Dr. Namperumalsamy

Qualification MS, FAMS
Designation President
Aravind Medical Research Foundation
Location Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai

Introduction

Dr. P. Namperumalsamy is one of the founding members of the Aravind Eye Care System and is currently its Chairman Emeritus and Professor of Ophthalmology.  Dr. P. Namperumalsamy started his career at Government Rajaji Hospital, Madurai. He established India’s Low Vision Aid Clinic in the year 1967. After training in USA, he started Vitreous Surgery Centre at Government Rajaji Hospital, Madurai, first of its kind in India and then Retina Vitreous Clinic at Aravind Eye Hospital in 1979.

Dr. Namperumalsamy established Centre of Relevance and Excellence in Diabetic Retinopathy, in association with Govt. of India, World Diabetes Foundation, Denmark and TOPCON, Tokyo towards creating awareness and health education as well as providing training, research and management of diabetic retinopathy. He has set up IT enabled Vision Centres in rural areas and established Aravind Virtual Ophthalmic Academy.  He also took a lead role in the establishment of Dr. G. Venkatasamy Eye Research Institute.

He has received numerous awards and accolades including Padma Shree Award by the Government of India, Lifetime Achievement Award by the All India Ophthalmological Society and Tamil Nadu Ophthalmic Association, Achievement Award by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Dr. B.C. Roy National Award in the category of Eminent Medical Teacher by the Medical Council of India. In 2010, Time magazine listed him as one among the 100 most influential people in the world.

Research & Publications

Research:

Dr. Namperumalsamy have been involved actively in the several research activities. The following is a list of such major projects:

  1. Co‑investigator on a  research  Project  “Clinical and Laboratory Studies on  Eales  Disease”  in  collaboration  with National  Eye Institute,  Washington,  USA and Indian Council  of Medical Research and Madurai Kamaraj University.
  2. Principal Investigator: Research project on “Vanadium Steel Sutures in Cataract Surgery” ‑ To evaluate the safety and efficacy ‑ sponsored by the W.H.O. in co‑operation with the National Eye Institute USA approved by Govt. of India.
  3. Principal Investigator: Research Project on “Evaluation of PCR and other parameters for detection of intraocular tuberculosis in South Indian Patients – Sponsored by the Indian Council of Medical Research.
  4. Member : Data and Safety monitoring committee – “The role of antioxidant and cataract prevention” – with Proctor Foundation for Research in Ophthalmology and the University of California.
  5. Principal Investigator: “Evaluation of PCR and other parameters for detection of intraocular tuberculosis in South Indian Patients”
  6. Principal Investigator: “Value of culture and serology in Ophthalmic complication of leptospirosis” sponsored by ICMR, New Delhi
Chapters in Text Books:
  1. A Text Book of Clinical Ophthalmology, Edited by Dr. R.P. Dhanda and Kalevar V.Vani Educational Books, Sahibabad, 1985 ‑ Chapter on “Vitreous”
  2. “Diagnosis and Management of Ocular inflammations ‑ Recent concepts”, Edited by Jain M.R.Jaypee Brothers, New Delhi, 1st & 2nd Edition, 1987 & 1990 – Chapters on Aetiology, Prophylaxis and Management of Sympathetic Ophthalmitis; Management of Post‑operative Bacterial Endophthalmitis; Medical Management of Inflammatory condition of optic nerve
  3. Recent Advances in Text Book of Ophthalmology by Dr.H.V.Nema ‑ Co-authored chapter on Eales’ Disease with Dr. T.P. Das
  4. Text book of ophthalmology, edited by Dr. L.C. Dutta, Guhahati ‑ Chapters on Pars Plana Surgery; Phakomatoses; Retinal detachment.
  5. Update, published by FDC Ltd, Bombay – Co-authored chapter on Modern Trends in Retinal Detachment Surgery with Dr. Madhavi G. Hirode
  6. Recent advances in Current Topics of Ophthalmology Volume II by Dr.A.K. Gupta – Chapter on “Laser photocoagulation in Ophthalmology”
  7. Recent advances in Current topics of Ophthalmology, Volume IV by Dr.A.K.Gupta – Co-authored the chapter on “Retinitis Pigmentosa” with Dr. Meena Chakrabarti
  8. A Text Book of Retinal Vascular Disorders, Ophthalmology Clinics of North America, 1998, 11, pp 601-617 – Co-authored the chapter on Eales Disease: Clinical features, Pathophysiology, Etiopathogenesis with Robert L, Stamper, Bijayananda Patnaik, Pran N Nagpal, & Rajinder Kalsi
  9. RSSDI Text Book of Diabetes Mellitus, 2nd Edition. 2007, Chapter 67, Page No.961-979 – Co-authored the chapter on Diabetic Retinopathy with Kim R, Dhananjay Shukla, Vasumathy Vedantham, Chandramohan Kolluru.
  10. Retina 4th Edition: 1473-1478, 2013 – Co-authored the chapter on Mycobacterial Infections with Stephen J. Ryan, St. Louis Mosby, Sivakumar R. Rathinam
  11. Retina 4th Edition: 1479-1485, 2013 – Co-authored the chapter on Eales Disease with Stephen J. Ryan, St. Louis: Mosby, . Co-authored with Dhananjay Shukla
Publications:

