Aurolab part of Aravind Eye Care inaugurates a new eye drops plant in Madurai with a 36 million bottle capacity. A model of affordable, high-quality healthcare.
In a significant step towards expanding access to affordable eye care Aurolab the manufacturing arm of the renowned Aravind Eye Care System has inaugurated a new state-of-the-art eye drops manufacturing facility at its Veerapanjan campus in Madurai. The facility was officially opened by Dr. V Anantha Nageswaran, the Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India.
The new plant, spanning 75,000 square feet, boasts an impressive annual production capacity of 36 million bottles of eye drops. This expansion solidifies Aurolab’s position as a leading global manufacturer of high-quality, low-cost ophthalmic pharmaceuticals, crucial to Aravind’s mission of eliminating needless blindness.
A Not-for-Profit Model of Excellence
Speaking at the inauguration, Dr. Nageswaran highlighted the Aravind model as a beacon of efficiency and social impact. He stated that Aravind Eye Care System had demonstrated that not-for-profit enterprises can deliver efficiency, excellence, and affordable quality care while serving humanity as their core mission.
He also praised the organization’s deep community roots, noting that by “training and employing people from nearby villages, the organisation has created opportunities and confidence for future generations.”
Unwavering Focus on Quality and Affordability
Aurolab Managing Director, R D Sriram, emphasized that the new facility is built with a unwavering commitment to “quality, safety, and patient well-being.” Since its inception, Aurolab’s core objective has been to break down cost barriers for essential eye care products, from intraocular lenses to medications, making critical treatments accessible to all segments of society.
The event also saw M V Muthuramalingam, founder and chairman of Velammal Educational Trust, speak about the inspirational legacy of Aravind’s founder, Dr. G. Venkataswamy. In a related announcement, he revealed that former Indian cricket captain M.S. Dhoni would inaugurate Velammal’s international cricket stadium in Madurai on October 9.
The new Aurolab facility is more than just a manufacturing unit; it is a testament to a sustainable, scalable, and compassionate model that continues to make India a global leader in affordable, high-quality healthcare solutions.

