Historical reference / Doctors / India

Dr. Govindappa Venkataswamy

Ophthalmologist and founder of Aravind Eye Hospital

1918–2006

  • Ophthalmology
  • Cataract care
  • Community eye care
Explore the work

01 / The overview

A life of meaningful work.

Govindappa Venkataswamy, widely known as Dr. V, was an Indian ophthalmologist who founded Aravind Eye Hospital. His legacy centres on preventing avoidable blindness, extending eye care to communities and developing an organisation dedicated to that mission.

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02 / Work & contributions

Highlights from the record.

  1. An 11-bed beginning

    Established Aravind Eye Hospital in Madurai in 1976, beginning with 11 beds after retiring from government service.

    Read original source : Aravind Eye Care System — Our founder, Dr. V
  2. Care beyond the hospital

    Introduced eye-care outreach camps in 1960 and helped develop ophthalmic assistant training in 1973.

    Read original source : Aravind Eye Care System — Our founder, Dr. V
  3. Recognition for eye care

    Received the Padma Shri in 1973 in recognition of his work addressing blindness.

    Read original source : Aravind Eye Care System — Our founder, Dr. V

03 / Further reading

Go straight to the source.

The public sources below support this reference profile. They remain the best place to check the original context and any later updates.

  1. Aravind Eye Care System — Our founder, Dr. Varavind.org

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