Dr. Govindappa Venkataswamy, founder and chairman of Aravind Eye Care System, passed away due to lung failure on July 7th at the age of 88. Dr. V, as he was affectionately addressed, had been unwell for months and succumbed to his illness on Friday afternoon.
Dr. Venkataswamy overcame great adversity to become a renowned ophthalmologist and ended up revolutionizing the field of eye care. He discovered techniques that lowered the cost of each operation to almost $10, allowing the Aravind Hospitals to treat up to 70% of the patients for little or no money.
Besides being an illustrious surgeon, Dr. Venkataswamy touched the lives of those around him with his compassion and humility. He is reported as being “a leader to the soul” and “a global citizen”.
Dr. Venkataswamy’s body was cremated on Saturday afternoon in Madurai, India, where he first founded the Aravind system. Aravind Eye Hospitals will continue be led by Dr. Nam and Dr. Natchiar, who stepped into the leadership role several years ago. Dr. Venkataswamy leaves behind two brothers, a sister, nephews, nieces and many members of the extended Aravind family.
For more information about Dr. Venkataswamy and the Aravind system, follow the links below.
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