Dr. Bhujanga Rao Vepakomma is presently Chairman, KIMS Foundation & Research Centre (KFRC)
Dr. Rao is also the Chief Designer of India’s first cochlear implant prosthesis, which was fitted in a postlingual patient at CMC, Vellore, in 2020, which worked for nearly 5 years. To date, the bionic ear is the only example of an electronic device that has successfully replaced a human sensory organ, i.e., the ear, of the profoundly deaf. This technology is a boon to the hearing-impaired community. Dr Bhujanga Rao, with his commitment and tenacious efforts, made this groundbreaking biomedical development in the country. While working at NIAS, he developed AI-based smart glasses for the blind in 2020.
Established the India’s first Telemedicine Center for the deaf at KFRC
An interpreter-enabled telemedicine center at KFRC, Secunderabad specifically catering to the deaf. This platform bridges the communication gap between healthcare professionals and deaf patients. By integrating sign language interpreters into the telemedicine framework, we have made healthcare more accessible, convenient, and free.
AI-based smart vision glasses (DRIISTI) programme was launched at KFRC on November 21, 2024
AI-based smart vision glasses for the blind, aiming to enhance their ability to navigate, indoor environment, object recognition, face recognition, and text to speech reading.
Under the visionary leadership of Dr. V. Bhujanga Rao, Chairman, KIMS Foundation and Research Center (KFRC), and Dr. B. Bhaskara Rao, Managing Director, KIMS Hospitals, the AI-based Smart Vision Glasses initiative — DRIISTI — continues to transform lives. The programme, launched by Shri Jishnu Dev Varma, Hon’ble Governor of Telangana, on November 21, 2024, at KIMS Hospital, Secunderabad, aims to empower visually impaired individuals through cutting-edge AI technology. As part of this ongoing initiative, 100 Smart Vision Glasses were distributed free of charge to blind individuals, reaffirming KFRC’s and KIMS Hospitals’ commitment to inclusive healthcare and technological innovation for social good.
AI-Based Smart Vision Glasses (DRIISTI) Distribution at Srikakulam on October 23, 2025
The KIMS Foundation and Research Center (KFRC), in collaboration with Achala Health Services, distributed AI-Based Smart Vision Glasses (DRIISTI) to visually impaired individuals on October 23, 2025 at KIMS GEMS Hospital, Srikakulam. The smart glasses were distributed by Dr. V. Bhujanga Rao, Chairman, KFRC, and the event was graced by Sri Swapnil Dinkar Pundkar, I.A.S., Collector & District Magistrate, Srikakulam, who served as the Chief Guest and appreciated the initiative aimed at empowering the visually impaired through advanced AI-driven assistive technology that enhances navigation, object and face recognition, and text-to-speech reading.
A total of 100 Smart Vision Glasses were distributed free of charge to blind individuals, reaffirming KFRC’s and KIMS Hospitals’ commitment to inclusive healthcare and technological innovation for social good.
AI-Based Smart Vision Glasses (DRIISTI) Programme at BISER Medical College & Skill University, Nidamarru Village – May 15, 2026
During the Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony of BISER Medical College & Skill University at Nidamarru Village on May 13, 2026, AI-Based Smart Vision Glasses (DRIISTI) were distributed to beneficiaries in the presence of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
The Chief Minister, along with Dr. B. Bhaskara Rao and Dr. V. Bhujangarao, interacted with beneficiaries and demonstrated the use of the AI smart glasses. The initiative highlights the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence in improving the lives of visually impaired individuals and advancing inclusive healthcare.
Kalam Research Day – 2026 at Great Eastern Medical School & Hospital
Dr. V. Bhujanga Rao, Chairman of KIMS Foundation & Research Centre (KFRC), graced the Kalam Research Day – 2026 as the Chief Guest on 27 April 2026 at Great Eastern Medical School & Hospital (GEMS&H), Srikakulam. During the event, he was felicitated in recognition of his outstanding contributions to science, technology, healthcare innovation, and research leadership.
Design and Development of an Indigenous EVLP System for Functional Lung Preservation
Ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) enables the evaluation, preservation, and reconditioning of donor lungs outside the body, thereby increasing their suitability for transplantation. We have developed a cost-effective, indigenous EVLP system that incorporates established protocols (Toronto, Lund, OCS) and employs lung-protective, low-flow strategies. The system features real-time monitoring of lung weight, pressure, temperature, and oxygenation, with the goal of expanding nationwide access to EVLP.