Dr. Namperumalsamy has published several research papers in peer reviewed International and State Journals.

List of publications in Peer-Reviewed Journals
  1. Murugeswari P, Shukla D, Kim R, Namperumalsamy P, Stitt AW, Muthukkaruppan VR. Angiogenic Potential of Vitreous from Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy and Eales Disease Patients. PLOS One. 2014;9:e107551.
  2. Suganthalakshmi B, Sundaresan P, Anand Rajendran, Kim R, Govindarajan G, Namperumalsamy P, Hejtmancik JF. Association Analysis of Nine Candidate Gene Polymorphisms in Indian Patients with Type 2 Diabetic Retinopathy. BMC Med. Genet. 2010;11:158.
  3. Namperumalsamy P, Kim R, Vignesh TP, Nithya N, Royes J, Gijo T, Thulasiraj RD, Vijayakumar V. Prevalence and Risk Factors for Diabetic Retinopathy: a population-based assessment from Theni District, South India. Postgrad Med J. 2009;85:643-648.
  4. Namperumalsamy P, Kim R, Vignesh TP, Nithya N, Royes J, Gijo T, Thulasiraj RD, Vijayakumar V. Prevalence and Risk Factors for Diabetic Retinopathy: a population-based assessment from Theni District, South India. Br J Ophthalmol. 2009;93:429-434.
  5. Namperumalsamy P. Guidelines for Diabetic Retinopathy Screening in a Large Population Rationale for Diabetic Retinopathy. Retina Today. 2008;:44-47.
  6. Shukla D, Namperumalsamy P, Goldbaum M, Cunningham Jr., ET. Pegaptanib Sodium for Ocular Vascular Disease. Indian J Ophthalmol. 2007;55:427-430.
  7. Namperumalsamy P, Noela Marie Prasad, Sathya Shankar, Kim R. Software from Reading and Grading Diabetic Retinopathy: ADRES 3.0. Diabetes Care. 2007;30:2302-2306.
  8. Rathinam Sivakumar R, Namperumalsamy P. Global Variations and Pattern Changes to Epidemiology of Uveitis. Indian J Ophthalmol. 2007;55:173-184.
  9. Nallathambi J, Shukla D, Anand Rajendran, Namperumalsamy P, Muthulakshmi R, Sundaresan P. Identification of Novel FZD4 Mutations in Indian Patients with Familial Exudative Vitreoretinopathy. Mol. Vis. 2006;12:1086-1092.
  10. Suganthalakshmi B, Anand Rajendran, Kim R, Mahalakshmi R, Karthik Prakash, Namperumalsamy P, Sundaresan P. Association of VEGF and eNOS Gene Polymorphisms in Type 2 Diabetic Retinopathy. Mol. Vis. 2006;12:336-341.
  11. Vasumathy V, Praveen K Nirmalan, Kim R, Karthik Prakash, Namperumalsamy P. Clinico-Microbiological Profile and Visual Outcomes of Post-Traumatic Endophthalmitis at a Tertiary Eye Care Center in South India. Indian J Ophthalmol. 2006;54:5-10.
  12. Namperumalsamy P. An Inexpensive Tool for Routine Fundus Examination at Primary Eye Care Centres. Community Eye Health. 2006;19:13.
  13. Suganthalakshmi B, Anand Rajendran, Kim R, Namperumalsamy P, Sundaresan P. Emerging Patterns of Possible Potential Candidate Gene Polymorphisms Associated with Diabetic Retinopathy – A Review. Asian Jou. of Exp. Sciences. 2006;20:15-28.
  14. Vasumathy V, Kim R, Namperumalsamy P, Cunningham Jr., ET. Double Prepapillary Arterial Loops Associated with Superior Branch Macular Artery Occlusion. Indian J Ophthalmol. 2005;53:126-128.
  15. Shukla D, Amit Arora, Shamik Anil Ambatkar, Kim R, Namperumalsamy P. Optical Coherence Tomography Findings in Acute Macular Neuroretinopathy. Eye. 2005;19:107-108.
  16. Sundaresan P, Sil AK, Philp AR, Randolph MA, Natchiar G, Namperumalsamy P. Genetic analysis of oculocutaneous albinism type 1 (OCA1) in Indian families: two novel frameshift mutations in the TYR Gene. Mol Vis. 2004;10:1005-10.
