A Visionary for Young Eyes

Leading the Fight Against Childhood Myopia

Mr. Nikkhil K Masurkar, often referred to as “India’s Eye Drops Man” and “the Elon Musk of the Indian Pharma Industry,” is a visionary leader and CEO of ENTOD Pharmaceuticals, a company at the forefront of eye medicines in India. With a strong background in pharmaceutical research and a deep commitment to innovation, Mr. Masurkar has driven ENTOD Pharmaceuticals to become a leading player in the eye care industry. Known for his pioneering research and advances in ophthalmic treatments, Mr. Masurkar’s efforts reflect his mission to advance eye care in India and globally.
Beyond his contributions in eye medicine, Mr. Masurkar is passionately focused on children’s eye health. His work in developing treatments for childhood myopia (near-sightedness), paired with his nationwide myopia awareness campaigns, may become a turning point for paediatric eye health in India.
“Children’s eye health is an issue very close to my heart. Due to excessive screen time, indoor lifestyles, and reduced outdoor play, children’s eyes face more strain than ever. We are in uncharted territory with potential long-term consequences on eye health if we don’t act,” he explains.
Myopia, or short-sightedness, affects one in four children in India, with the primary causes linked to excessive screen time and reduced outdoor play in sunlight. Left untreated, myopia can lead to serious vision problems later in life.

In 2022, Mr. Masurkar launched an annual myopia awareness campaign, “National Myopia Week,” on Children’s Day (14th November) in collaboration with the MATANAND Welfare Foundation and the Strabismus and Paediatric Ophthalmological Society of India (SPOSI). This initiative, which has won awards two years in a row, has reached over 3 crore parents, teachers, and children across India through social media, press coverage, and school programs in both urban and rural areas. The campaign involves paediatric eye specialists, lifestyle influencers, and parent groups to spread awareness about childhood myopia and the importance of regular eye checkups.
“Our achievements in National Myopia Week 1.0 and 2.0 are just the beginning. This year, for the 3.0 campaign starting 14th November, 2024, we aim to make an even larger impact with radio and TV coverage. Our teams both online and on the ground are ready to make the #AllEyesonMyopia initiative a major success,” Masurkar says.
Mr. Masurkar emphasises the need for children to have annual eye check ups, even if they show no obvious symptoms. “Many children may not report difficulties in seeing distant objects, thinking it’s normal. India has excellent paediatric eye doctors spread out across the country, and parents should ensure yearly check-ups to detect and manage myopia early,” he adds.
He also highlights the importance of creating safe outdoor play areas to encourage children to spend time in sunlight, as research shows that sunlight exposure can reduce the prevalence of myopia. “Outdoor play can benefit children’s eye health and overall physical, social, and emotional well-being. Protecting children’s vision requires simple but consistent efforts from both parents and teachers, starting from a very young age,” he asserts.
On many public platforms, Mr. Masurkar has advocated for a Digital Eye Wellness strategy that encourages daily outdoor play in sunlight, regular breaks from screens, maintaining a healthy screen distance, and enforcing screen time limits, especially for younger children.
“Time is limited in the fight against myopia, and we need doctors, teachers, and parents supported by the pharma industry to unite for our children’s future. Estimates suggest that by 2050, one in two children in India may have myopia. As an industry leader in eye care, I feel a duty to drive a national movement for children’s eye health,” he states.
Masurkar is excited about commercialising various treatment options for childhood Myopia and digital eye strain in children, developed by ENTOD Pharmaceuticals. “The prospective treatment options will no doubt make a difference to how children’s eye health issues are therapeutically managed, however myopia awareness remains the heart of the solution,” he emphasises.
This year, National Myopia Week will be observed from November 14 to November 20 across India. More information on this initiative is available at www.nationalmyopiaweek.org