Eminent ophthalmologist E.T. Selvam died on Tuesday at the age of 93.
Dr. Selvam, former superintendent of the Government Ophthalmic Hospital and Regional Institute of Ophthalmology, Egmore, is regarded by his students as a surgeon who transformed the hospital.
Dr. Selvam, who was awarded the Doctor of Science by the Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University, is credited with conducting the most number of eye camps during his tenure.
His students’ memories are laced with respect and admiration for his skill. His contributions continued after retirement too. He was a pillar of support and a guide to the Lions Club eye donation movement, ophthalmologists recounted.
“Dr. Selvam was my teacher when I was doing my MBBS in Madras Medical College. He had the passion to not only be a great clinician but also superb teacher. He was also heading Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital once he retired from the government hospital. A great man whom all will miss,” said Amar Agarwal, chairman of the hospital.
Mohan Rajan, chairman of Rajan Eye Care Hospital, recalled his association from his younger days when his father was deputy superintendent of the Government Eye Hospital. “He was the icon of ophthalmology. He held the post of superintendent and my father N. Rajan was the deputy superintendent. The years 1977 to 1982 were a golden period for the hospital as they brought in lots of reforms. He was a specialist in the older technique of cataract surgery,” Dr. Mohan said.
Former director of the Government Eye Hospital K. Vasantha was not only his student but also his assistant for three years. “At that time there were no sub-specialities. He was an expert in glaucoma, cataract and retinal surgeries,” she said. “We heard that actor Sivaji Ganesan had imitated him in a movie where he played an eye doctor. We all watched the movie,” she recalled.
“One could learn a lot just by watching him perform surgeries. I am proud to say I was his student,” she added. Son of Sir A.T. Pannirselvam of the Justice Party, Dr. Selvam was the recipient of many oration awards.
The Tamil Nadu Opthalmic Association has instituted an annual quiz programme in his name. The All India Opthalmic Association has instituted the best poster award in his name. His students and family have created an annual endowment lecture in his name at his alma mater for the last 15 years.
M.K. Stalin, working president of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, termed Dr. Selvam’s death a great loss.