  17. Santhiya ST, Manisastry SM, Rawlley D, Malathi R, Anishetty S, Gopinath PM, Vijayalakshmi P, Namperumalsamy P, Adamski J, Graw J. Mutation analysis of congenital cataracts in Indian families: identification of SNPS and a new causative allele in CRYBB2 gene. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2004;45:3599-607.
  18. Namperumalsamy P, Kim R, Kaliaperumal K, Sekar A, Karthika A, Nirmalan PK. A pilot study on awareness of diabetic retinopathy among non-medical persons in South India. The challenge for eye care programmes in the region. Indian J Ophthalmol. 2004;52:247-51.
  19. Shukla D, Kolluru CM, Singh J, John RK, Soman M, Gandhi B, Kim R, Namperumalsamy Macular ischaemia as a marker for nephropathy in diabetic retinopathy. Indian J Ophthalmol. 2004;52:205-10.
  20. Shukla D, Mohan KC, Rao N, Kim R, Namperumalsamy P, Cunningham ET Jr. Posterior scleritis causing combined central retinal artery and vein occlusion. Retina. 2004;24:467-9.
  21. Shukla D, Singh J, Kolluru CM, Kim R, Namperumalsamy P. Transpupillary thermotherapy for subfoveal neovascularization secondary to group 2A idiopathic juxtafoveolar telangiectasis. Am J Ophthalmol. 2004;138:147-9.
  22. Nirmalan PK, Katz J, Robin AL, Tielsch JM, Namperumalsamy P, Kim R, Narendran V, Ramakrishnan R, Krishnadas R, Thulasiraj RD, Suan E. Prevalence of vitreoretinal disorders in a rural population of southern India: the Aravind Comprehensive Eye Study. Arch Ophthalmol. 2004;122:581-6.
  23. Shukla D, Rajendran A, Singh J, Ramasamy K, Perumalsamy N, Cunningham ET Jr. Atypical manifestations of diabetic retinopathy. Curr Opin Ophthalmol. 2003;14:371-7.
  24. Chandramohan K, Shukla D, Namperumalsamy P, Kim R. Management of Age-Related Macular Degeneration. J Indian Med Assoc. 2003;101:471-476.
  25. Namperumalsamy P, Praveen K Nirmalan, Kim R. Developing a Screening Program to Detect Sight-Threatening Diabetic Retinopathy in South India. Diabetes Care. 2003;26:1831-1835.
  26. Shukla D, Singh J, Sudheer G, Soman M, John RK, Ramasamy K, Perumalsamy N. Familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR). Clinical profile and management. Indian J Ophthalmol. 2003;51:323-8.
  27. Rathinam S, Fritsche TR, Srinivasan M, Vijayalakshmi P, Read RW, Gautom R,Namperumalsamy P, Rao NA. An outbreak of trematode-induced granulomas of the conjunctiva. Ophthalmology. 2001;108:1223-9.
  28. Lotery AJ, Jacobson SG, Fishman GA, Weleber RG, Fulton AB, Namperumalsamy P, Héon E, Levin AV, Grover S, Rosenow JR, Kopp KK, Sheffield VC, Stone EM. Mutations in the CRB1 gene cause Leber congenital amaurosis. Arch Ophthalmol. 2001;119:415-20.
  29. Rathinam Sivakumar R, Namperumalsamy P, Cunningham Jr., ET. Spontaneous Cataract Absorption in Patients with Leptospiral Uveitis. Br J Ophthalmol. 2000;84:1135-1141.
  30. Dinesh K Sahu, Namperumalsamy P, Hilton GF, De Sousa NF. Bullous Variant of Idiopathic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy. Br J Ophthalmol. 2000;84:485-492.
  31. Lotery AJ, Namperumalsamy P, Jacobson SG, Weleber RG, Fishman GA, Musarella MA, Hoyt CS, Heon E, Levin A, Jan J, Lam B, Carr RE, Franklin A, Radha S, Androf JL, Sheffeild Val C, Stone EM. Mutation Analysis of 3 Genes in Patients with Leber Congenital Amaurosis. Arch Ophthal. 2000;118:538-543.
  32. Rathinam Sivakumar R, Namperumalsamy Leptospirosis. Ocul. Immunol. Inflamm. 1999;7:109-118.
