# Jaiveer Agarwal

Jaiveer Agarwal (September 24, 1930 – November 15, 2009) was an Indian ophthalmologist and the founder of Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, a leading chain of eye hospitals in India and Africa. A pioneer in ophthalmic surgery, he introduced refractive keratoplasty with the Cryolathe and was the first to start cryoextraction in India in the 1960s.
Throughout his career, he contributed to eye donation awareness, conducted free eye camps, and developed innovative cataract surgery techniques. In recognition of his contributions, he was honored with the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award, in 2006.

## Early life and education

Jaiveer Agarwal was born on September 24, 1930, into a family of ophthalmologists. His father, Dr. R.S. Agarwal, was a leading ophthalmologist in India and authored a book with a foreword by Lal Bahadur Shastri, the then Prime Minister of India. Inspired by his father’s legacy, Agarwal pursued medical studies at SMS Medical College, where he met Dr. Tahira Agarwal, who would later become his wife and professional partner.
Career and establishment of Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital In 1957, Dr. Jaiveer Agarwal and his wife founded Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital in Chennai, India, with limited resources. Their vision was to provide affordable and high-quality eye care. What began as a small clinic gradually expanded into over 135 branches across 11 countries, primarily in India and Africa.
Dr. Agarwal was known for his contributions to ophthalmic research and surgical innovations. Some of his notable contributions include:
Introducing Refractive Keratoplasty with the Cryolathe in India. Pioneering cryoextraction techniques for cataract removal in the 1960s. Developing advanced phakonit sub-1-mm cataract surgery. Innovating no-anesthesia cataract surgery, the glued intraocular lens (IOL) technique, and other advanced ophthalmic procedures. Philanthropy and Social Initiatives Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Agarwal was deeply committed to eradicating preventable blindness in India. He led numerous free eye camps in rural areas, providing free cataract surgeries and vision screenings for schoolchildren. His efforts extended to eye donation campaigns, promoting corneal transplantation for patients with blindness caused by corneal disorders.
In 1978, he established the Eye Research Center (ERC), which provided free eye surgeries, medications, and post-operative care for underprivileged patients. The ERC conducted over 60 eye camps per month, performing approximately 1,000 cataract surgeries for low-income individuals. Patients from remote villages were provided transportation, accommodation, and meals as part of the initiative.

## Leadership and influence in ophthalmology

Dr. Agarwal played an influential role in ophthalmic associations in India. His leadership positions included:
President of the All India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS) (1992). President of the Tamil Nadu Ophthalmic Association. President of the Madras City Ophthalmological Association. During his tenure, he advocated for custom duty exemptions on ophthalmic instruments, making advanced eye care technologies more accessible to doctors across India. He also mentored young ophthalmologists, encouraging them to set up their own practices and financially supporting many of them.

## Awards and recognition

Dr. Agarwal received numerous national and international accolades for his contributions to ophthalmology, including:
Padma Bhushan (2006) – Awarded by A. P. J. Abdul Kalam for his outstanding service in the field of medicine. Lifetime Achievement Awards from: All India Ophthalmological Society. Tamil Nadu Ophthalmic Association. International recognitions from institutions such as: Singapore National Eye Centre. Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miami, USA. Barraquer Eye Institute, Colombia.

## Personal life and legacy

Dr. Agarwal was an avid contract bridge player and competed in national and international tournaments. His peers described him as a visionary leader, dedicated to both medical excellence and philanthropy.
In April 2009, his wife, Dr. Tahira Agarwal, died. Following her death, Dr. Agarwal’s health declined, and he died on November 15, 2009, at the age of 79. His corneas were donated, restoring sight to two individuals, in line with his lifelong advocacy for eye donation.
Following his passing, Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital continued to expand under the leadership of his son, Dr. Amar Agarwal, and his family. Today, the institution remains a leading provider of advanced eye care in India and internationally.