Dr. SS Badrinath (83 Years), a renowned ophthalmologist and the founder of Sankara Nethralaya, passed away on November 21, 2023, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of service and innovation in the field of eye care. Born in Chennai, India, Dr. Badrinath dedicated his life to making quality eye care accessible and affordable for all, particularly those in underserved communities.
A Passion for Ophthalmology
Dr. Badrinath’s passion for ophthalmology ignited early in his life. Despite facing the tragic loss of his parents at a young age, he persevered academically, graduating from Madras Medical College in 1963. His thirst for knowledge led him to pursue further training in the United States, where he completed an internship at the Glasslands Hospitals in New York and a residency in ophthalmology at the Brooklyn Eye and Ear Infirmary.
Founding Sankara Nethralaya: A Vision for a Better Future
Upon returning to India in 1970, Dr. Badrinath established his own practice and soon realized the immense need for accessible and affordable eye care in his homeland. Driven by this realization, he founded the Medical Research Foundation in 1978, which would later become the cornerstone of Sankara Nethralaya.
Sankara Nethralaya, under Dr. Badrinath’s visionary leadership, transformed into a world-class institution, providing comprehensive eye care services to millions across India and beyond. The institution’s commitment to research and education played a pivotal role in advancing the field of ophthalmology and combating blindness in the country.
Condoling the death, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X, “Deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. SS Badrinath Ji, a visionary, expert in ophthalmology and founder of Sankara Nethralaya. His contributions to eye care and his relentless service to society have left an indelible mark. His work will continue to inspire generations. Condolences to his family and loved ones.”