India has lost a renowned ophthalmologist and visionary leader with the passing of Dr. S.S. Badrinath, the founder of Sankara Nethralaya, a leading eye care institution in the country. His demise on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at the age of 83, triggered an outpouring of grief and heartfelt tributes from across the medical fraternity and the general public.
Born on February 24, 1940, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Dr Badrinath was a pioneer in the field of eye care, dedicated to providing affordable and accessible eye care for all. He established Sankara Nethralaya in 1978 with a vision to revolutionize eye care in India and make it accessible to the underserved sections of society. Under his visionary leadership, Sankara Nethralaya has grown into a world-class eye care institution, recognized for its cutting-edge research, innovative treatment protocols, and compassionate patient care.
Apart from his contributions to Sankara Nethralaya, Dr Badrinath played a pivotal role in shaping the Indian healthcare landscape. He served as the President of the All India Ophthalmological Society (AIOIS) and was instrumental in establishing the National Eye Care Programme (NECP), a government initiative to address the prevalent eye disorders in India. His expertise and leadership were also recognized internationally, and he served as the President of the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) from 1992 to 1994.
A Legacy of Compassionate Eye Care
Dr Badrinath was not only a skilled surgeon and a visionary leader but also a compassionate physician who deeply cared for his patients. He was known for his warm and approachable demeanor, always putting his patients’ needs first. His dedication to providing affordable and accessible eye care has touched the lives of millions of people across India and beyond.
Remembering a Remarkable Visionary
Dr Badrinath’s passing is a significant loss for the Indian medical fraternity and the global eye care community. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of ophthalmologists to strive for excellence and prioritize compassionate patient care. He will be remembered as a pioneer in the field of eye care, a champion of accessible healthcare, and a compassionate physician who touched the lives of countless individuals.
Tributes and Acknowledgements
The passing of Dr Badrinath has been met with an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, patients, and admirers across the globe. The Indian government has also expressed its condolences, recognizing his immense contributions to the field of eye care and his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others.
Dr Badrinath’s legacy will continue to live on through the work of Sankara Nethralaya and the countless ophthalmologists he inspired and mentored. His dedication to providing affordable and accessible eye care has made a lasting impact on the lives of millions of people around the world.
Rest in Peace, Dr S.S. Badrinath
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