Aravind Eye Care System

Aravind Eye Hospital was founded in 1976, by Dr. G. Venkataswamy. Beginning with an eleven bed hospital manned by 4 medical officers, he saw the potential for what it could become. Today, Aravind is one of the largest facilities in the world for eye care, boasting 10 hospitals and more than 40 primary vision centers. Over the years, the organization has evolved into the Aravind Eye Care System (AECS), a sophisticated system dedicated to compassionate service that acts as a model for other eye care providers around the world.

Seva and Aravind have been partners since Seva's founding in 1978. We have worked together to grow Aravind's capacity. With Seva's support, AECS established the Lions Aravind Institute of Community Ophthalmology (LAICO) in 1992, the first training center in Asia dedicated to the prevention of blindness. LAICO coordinates Aravind's clinical training programs in ophthalmology and related professions. LAICO also offers world class degrees and certificate programs in a wide range of management topics and is a key partner within the Global Sight Initiative.

Aravind is world renowned for its innovative service models and works with Seva to spread their model of universal access to service through the GSI network. Additionally, Seva supports Aravind and their many partners with subsidized and free direct services through the TOMS One for One program and Focusing Philanthropy's World Sight Day campaigns.

Dr. G. Venkataswamy