International Recognition for Puducherry Doctors
Puducherry Doctors Earn Global Honour for Cataract Care Service: Two senior ophthalmologists from Puducherry have been selected for the prestigious Chang-Crandall Humanitarian Award 2026. Dr Haripriya Aravind and Dr R Venkatesh of the Aravind Eye Care System will receive the honour at the ASCRS Foundation conference in Washington DC on April 11, 2026.
The award recognises exceptional humanitarian contributions in combating cataract blindness and visual disability. It carries a grant of $100,000, which the doctors have chosen to donate back to their institution to strengthen non-profit eye care initiatives.
Static GK fact: Puducherry is a Union Territory of India formed in 1962 after the transfer of French settlements to India.
About the Chang-Crandall Award
The Chang-Crandall Humanitarian Award was instituted in 2017 through an endowment by David and Victoria Chang. It honours global leaders who advance access to cataract surgery in underserved regions.
The award is presented by the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery Foundation, a body that promotes excellence in ophthalmic education and humanitarian outreach.
Static GK Tip: The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) is based in the United States and focuses on advancing anterior segment surgery.
Distinguished Contributions in Ophthalmology
Dr Haripriya Aravind serves as Chief of Cataract and Intraocular Lens (IOL) Services. After completing her residency, she initially specialised in paediatric ophthalmology before transitioning to adult cataract care. She has worked in high-volume hospital settings, focusing on improving surgical outcomes and operational efficiency.
Dr R Venkatesh, Chief Medical Officer, completed his residency in 1997 and joined the general cataract unit. He gained extensive experience in manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS), particularly in outreach programmes serving rural and economically weaker populations.
Static GK fact: MSICS is a cost-effective cataract surgery technique widely used in developing countries due to its affordability and comparable outcomes to phacoemulsification.
Expansion of Eye Care Services
When the Aravind Eye Care System established its Puducherry facility in 2003, Dr Venkatesh played a key role in expanding services. He also completed a one-year glaucoma fellowship in Madurai, strengthening subspecialty expertise.
Over two decades, both doctors have contributed significantly to outreach camps and training programmes. Their approach integrates large-scale service delivery with strict quality standards.
Static GK fact: Cataract is the leading cause of blindness worldwide but is treatable through a simple surgical procedure involving lens replacement.
India’s Leadership in Affordable Eye Care
The recognition highlights India’s success in developing scalable and affordable healthcare models. The Aravind Eye Care System, founded in 1976, is globally known for its high-volume, low-cost surgical model that ensures cross-subsidised care.
By donating the prize amount to their institution, the awardees reinforce a sustainable model of service. This achievement strengthens India’s position in global ophthalmology and underscores efforts to eliminate avoidable blindness.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Puducherry Doctors Earn Global Honour for Cataract Care Service:
| Topic | Detail |
| Award Name | Chang-Crandall Humanitarian Award 2026 |
| Awarding Body | ASCRS Foundation |
| Recipients | Dr Haripriya Aravind and Dr R Venkatesh |
| Institution | Aravind Eye Care System |
| Award Amount | $100,000 |
| Key Surgery Technique | Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery |
| Global Issue | Cataract as leading cause of blindness |
| Award Ceremony Location | Washington DC |
