Thu Jul 24 04:34:50 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
Dr. P. Namperumalsamy, chairman emeritus of the Aravind Eye Hospital in Madurai, passed away on July 24, 2025, at the age of 85. A pioneering retina specialist and Padma Shri recipient, Dr. Namperumalsamy dedicated his life to ophthalmology, founding and leading Aravind Eye Hospital, known for its accessible and high-quality eye care model. He was praised by colleagues and community leaders for his contributions to the field, his training of countless doctors, and his dedication to serving underserved populations. His legacy as a visionary leader and advocate for community-based healthcare will continue to inspire.
**News Article:**
**Visionary Ophthalmologist and Aravind Eye Hospital Chairman Emeritus, Dr. P. Namperumalsamy, Passes Away at 85**
**MADURAI, July 24, 2025** – Dr. P. Namperumalsamy, chairman emeritus of the renowned Aravind Eye Hospital, passed away on Thursday at the age of 85. Born in Theni district in 1940, Dr. Namperumalsamy was a pioneer in the field of ophthalmology, recognized as the first retina specialist in India.
After graduating from Madurai Medical College and pursuing advanced studies in the United States, he returned to India and dedicated his life to improving eye care, particularly for underserved populations. He founded Aravind Eye Hospital in Madurai, which became a global model for providing affordable, high-quality eye care on a mass scale.
Dr. Namperumalsamy received the Padma Shri in 2007 for his contributions to medicine. His impact extended far beyond his clinical work, as he trained numerous ophthalmologists who now practice worldwide.
“What the Aravind eye care group has created under his leadership is just phenomenal,” said Dr. Amar Agarwal, chairman of Dr. Agarwals Group of Eye Hospitals. “His contribution is not only in the number of patients he treated, which was huge, but also the number of doctors he trained… The legacy he has left being will remain forever.”
Dr. Mohan Rajan, chairman of Rajan Eye Care Hospital, added, “He is a great inspiration, a role model and a motivation for all the ophthalmologists in the country and across the world. He has literally put India in a prominent position in the world map of Ophthalmology.”
C. Ramasubramanian, a psychiatrist, highlighted Dr. Namperumalsamy’s commitment to serving the differently-abled and his advocacy for community-based mental healthcare. He also recalled a visit from former President APJ Abdul Kalam, who was deeply impressed by the Aravind Eye Hospital’s patient care model.
Hari Thiagarajan, managing director of Thiagarajar Mills, described Dr. Namperumalsamy as “Madurai’s pride” and praised his leadership in expanding Aravind Eye Care.
Dr. Namperumalsamy is survived by his wife, Nachiar, and his two sons, Venkatesh Prajna and Vishnu Prasad. His cremation is scheduled to take place on Friday in Ambasamudram, Theni district. His legacy as a visionary leader and a champion for accessible eye care will continue to inspire generations of healthcare professionals.
First Piper 