V.K. RAJU, M.D.
Vision. It's a word with multiple meanings for V.K. Raju, M.D., renowned eye surgeon
and philanthropist. Because of his lifelong vision of bringing modern medical practices to the worlds neediest, the suffering of countless people has been eased-those who were sightless now have the gift of vision.
A native of Rajahmundry, India, Dr. Raju was educated in India, Great Britain,
and the United States. As a Morgantown, West Virginia private practitioner, Dr. Raju
conducts approximately 25 corneal transplants each year; 300 to 400 cataract surgeries; and handles 7,000 to 8,000 patient visits. But that's just the beginning-Dr. Raju has a passion to make a difference in the world and has performed over 15,000 volunteer operations in India, restoring vision to children and adults.
In 1993, Dr. Raju's dream became a reality when he and his childhood friend,
Chandra Sankurathri, Ph.D., came together to establish the Srikiran Eye Institute
in Kakinada, in the Andhra Pradesh, South India. "In India, the blind are much
worse off than those in the developed countries," says Dr. Raju. "The Srikiran
Institute provides the modern medical care these people desperately need."
Under Dr. Raju's tutelage at the Institute, over 200 ophthalmologists have
been trained in advance courses, and staff members, ophthalmologists and general
physicians are introduced to the latest developments in ophthalmology and eye care.
The Institute has provided service to more than 400,000 patients and 50,000
surgeries have been performed.
To help ensure adequate healthcare for the underprivileged of the world, Dr.
Raju organized The Eye Foundation of America in 1979. The Foundation facilitates
the exchange of ideas and services between the U.S. and India and provides
fellowships for physicians in developing countries. It also trains American
physicians, provides guidelines for establishing clinics worldwide, and conducts
research projects to prevent blindness. The Foundation has given donations to the
Navajo Indians Foundation, West Virginia Eye Institute, and the West Virginia
Eye Bank.
1. Martin Luther King Jr Achievement Award, WVU, 2008
2. Distinguished Community Service Award, AAPI, 2007
3. Honorable mention, American Medical Association Foundation 2006
4. Pride of the Pride Award, Lions International District 29, 2005
5. Best Show Award, Film presented at American Academy of Ophthalmology Annual Meeting, 2004
6. Vaidya Ratna (conferred by Sankaracharya of Kanchi, India) 2002
7. House of Delegates, Legislative Citation, State of West Virginia, 2002
8. Lifetime Achievement Award, American Association of Ophthalmologists of Indian Origin, Oct. 2002
9. Outstanding Humanitarian Award, American Academy of Ophthalmology, Oct. 2002
10. Dr. Hardia Gold Medal for Best Paper on Refractive Surgery, All Indian Ophthalmology Society, Ahmedabad, Jan. 2002
11. AP (India) Gold Medal for Contributions to Advance Ophthalmology, 2001
12. AAPI (American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, Maryland Chapter) Honors, 2001
13. Melvin Jones Fellow: Lions Club International Foundation, 2001
14. Guest of Honor, Rajasthan State Ophthalmic Society, 2000
15. Rotary International (Morgantown) Honor Award, 2000
16. Major S. Dutt Memorial Medal, Ophthalmology Society of West Bengal, 1997
17. Honor Award, American Academy of Ophthalmology, 1996
18. ATA American Telugue Association Award, 1996
19. Lions Club International (Morgantown) Jarrett Award, 1995
20. West Virginia University International Service Award, 1995
21. HHH (Heart & Hand for the Handicapped, New Jersey) Outstanding Heart Award, 1994 & 1995
22. TANA Award for Outstanding Achievement in Medicine, 1993
23. AP State of Ophthalmology Society Gold Medal, 1983
24. Lions (India) Award of Service for the Blind, 1979
25. Jaycees (Vijayawada, India) Award of Service for the Blind, 1977
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