  33. Dinesh K Sahu, Namperumalsamy P, Walimbe P, Rajalakshmi Chitra. Ocular Manifestations of HIV Infection/AIDS in South Indian Patients. Indian J Ophthalmol. 1999;47:79-86.
  34. Sathish S, Mridula AP, Kim R, Meena Chakrabarti, Namperumalsamy P. Congenital Retinal Arterial Loops and Spontaneous Vitreous Haemorrhage: a case report. Indian J Ophthalmol. 1999;47:197-198.
  35. Rathinam Sivakumar R, Namperumalsamy P, Nozik RA, Cunningham Jr., ET. Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Syndrome after Cutaneous Injury. Ophthalmology. 1999;106:635-638.
  36. Meena Chakrabarti, Suresh PN, Namperumalsamy P. Bilateral Macular Infarction Due to Diaminodiphenyl Sulfone (4,4′ DDS) Toxicity. Retina. 1999;19:83-84.
  37. Chu Kathryn M, Rathinam Sivakumar R, Namperumalsamy P, Dean D. Identification of Leptospira Species in the Pathogenesis of Uveitis and Determination of Clinical Ocular Characteristics in South India. J Infect Dis. 1998;177:1314-1321.
  38. Rathinam Sivakumar R, Vijayalakshmi P, Namperumalsamy P, Nozik RA, Cunningham Jr., ET. Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Syndrome in Children. Ocul. Immunol. Inflamm. 1998;6:155-161.
  39. Patnaik Bijayananda, Pran Nagpal N, Namperumalsamy P, Kalsi Rajinder. Eales Disease: clinical features, pathophysiology, etiopathogenesis. Ophthalmol Clin North Am. 1998;11:601-618.
  40. Dinesh K Sahu, Namperumalsamy P, Kim R, Ravindran RD. Argon Laser Treatment for Premacular Hemorrhage. Retina. 1998;18:79-81.
  41. Rathinam Sivakumar R, Namperumalsamy P, Nozik RA, Cunningham Jr., ET. Angle Closure Glaucoma as a Presenting Sign of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Syndrome.Br J Ophthalmol.1997;81:608-609.
  42. Rathinam Sivakumar R, Selvaraj S, Dean D, Nozik RA, Namperumalsamy P. Uveitis associated with an epidemic outbreak of leptospirosis. Am. J. Ophthalmol. 1997;124:71-79.
  43. Taraprasad Das, Biswas J, Kumar A, Nagpal PN, Namperumalsamy P, Patnaik B, Tewari HK. Current Ophthalmology: Eales’ Disease. Indian J Ophthalmol. 1994;42:3-18.
  44. Manohar S, Ramakrishnan R, Das Taraprasad, Namperumalsamy P. Malignant Melanoma of Choroid. Indian J Ophthalmol. 1991;39:70-73.
  45. Harikrishnan S, Taraprasad Das, Namperumalsamy P. Groenblad Strandberg Syndrome – A Case Report. Indian J Ophthalmol.1991;39:74-75.
  46. Taraprasad Das, Namperumalsamy P. Scleral Buckling with Hydrogel Implant. Indian J Ophthalmol. 1991;39:41-43.
  47. Taraprasad Das, Namperumalsamy P. Ultrasonography in Ocular Trauma. Indian J Ophthalmol. 1987;35:121-125.
  48. Taraprasad Das, Namperumalsamy P. Ultrasonic Evaluation of Retinoblastoma. Afro Asian J Ophthalmol. 1986;5:4-10.
  49. Taraprasad Das, Namperumalsamy P. Scleral Buckling for Retinal Breaks without Detachment. Indian J Ophthalmol. 1985;33:23-26.
  50. Ho PC, Namperumalsamy P, Pruett Ronald C. Photocoagulation of Serous Detachments of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium in Patients with Senile Macular Disease. Ann Ophthalmol. 1984;16:213-220.
  51. Namperumalsamy P, Taraprasad Das. Vitrectomy in Aphakic Glaucoma. Indian J Ophthalmol. 1982;30:435.
  52. Namperumalsamy P, Taraprasad Das. Surgical Treatment of Complicated Cataract following Chronic Uveitis. Indian J Ophthalmol. 1982;30:87.
  53. Namperumalsamy P. Review of 700 Cases seen in Low Vision Aid Clinic. Indian J Ophthalmol. 1967;15:181-188.

