaction. The partnership aims to enhance The Eye Foundation’s infrastructure, broaden access to quality eye care, and reinforce India’s specialty healthcare landscape.