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Cataract surgery for patients from Curchorem: the train to Vasco, and driving again

Curchorem (Kudchade) and its twin town Sanvordem, with Cacora and Tilamol nearby, grew up around the railway and the ore trucks, and many families here still earn their living behind the wheel. For a cataract (motibindu) that is making night driving and glare a problem, ReNew Vision Eye Hospital is within reach by road or rail. The hospital is in Vasco, not in Curchorem: 2nd floor, Pai Hospital building, Vaddem Merces Road, Vaddem, Vasco da Gama.

By road: two routes of about 44 km

OpenStreetMap routing finds two routes of about 44 km. One runs north on the Curchorem-Ponda road to Shiroda and Borim, across the Zuari and through Loutolim to the Verna plateau. The other runs west through Chandor to Margao and then north on NH 66. Both reach the Cortalim junction, where the Vasco road (NH 366) leads through Zuarinagar and Chicalim into Vasco. The tool shows about 40 minutes; allow about an hour, more in the evening or heavy rain.

By train: the line that ends at Vasco

Sanvordem-Curchorem station is on the railway line that runs through Chandor, Majorda, Cansaulim and Dabolim and ends at Vasco da Gama station, about 3 km from the hospital by auto-rickshaw. There are only a few trains a day, and timings change, so check the timetable before you rely on one. The train suits a check-up or a follow-up visit with a companion; on the surgery day itself, a car is easier.

We can collect you from your home and drop you back, at zero cost to the patient. Ask for it when you call 072489 88039. Buses also run from Curchorem to Margao, with frequent buses from Margao to Vasco.

The visit plan

1. Check-up and counselling: the eye doctor examines both eyes after dilating drops and, if surgery is advised, explains phaco or SICS, the lens types and the fee. The lens-power test may be done the same day.
2. Surgery day: a few hours at the hospital, with an adult companion.
3. First check: usually the next day or soon after. From Curchorem, most families go home in between.
4. Follow-ups over the next weeks, then the second eye and new spectacles if needed.

More on the operation at cataract surgery at ReNew Vision and on the choice of method at phaco or SICS.

Cataract and driving: glare, licences and going back to work

For drivers, cataract often shows first at night: oncoming headlights spread into starbursts, the road ahead looks foggy, and signs are hard to read. Some drivers keep going with stronger spectacles, but glasses cannot clear a cloudy lens. If you drive a truck, bus, taxi or tempo:

• stop driving at night if glare is making it unsafe, and have your eyes examined;
• after surgery, do not drive until the surgeon says your vision is good enough, usually after the first follow-ups and, if needed, new spectacles;
• heavy steering, loading and unloading strain the body; ask the surgeon when you can go back to them;
• if your licence renewal needs an eye certificate, bring the form once the eye has settled; see eye fitness certificates.

Read also early signs of cataract.

What to bring

• the patient's spectacles, old eye papers and all medicine strips, including blood thinners
• recent sugar and BP reports
• sunglasses, and a companion who can drive or travel back with you

Hours and emergencies

The Eye OPD runs Monday to Saturday, 4 pm to 7 pm, Friday included; Sunday OPD is closed. From Curchorem, leave by about 2:45 pm by road, or check the train times. Emergency eye care is available 24 hours: after surgery, call 072489 88039 if pain, redness or blurring increases. More on coming from another town.

Questions patients ask

Is there a train from Curchorem to Vasco?

Yes. Sanvordem-Curchorem station is on the line that ends at Vasco da Gama station, about 3 km from the hospital. Trains are few, so check the timetable first.

How long is the drive from Curchorem?

About 44 km, via Shiroda and the Borim bridge or via Chandor and Margao. Allow about an hour by car.

When can I drive my truck again after cataract surgery?

Only when the surgeon says your vision is good enough, usually after the first follow-ups and, if needed, new spectacles. Heavy loading waits a little longer, as the surgeon advises.

Headlights look like starbursts at night. Is that cataract?

It is a common sign of cataract, though other eye problems can cause it too. Have your eyes examined, and avoid night driving until then.

Is there a ReNew Vision clinic in Curchorem?

No. ReNew Vision Eye Hospital is only in Vaddem, Vasco da Gama. We can collect you from your home and drop you back, at zero cost to the patient.

This page is general eye-health information, not personal medical advice. Your eye doctor advises you after examining your eyes.