Activities

Membership of Professional Bodies
  1. Member of Indian Medical Association
  2. Member of All India Ophthalmological Society
  3. Member of Tamil Nadu State Ophthalmic Association
  4. Executive Member of Madurai Eye Bank Association
  5. International Member ‑ American Academy of Ophthalmology
  6. Member: Schepens Alumini Association
  7. Active Founding member, Schepens International Society, Boston
  8. Life member ‑ Diabetic Association of India
  9. Member of Vitreo-Retinal Society of India
  10. Fellow: National Academy of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
  11. Corresponding Member – Elected by Retina Society, Boston, USA
  12. Member of Schepens International Society International Advisory Board
  13. Life Member : Vijayawada Ophthalmological Society
  14. Senate Member of Gandhigram Rural University – for 3 years since September 2009

Awards & Recognition

Achievements:
  1. Founder member of the GOVEL Trust which runs Aravind Eye Hospital & Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology.  Aravind Eye Hospital which began as a modest 11 bed centre in 1976, with a mission to eliminate needless blindness by providing high quality, compassionate and affordable eye care to all encompasses today, a network of 14 hospitals, 77 Telemedicine assisted village Vision Centres, 6 Community Clinics, a manufacturing centre for ophthalmic products – AUROLAB, and a consultancy and training institute for Community Ophthalmology (LAICO). Aravind has handled more than 45 million outpatient visits and performed over 5.6 million sight restoring surgeries since its inception. Among these beneficiaries 60% of them get free or highly subsidized treatment and only 40% pay for the services.
  2. First to start the Low Vision Aid Clinic in Government Erskine Hospital, Madurai in the year 1967 and remained as Medical Officer in charge till 1971. Also organised course on Low Vision Aid for Ophthalmologists.
  3. In 1972 he underwent training in Diabetic Retinopathy at University of Illinois, Chicago and thereafter served at the Medical College and Aravind Eye Hospital & PG Institute of Ophthalmology at various capacities.
  4. Started Vitreous Surgery Centre in Government Rajaji Hospital, first of its kind in INDIA in 1975.
  5. Having undergone a course of Fellowship in Retinal Detachment and Vitreous Surgery at Retina Associates, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A in 1977 ‑ 78, started Vitreous Service Clinic in Aravind Eye Hospital in 1979. Also conducted courses in Vitreous Surgery for Ophthalmologists.
  6. Has been a Postgraduate Teacher for more than 20 years at Aravind Eye Hospital & Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Madurai which is affiliated to Tamilnadu Dr.MGR Medical University, Chennai
  7. As a Director of Aravind Eye Hospital & Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology from 1996 to 2000 as Vice Chairman till 2006 and Chairman 2006-2010.
  8. Diabetic Retinopathy: Deeply concerned at the escalating nature of blindness due to diabetic retinopathy, he launched the Lions-Aravind Diabetic Retinopathy Project in collaboration with the Lions Clubs International.  This project which was completed after 5 years in 2004 and implemented in Madurai,  Theni and Coimbatore has achieved solid results in creating awareness about the dangers of diabetes and its offshoot Diabetic Retinopathy by conducting Diabetes Screening Camps, distributing pamphlets and literatures about the disease and sponsoring medical training in respect of Diabetic Retinopathy. The generous grant of the World Diabetes Foundation (WDF) has enabled Aravind to continue its progress in expanding awareness and treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy and extend the project to Tirunelveli and Pondicherry.
