Aravind Eye Care System

Aravind Eye Care System is the world’s largest provider of eye care, specializing in high-volume, high-quality, and affordable ophthalmic services, particularly for cataracts, with a mission to eliminate needless blindness[1][2][4]. It operates a dual-hospital model: the Main Hospital for paying patients subsidizes the Free Hospital for those who cannot pay, ensuring equitable access[6]. Aravind performs over 500,000 surgeries per year—more than 60% of the UK’s National Health Service—at a fraction of the cost and with a lower complication rate[6]. The organization’s innovative “assembly line” surgical model and in-house manufacturing of intraocular lenses have driven down costs and increased accessibility[2][6]. Aravind’s outreach includes mobile eye camps and rural vision centers, and it is also a leader in ophthalmic education and training, influencing eye care delivery worldwide[1][2].