Dr. Sengamedu Srinivasa Badrinath, a prominent vitreoretinal surgeon and the visionary founder of Sankara Nethralaya,He passed away on November 22, 2023 at the age of 83. Dr. Badrinath, who retired from active practice in 2019, was battling age-related ailments. He is survive by his wife, Dr. Vasanthi Iyengar, and their two sons, Ananth and Seshu Badrinath. His last rites were perform at Besant Nagar crematorium in Chennai.
Dr. Badrinath’s contributions to eye care and his relentless service to society have been widely acknowledged. He was a recipient of the Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri awards in 1996 and 1983, respectively, for his exceptional work in ophthalmology. In 1978, he co-founded Sankara Nethralaya, a non-profit eye hospital in Chennai, with a group of doctors. The hospital has expanded its services to Kolkata, Andhra Pradesh, and Assam, providing free eye care for the underprivileged.
Dr. Badrinath’s vision and dedication to affordable and accessible eye care have left an indelible mark. His work has been recognize and appreciated by leaders such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin. Dr. Badrinath’s legacy as a pioneer in the field of ophthalmology and his commitment to serving society will continue to inspire future generations.
What is sankara nethralaya and what services does it offer ?
Founded in 1978, Sankara Nethralaya is a non-profit, charitable eye hospital situated in Chennai, India. Established with a vision of providing top-notch eye care, the hospital has since extended its services across India, reaching out to Kolkata, Andhra Pradesh, and Assam.
Sankara Nethralaya offers an extensive array of eye care services. These include fellowship programs in ophthalmology, specializing in vitreo-retinal surgery, glaucoma, and cornea. The hospital also provides several fellowships and certificate courses in optometry, covering areas like binocular vision, vision therapy, and contact lens fitting.
The hospital has earned recognition for its excellent work and has bagged numerous awards for its contributions to the healthcare sector. True to its commitment to community service, Sankara Nethralaya conducts free eye care services for the underprivileged through its outreach programs. These programs focus on catering to vision-related needs of the less fortunate and have positively transformed many lives.
In addition to specialized services, Sankara Nethralaya also provides general amenities to its patients, including a utility shop on the hospital premises that offers essential everyday items. The hospital’s unwavering dedication to quality eye care and service towards mankind has positioned it as a leading institution in ophthalmology.