  9. TIFAC – CORE Centre in Diabetic Retinopathy : Another important aspect in the management of Diabetic Retinopathy is that Aravind – Madurai has been designated as a TIFAC – CORE Centre, with his initiation as the Co-ordinator, to become a world leader in patient care, research and training related to Diabetic Retinopathy.  The programme has stimulated exploration into the feasibility of manufacturing lasers and ophthalmoscopes for treating the Diabetic Retinopathy patients.
  10. Has integrated modern information technology for eye care delivery in the form of developing vision centres and also connecting all the satellite hospitals by ISDN and VSAT connectivity – Telemedicine
  11. A Software for diagnosis, grading and reading in diabetic retinopathy has been developed at TIFAC-CORE centre (ADRES) which will be helpful for the entire country.
  12. Under TIFAC-CORE Project, a cost-effective and totally indigenous laser equipment was developed which is the first of its kind in India
  13. Initiated research studies in basic and immunological aspects in ophthalmology including stem cell research for ocular surface disorders and hereditary eye diseases are studied by Genetic Research in collaboration with institutions like University of Iowa and National Eye Institute, Bethesda, USA.
  14. With his initiative effort, a separate building for Dr. G. Venkataswamy Eye Research Institute started at Madurai and he holds a position as President of Aravind Medical Research Foundation.
Awards:
  • 2007 : Padmashree Award by Government of India
  • 1982 : “Rustom Ranji Oration Gold Medal” by Andhra State Ophthalmic Conference “CLOSED VITRECTOMY”
  • 1986 : Dr. P. Siva Reddy Oration Gold Medal on Recent Concepts on Aetiology and Management in Eales’ Disease at All India Ophthalmological Conference
  • 1986 : Dr. Joseph Gnanadickam Memorial Gold Medal Oration on Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment ‑ Management at Madras State Ophthalmic Association Conference
  • 1987 : Parasnath Sinha Gold Medal Oration on Present status of Pars plana surgery at Bihar Ophthalmological Society and third Eastern Zone Ophthalmological Conference
  • 1988 : C.S. Reshmi Award for best video film presentation at the 46th All India Ophthalmological Conference
  • 1998: International Research Associates of Proctor Foundation recognized by Proctor Foundation, USA
  • 1998 : Best Teacher Award by the Andhra Pradesh Academic Sciences
  • 2000 : Fellow in National Academy of Medical Sciences (FAMS), New Delhi
  • 2000 : Most Outstanding Retinal Surgeon of the Millennium presented by the Executive Committee of “Eye Advance 2000”, Bombay
  • 2002 : Award for Distinguished Service to Humanity by Tamil Nadu Senior Citizens & Pensioners Welfare Association II State Conference, Coimbatore.
  • 2004 : Senior Excellence Award for 25 years of service by Indian Medical Association, Madurai
  • 2004 : Dr. R.V. Rajam Oration Award on Diabetic Retinopathy – An emerging problem in India at the 43rd Annual Conference of National Academy of Medical Sciences (India) at Jaipur by National Academy of Medical Sciences
  • 2005 : K.G.P Chidambaram Memorial Gold Medal Award by Nalam Hospital & Diabetic Centre towards his outstanding services in the field of Ophthalmology and for the benevolent contribution to the community eye care
  • 2006 : Achievement Award by the American Academy of Ophthalmology
