Optic nerve atrophy — often resulting from glaucoma, trauma, or ischemic optic neuropathy — is a significant contributor to preventable vision loss in Ethiopia, where organised glaucoma screening is largely limited to Addis Ababa and a small number of regional referral hospitals. Stem Cell Cure India works with Ethiopian patients exploring stem cell therapy as an option to discuss alongside standard ophthalmology care.
Glaucoma and other causes of optic nerve damage are frequently diagnosed late in Ethiopia, given how limited screening infrastructure is in rural and peri-urban areas. For patients who already have optic nerve atrophy, conventional ophthalmology can generally only preserve remaining vision, since damaged nerve fibres do not regenerate naturally on their own. This has led some Ethiopian patients to look into regenerative approaches abroad.
Dr. Tyagi leads the regenerative medicine protocol design at Stem Cell Cure India, overseeing stem cell sourcing, lab processing, and treatment planning for patients — including those travelling from Nigeria .
Dr. Pallavee brings over two decades of clinical ophthalmology experience, supporting the eye-specific evaluation and treatment planning for patients undergoing stem cell therapy for retinal and optic nerve conditions at Stem Cell Cure India
Consultant Ophthalmologist & Eye Surgeon
Specialist in advanced cataract surgery, refractive surgery, and Corneal Cross-Linking for Keratoconus with extensive clinical experience.
Associate Professor | Vitreo-Retina Surgeon
Experienced cataract and vitreo-retina surgeon with expertise in retinal disorders, diabetic retinopathy, and advanced retina procedures.
Stem cell therapy is a non-surgical approach studied for its potential to support regeneration of damaged nerve tissue. Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs), typically sourced from umbilical cord tissue or bone marrow, are studied for their potential to support nerve repair, reduce inflammation, and improve blood flow around the optic nerve. Some patients report improvements in vision clarity or peripheral vision, though results vary depending on the individual and the extent of existing nerve damage.
Suitability depends on the cause and extent of optic nerve damage. Before travelling, our team reviews:
Outcomes vary considerably between individuals and depend on how much optic nerve damage has already occurred. Stem cell therapy is studied for its potential to support remaining nerve function, but cannot reverse severe, long-standing damage. Our team will discuss realistic expectations based on your specific case.
The procedure is non-surgical and minimally invasive, carried out under ophthalmology supervision using ethically sourced, ICMR-compliant stem cells. Most patients tolerate it well.
A recent ophthalmology assessment, visual field results, and an OCT scan if available. This allows our team to give an initial opinion on suitability before you travel.
Most patients stay between 5 and 8 days, depending on the treatment plan and any further evaluation needed.
Yes. Once treatment is confirmed, we provide the invitation and supporting documents Ethiopian citizens need to apply for a Medical Visa through the Indian Embassy in Addis Ababa.
Cost depends on the treatment plan required. Contact us for a personalised quote after sharing your ophthalmology reports.
"Stem Cell Cure (P) Ltd." deals in the following servies:-
| General Medical/Surgical Treatment | Stem Cell Treatment for Degenerative Diseases |
|---|---|
| Bariatric surgery | Neuro-Applications 1. Brain Stroke/Injury |
| Cardiology | 2. Spinal Cord Injury |
| Cardiothoracic surgery | 3. Spinal Fusion |
| Colorectal surgery | 4. Autism |
| Drug and alcohol services | 5. Cerebral Palsy |
| Ear, nose & throat (ENT) | 6. Motor Neuron Disease(ALS, PBP) |
| Gastroenterology | 7. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) |
| General surgery | Ortho- Applications 1. Knee Cartilage Defect or arthritis |
| Gynaecology | 2. Hip Avascular Necrosis/Osteonecrosis |
| Haematology | 3. Rheumatoid Arthritis |
| Internal medicine | 4. Non-Union Fracture/Delayed Union |
| Mental Health | Vascular Applications 1. Coronary Arterial Disease |
| Neurology | 2. Peripheral Arterial Disease such as CLI |
| Neurosurgery | 3. Diabetic Foot ulcer/Gangrene |
| Obstetrics, gynaecology and IVF | Eye related Application 1. Optic Nerve Damage |
| Oncology / cancer | 2. Retinitis Pigmentosa |
| Oral and Maxillo surgery | 3. Macular Degeneration |
| Orthopaedic (Knee/Hip) surgery | Other Applications 1. Diabetes |
| Paediatric surgery | 2. Acute/Chronic kidney disease |
| Physicians | 3. Acute/Chronic Liver disease |
| Plastic & reconstructive surgery | 4. Acute/Chronic Lung disease |
| Rehabilitation | 5. Muscular Dystrophy as DMD & SMA |
| Renal | 6. Myocardial Infarction (MI) |
| Respiratory medicine | 7. Hair Regeneration |
| Urology | 8. Blood related cancer treatment |
| Vascular surgery | 9. Anti-aging |
| Dentisity |
