Dr. Ramamurthy

Coimbatore, India

Few ophthalmologists have influenced Indian ophthalmology at as many levels as Dr. D. Ramamurthy. While thousands of surgeons are recognised for their clinical excellence, only a handful have gone on to shape the profession itself. Over the course of several decades, Dr. Ramamurthy has been one of those defining figures—equally respected as a surgeon, educator, institution builder, and national leader. Trained at some of India's most prestigious institutions, including JIPMER and the Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre at AIIMS, New Delhi, Dr. Ramamurthy built his career on a simple belief: excellence in patient care must be matched by excellence in professional education. While his expertise spans cataract surgery, refractive surgery, and comprehensive ophthalmology, his influence extends far beyond the operating microscope. For many years, Dr. Ramamurthy stood at the centre of Indian ophthalmology's academic and professional evolution. As Chairman of the Scientific Committee of the All India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS), he led the scientific direction of an organisation representing nearly twenty thousand ophthalmologists, shaping the educational standards that influenced an entire generation of clinicians. He later went on to serve as President of both the Tamil Nadu Ophthalmic Association and the All India Ophthalmological Society—an acknowledgement of the trust and respect he commanded across the profession. Long before digital collaboration became commonplace, Dr. Ramamurthy recognised the need for ophthalmologists to learn continuously from one another. He created one of India's earliest nationwide clinical discussion forums, enabling thousands of ophthalmologists to seek advice, debate complex cases, and share practical insights in their everyday practice. He also spearheaded the creation of the Ready Reckoner in Ophthalmology—a landmark reference that brought together hundreds of contributors to establish a practical standard of care for ophthalmologists across the country. His influence extends equally into institution building. As Chairman of The Eye Foundation, he has helped build one of South India's leading tertiary eye care networks, combining world-class clinical care with structured fellowship programmes, postgraduate education, research, and charitable outreach. Under his leadership, the institution has become not only a destination for patients but also a training ground for future ophthalmologists. Internationally, Dr. Ramamurthy has been invited to lecture, teach, and perform live surgeries across Asia, Europe, Australia, and North America. He has served on advisory boards for global ophthalmic leaders, contributed to scientific literature, reviewed leading journals, and received numerous national and international honours—including the Distinguished Service Award from the Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Academy of Ophthalmology Achievement Award. For many ophthalmologists, however, Dr. Ramamurthy's greatest contribution cannot be measured by awards, publications, or leadership positions. It lies in the systems he strengthened, the institutions he built, and the generations of clinicians whose careers have been shaped by his teaching, mentorship, and vision. Learning from Dr. D. Ramamurthy is therefore not simply an opportunity to learn cataract or refractive surgery. It is an opportunity to learn from one of the leaders who helped shape modern Indian ophthalmology itself.