We are pleased and honored to announce that long-time Seva partner, Dr. Gullapalli N. Rao, Founder, Chairman and Director of the LV Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI), has been inducted into the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Sugery's (ASCRS) Ophthalmology Hall of Fame.
Above: Dr. Rao giving his acceptance speach.
Below: Mr. Doraisamy Nagarajan, Dr. Gullapalli N. Rao, and Suzanne Gilbert after the ceremony.
The ASCRS Ophthalmology Hall of Fame honors those whose exceptional talent has changed how modern ophthalmology is practiced. ASCRS notes that, “Every so often a truly gifted person comes along who, by genius, hard work, and exceptional talent makes a seminal contribution that measures progress in a giant stride.” In inducting Dr. Rao into its Hall of Fame, the organization recognized Dr. Rao as such a person. Since its inception in 1999, only 55 scientists and physicians have been recognized with this honor.
Seva has partnered with Dr. Rao since he founded LVPEI in 1986, donating equipment and supplies since its early days. This not-for-profit hospital serves economically disadvantaged people in rural and urban areas throughout multiple states in India. Based in Hyderabad, India, with dozens of care centers, LVPEI has served more than 21.3 million patients.
LVPEI's innovative model of treating patients regardless of their ability to pay has been adopted throughout India and by other developing countries. More than half of LVPEI's patients receive eye care services free of cost, regardless of the complexity of the service provided.
Seva continues to work closely with LVPEI. In his capacity as Chairman and Director of the hospital, Dr. Rao oversees its role as a mentor institution as part of our Global Sight Initiative. And Seva’s Medical Director, Dr. Chundak Tenzing, has a particularly special relationship with him, having trained as a cornea specialist under his direction.
Congratulations, Dr. Rao, on this much-deserved honor!
