Puducherry Doctors Win Chang-Crandall Humanitarian Award 2026

Two senior ophthalmologists from Puducherry have been selected for the prestigious Chang-Crandall Humanitarian Award 2026, recognising their outstanding service in combating cataract blindness and visual disability. Dr Haripriya Aravind and Dr R Venkatesh of the Aravind Eye Care System will receive the honour at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) Foundation conference in Washington DC on April 11.

The award, instituted in 2017 through an endowment by David and Victoria Chang, celebrates exceptional humanitarian contributions in the field of cataract care. It carries a grant of $100,000, which the recipients have chosen to donate to the Aravind Eye Care System to further its non-profit initiatives.

Distinguished Careers in Ophthalmology

Dr Haripriya Aravind serves as chief of cataract and intraocular lens (IOL) services. She began her career in paediatric ophthalmology after completing her residency and later transitioned to adult cataract and IOL services. Working in a high-volume hospital setting, she has focused on improving patient outcomes and streamlining large-scale surgical care.

Dr R Venkatesh, chief medical officer, completed his residency in 1997 and joined the general cataract unit. He gained extensive experience in high-volume outreach surgeries, particularly manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS), emphasising both quality and training of young ophthalmologists.

Commitment to Outreach and Training

Dr Venkatesh played a key role in expanding services to Puducherry when Aravind established its facility there in 2003. He pursued a one-year glaucoma fellowship in Madurai before relocating. Over the past two decades, he has contributed significantly to outreach programmes delivering affordable eye care to underserved populations.

Both doctors have been instrumental in promoting cost-effective surgical models that combine scale with quality, a hallmark of the Aravind system. Their work reflects a blend of clinical excellence, innovation and community service.

Global Recognition for Humanitarian Service

The Chang-Crandall Humanitarian Award highlights global efforts to reduce preventable blindness. Cataract remains the leading cause of blindness worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. By directing the prize money back into their institution, the awardees aim to strengthen sustainable eye care delivery and expand access to surgical interventions.

Important Facts for Exams

• Cataract is the leading cause of blindness globally and is treatable through surgery.
• Manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS) is widely used in high-volume, low-cost settings.
• The Chang-Crandall Humanitarian Award was instituted in 2017 by the ASCRS Foundation.
• Aravind Eye Care System is known for its large-scale, low-cost eye care model in India.

Strengthening India’s Eye Care Leadership

The recognition places Puducherry on the global ophthalmology map and underscores India’s leadership in affordable, high-quality eye care. The upcoming award ceremony in Washington DC will bring international attention to the innovative service models developed in southern India, reinforcing the country’s contribution to tackling avoidable blindness worldwide.