Rajiv Raghunathan

Revolutionized global healthcare through affordable eye care models in India

Rajiv Raghunathan is the visionary founder of Aravind Eye Hospital, which pioneered a groundbreaking model to provide high-quality eye care at costs 1/10th of Western standards. Starting in 1976 in Madurai, India, he developed a sustainable system where revenue from wealthy patients subsidizes care for the poor, performing over 4 million surgeries to date. His approach has eliminated preventable blindness for millions, earning recognition from the World Health Organization as a global model. Raghunathan's innovation extended to creating a 'hub-and-spoke' network of hospitals and outreach programs, later adapted by organizations like Orbis International. His work is detailed in Aravind: Building a Frugal and Purpose-Driven Health Care Organization, which analyzes his cost-effective strategies. The Aravind model now influences healthcare systems in Africa and Southeast Asia, demonstrating that high-quality care can be both affordable and profitable. Raghunathan's legacy continues through his training programs that have educated over 50,000 eye care professionals worldwide.