  • 2006 : Teacher par Excellence Award by Retina Institute of Karnataka
  • 2006 : Dr. B.C. Roy Award in the category of “Eminent Medical Teacher” by Medical Council of India, New Delhi
  • 2007 : Lifetime Achievement Award by the All India Ophthalmological Society
  • 2007 : Distinguished Honor Award for the Achievement in Ophthalmology by the Intraocular Implant and Refractive Society of India
  • 2007 : Bheeshma Award in the field of medicine by The Ashram School, Chennai at their 15th Annual Day Function
  • 2008 : For the Sake of Honour Award by Rotary International, Madurai
  • 2008 : Health Care and Life Sciences Award by the Ernst & Young Entrepreneurship, Mumbai
  • 2009: Pride of South Tamil Nadu Award received from Mr. M.M. Rajendran, Former Governor of Orissa
  • 2009 : Padmashree Dr. JS Mahashabde Memorial IAGICEH Award 2008 by International Centre for Eye Health, London at the AIOS Conference
  • 2010 : Lifetime Achievement Award towards his contribution to the science of ophthalmology and the TNOA by Tamilnadu Ophthalmic Association
  • 2010 : One among 100 most influential people in the world by New York Times
  • 2010 : Baroda Sun Life Time Achievement Award by Bank of Baroda towards extraordinary contribution to the field of medicine
  • 2010 : Teacher of Teacher Award – Golden Apple by L.V. Prasad Eye Institute
  • 2011 : Vision Award 2011 by GENISIS Institute for Social Business and Impact Strategies, Berlin, Germany at the Vision Summit Conference
  • 2011 : Dr. L.C.Dutta Oration Award by Chandraprabha Eye Hospital, Jorhat
  • 2011 : NataRajaManickam Oration Award by M.N. Eye Hospital, Chennai
  • 2012 : Outstanding Humanitarian Service Award by American Academy of Ophthalmology
  • 2014 : Lifetime Achievement Award towards his contribution to the Vitreoretinal Speciality by Vitreoretinal Society of India
  • 2014 : The Tun Hussein Onn Oration In Ophthalmology Medal during 10th Anniversary Meeting of ASEAN Association of Eye Hospitals (AAEH), Malaysia
  • 2014 : Dr K.S.Sanjivi Endowment Lecture Oration Award 2014 by Voluntary Health Services Hospital, Chennai
  • 2015 : Prof M Viswanathan Selfless Service Award by Prof M Viswanathan Diabetes Research Centre Royapuram, Chennai
  • 2015 : Legend in Ophthalmology for his outstanding contributions to the field of ophthalmology by Dakshin Netra Annual Conference of Andhra Pradesh Ophthalmic Society
  • 2016 : Entrepreneur with Social Impact by Forbes India Leadership Awards (FILA) towards his contributions to Aravind Eye Care and high impact given to the community
  • 2017 : Best Doctor Award for Government of Tamil Nadu, Department of Health & Family Welfare,  Chennai
  • 2019 : Honorary Fellow of All India Collegium of Ophthalmology (FAICO) Award, for an outstanding stalwart of Indian Ophthalmology at 77th All India Ophthalmological Society
  • 2019 : “Legends in Ophthalmology” by Indian Medical Association, Madurai Branch, in appreciation of his meritorious medical services rendered to the society
Under his Chairmanship, Aravind Eye Care System received the following awards:
  • 2007 : Aravind Eye Care System being the first awardee of the Antonio Champalimaud Vision Award
  • 2008 : Aravind Eye Care System received Gates Award for Global Health for Preventing and Curing Blindness in India’s Poorest Communities.
  • 2010 : Aravind Eye Care System received Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize for the largest and most productive eye care provider in the world.
  • 2011 : Aravind Eye Care System has been conferred with the Vision Award by the Genesis Institute for Social Business and Impact Strategies, Berlin at the Vision Summit