When I walked into the waiting area of Smart Vision Eye Centre, I felt the hum of a well-organized clinic — calm, clean, and welcoming. As a medical journalist, I spent part of the morning interviewing Dr. Seema Behl, the lead ophthalmologist. Many in Andheri and beyond refer to her simply when they search for “eye doctor in Andheri”. Today, I had the opportunity to understand why that phrase resonates with so many.
Qualifications, Experience and Clinic Environment
Dr. Seema Behl holds an M.B.B.S. and an M.S. (Ophthalmology) from the prestigious Institute of Medical Sciences, B.H.U., Varanasi. She further sharpened her skills with fellowships in general ophthalmology, microsurgery and phacoemulsification at the renowned Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai, along with training in indirect ophthalmology and diabetic eye disease in 1998, and a LASIK-intensive course in 2004.
Over a career spanning 30 years across major eye-care institutions in Mumbai and Delhi — including a notable 12-year stint at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital — Dr. Behl has performed thousands of cataract surgeries, including complex traumatic and paediatric cases as well as glaucoma procedures.Her surgical outcomes, the clinic’s data shows, are comparable to international benchmarks — cataract-surgery success rates near 98.9%.
The Smart Vision Eye Centre itself lives up to expectations. The infrastructure is modern, with well-equipped diagnostic and operating facilities: Carl-Zeiss slit lamps, Topcon autorefractometers, digital acuity charts, a modular steel OT, Zeiss operating microscope, and a state-of-the-art phacoemulsification system (Legion Vision), along with a Topcon 3D OCT Master for glaucoma and retina evaluation.This sets the tone for what one would expect from an Ophthalmologist Clinic in Mumbai — professional, patient-oriented, and comprehensive.
Services Offered and Clinical Expertise
At Smart Vision, Dr. Behl and her team handle a broad spectrum of eye care — from general ophthalmology and comprehensive eye check-ups to advanced surgical procedures such as cataract surgery (microsurgery/phacoemulsification), LASIK and other refractive surgeries, glaucoma management, diabetic eye care, dry-eye treatment, paediatric ophthalmology and squint, keratoconus management, and lid / oculoplastic procedures.
Given this wide reach, the clinic positions itself not just as a centre for reactive eye care, but as part of a broader public health mission: promoting preventive eye care through regular check-ups and outreach programs like eye camps and counselling sessions, especially for early detection of conditions like diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and ARMD.
Benefits and Risks of the Treatments
During our conversation, Dr. Behl emphasized the many benefits patients derive from modern eye procedures. For example:
- Cataract surgery via phacoemulsification can restore clear vision often within days, reducing dependency on glasses, and enabling better quality of life. Given her high success rates, many patients regain near-normal eyesight.
- LASIK and refractive surgery offer freedom from eyeglasses or contact lenses, a major advantage in everyday life — especially for those with myopia, hypermetropia or astigmatism.
- Glaucoma and diabetic-retinopathy care, when detected early, can prevent irreversible vision loss, preserving sight for years.
- For children and younger patients, timely treatment of squint or amblyopia can make a critical difference in long-term visual development.
That said, she was candid about potential risks. As with all surgical interventions, there are chances of complications — infection, delayed healing, or suboptimal visual outcomes if pre-operative evaluation and post-operative care are not properly followed. For LASIK, not everyone is a suitable candidate — certain corneal or refractive profiles may disqualify patients after careful assessment. She stressed that the clinic evaluates each case thoroughly and advises honestly if a procedure may not give expected results.
Approximate Cost Range
While exact cost can vary depending on the type and complexity of treatment, Dr. Behl described a general framework. Routine eye check-ups and diagnostics are modestly priced to encourage frequent preventive care. For surgical treatments such as cataract surgery or LASIK, she said the clinic aims to keep pricing “affordable yet quality-driven,” balancing cost against advanced technology and surgical expertise. She avoided quoting fixed rupee amounts, wisely noting that costs depend on lens choice (intraocular lens type), pre-existing conditions, and post-operative care plan. (Note: prospective patients should contact the clinic directly for current pricing.)
Precautions and After-care Advice Shared by Dr. Behl
During our interview, Dr. Behl highlighted several important guidelines she gives to patients for safe and effective recovery:
- Before surgery: Undergo a full diagnostic work-up including corneal mapping (in refractive cases), ocular-pressure measurement (for glaucoma suspects), retina scan (especially in diabetics), to ensure suitability.
- After surgery: She advised patients to follow post-operative instructions strictly — use prescribed eye drops, avoid rubbing eyes, protect eyes from dust and sunlight, and avoid strenuous activities for a few days. In cataract and refractive surgeries, follow-up visits are crucial for monitoring healing and visual acuity adjustments.
- For chronic conditions like glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy, she emphasized regular follow-ups, adherence to medication, and timely checkups to prevent long-term damage.
- Importantly — she noted that not every patient is a candidate for surgical correction. In some cases, conservative management or corrective lenses might be the safer route. She said she prefers to err on the side of caution rather than push for surgery when risk outweighs benefit.
Final Thoughts
As I left Smart Vision Eye Centre that morning, I couldn’t help but reflect on how much trust people place in their eyes — and how rare it is to find a clinician who balances technical excellence with ethical clarity. Dr. Seema Behl’s credentials, decades-long experience, and the thoughtful setup of the clinic certainly position the centre as more than just a medical facility — but as a place where eye health, patient well-being, and community vision go hand in hand.
If you’re seeking an eye doctor in Andheri and you care about both quality and integrity, this is a story worth reading — and a clinic worth considering.
Call to Action
Let’s enhance your natural vision with informed choices. If you have concerns about eyesight, blurry vision, cataracts, or are curious about refractive surgery, consider reaching out to Smart Vision Eye Centre in Andheri — your journey to clearer, healthier vision might be just a call away.
Contact Details:
📍 Smart Vision Eye Centre
📞 Mobile: +91 9321842424 Tel: +91 22 31399370
🕒 Monday to Saturday — 10:00 am to 7:00 pm