Aravind Eye Hospital Doctors Honored with Prestigious 2026 Chang-Crandall Humanitarian Award
In a significant recognition of their dedicated humanitarian service, two distinguished ophthalmologists from Aravind Eye Hospital have been selected for the esteemed Chang-Crandall Humanitarian Award for the year 2026. Dr Haripriya Aravind, who serves as the chief of cataract and intraocular lens services, and Dr R Venkatesh, the hospital's chief medical officer, will be honored for their exceptional compassion and contributions to eye care.
Award Ceremony and Significance
The awards will be formally presented during the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) Foundation's annual conference, scheduled to take place in Washington DC on April 11 this year. Established in 2017 through a generous endowment from David and Victoria Chang, the Chang-Crandall Humanitarian Award is specifically designed to honor and recognize outstanding humanitarian efforts in the critical field of cataract blindness and related disabilities.
The award carries a substantial monetary prize of $100,000, which is donated to the awardee's chosen non-profit organization. Both Dr Haripriya and Dr Venkatesh have decided to allocate this cash prize to the Aravind Eye Care System, further supporting its mission to provide accessible eye care services.
Profiles of the Award Recipients
Dr Haripriya Aravind embarked on her professional journey at Aravind Eye Hospital in the paediatric ophthalmology department after completing her residency there. Reflecting on her career path, she noted, "I did like it, and then Dr G Natchiar suggested I join the adult cataract and intraocular lens (IOL) department." Working within a high-volume hospital environment, Dr Haripriya has found it particularly rewarding to explore innovative ways to enhance patient care and collaborate effectively with a large, dedicated team.
Dr R Venkatesh, who completed his residency in 1997, began his career as a consultant and medical officer in the general cataract unit under the mentorship of Dr G Natchiar. His work extended beyond the hospital walls into extensive outreach activities, where he performed high-volume cataract surgeries, with a special focus on manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS).
His approach was not solely about volume but emphasized maintaining high-quality standards and training young residents in MSICS techniques. Around the year 2000, when Aravind Eye Hospital planned a new expansion in Puducherry, Dr Venkatesh seized the opportunity to specialize further by undertaking a one-year glaucoma fellowship in Madurai.
He recalled, "I did a fellowship in Madurai, and then in 2003, when the new hospital was inaugurated, I moved, and it's been 23 years now in Puducherry." This long tenure underscores his deep commitment to the institution and its patients.
Impact and Legacy
Both doctors have built long and accomplished careers in ophthalmology, consistently working within the Aravind Eye Care System to advance eye health and combat preventable blindness. Their selection for the Chang-Crandall Humanitarian Award highlights not only their individual achievements but also the broader impact of Aravind Eye Hospital's humanitarian model.
The award serves as a testament to their unwavering dedication to improving patient outcomes, fostering quality care, and contributing to global efforts against cataract-related disabilities. This recognition reinforces the importance of humanitarian work in healthcare and inspires continued excellence in the field of ophthalmology.
