Dr. Pratap Singh Hardia: The Padma Shri Eye Surgeon Who Restored Vision to Millions

Dr. Pratap Singh Hardia, popularly known as Dr. P. S. Hardia, is one of India’s most distinguished ophthalmologists and a pioneer in affordable eye care. His extraordinary dedication to restoring eyesight has earned him national and international recognition, including the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, in 2019. With a career spanning more than five decades, Dr. Hardia has performed hundreds of thousands of eye surgeries, many of them free of cost for economically disadvantaged patients, making him one of the most respected names in Indian medicine.

Early Life and Medical Education

Born in Madhya Pradesh, Dr. Pratap Singh Hardia developed an early interest in medicine and dedicated his professional life to ophthalmology—the branch of medicine dealing with diseases and surgery of the eye.

He completed his MBBS in 1964, followed by a Diploma in Ophthalmology (DOMS) in 1966, and later earned his Master of Surgery (MS) in Ophthalmology in 1970. Throughout his career, he pursued advanced training in refractive surgery and ophthalmic techniques both in India and abroad, constantly updating his knowledge to provide world-class treatment to patients.

A Lifetime Dedicated to Eye Care

Dr. Hardia began practising ophthalmology in the mid-1960s at a time when quality eye care was not easily accessible in many parts of India. Instead of limiting his services to urban hospitals, he devoted himself to reaching rural and underserved communities.

His philosophy has always been simple: no person should lose eyesight because they cannot afford treatment.

Over the decades, he organized numerous eye camps, conducted screenings in remote areas, and performed surgeries for thousands of patients who otherwise would have remained visually impaired. His commitment to humanitarian service has distinguished him from many of his contemporaries.

Today, Dr. Hardia continues his work through the Dr. P. S. Hardia Advanced Eye Surgery and Research Centre in Indore, one of central India’s leading eye-care institutions.

Guinness World Record for Eye Surgeries

Perhaps the most remarkable milestone in Dr. Hardia’s career is his entry into the Guinness World Records.

Between 1966 and 1999, he performed an astonishing 515,842 eye surgeries, earning recognition for the highest number of eye operations performed by an individual surgeon. This achievement brought international attention to his relentless work ethic and commitment to eliminating avoidable blindness.

Since then, the number of surgeries performed by Dr. Hardia has continued to grow significantly, with estimates exceeding 650,000 successful eye operations, many provided either free of cost or at highly subsidized rates.

Pioneer in Surgical Innovation

Apart from his surgical volume, Dr. Hardia is known for introducing and refining several ophthalmic techniques.

His contributions include:

• Development of posterior scleral support surgery to control progressive myopia in children.
• Early adoption of radial keratotomy for correcting refractive errors during the 1970s.
• Participation in advanced research and international conferences on ophthalmology.
• Introduction of modern laser-based vision correction procedures in central India.

These innovations have helped improve treatment outcomes and expanded access to advanced eye care for Indian patients.

Commitment to Affordable Healthcare

One of the defining characteristics of Dr. Hardia’s career has been his humanitarian approach.

He has consistently believed that healthcare is a social responsibility rather than merely a profession. According to information shared by his institution, nearly 60 percent of his surgeries have been performed free of charge or at highly subsidized rates for poor and deserving patients.

His charitable initiatives include:

• Free cataract surgery camps
• Rural eye screening programmes
• School eye health campaigns
• Awareness drives on preventable blindness
• Low-cost treatment for economically weaker sections

These efforts have restored vision to countless individuals who otherwise had little access to specialised medical care.

Advocate for Preventive Eye Care

Dr. Hardia has repeatedly stressed that a large proportion of blindness can be prevented through early diagnosis and timely treatment.

He has been actively involved in public awareness campaigns on conditions such as:

• Cataracts
• Glaucoma
• Refractive errors
• Childhood eye disorders
• Diabetic eye disease

His educational initiatives encourage regular eye examinations, especially among senior citizens and children, to prevent permanent vision loss.

National and International Recognition

Dr. Pratap Singh Hardia’s contributions have earned him several prestigious honours throughout his career.

Padma Shri (2019)

The Government of India honoured Dr. Hardia with the Padma Shri in 2019 for his distinguished contribution to medicine, particularly ophthalmology. The award recognised not only his surgical excellence but also his decades-long service to humanity through affordable eye care.

Guinness World Record

His Guinness World Record remains one of the most remarkable achievements by an Indian surgeon, symbolising extraordinary dedication, endurance and professional excellence.

International Recognition

Dr. Hardia was also recognised as one of the Leading Health Professionals of the World by the International Biographical Centre, Cambridge, in 2006. This honour acknowledged his contributions to ophthalmic surgery and community healthcare.

Establishing a Centre of Excellence

The Dr. P. S. Hardia Advanced Eye Surgery and Research Centre has grown into one of the leading eye hospitals in Madhya Pradesh.

The institution offers comprehensive eye care services including:

• Cataract surgery
• LASIK and refractive surgery
• Retina treatment
• Glaucoma management
• Corneal transplantation
• Paediatric ophthalmology
• Oculoplasty
• Advanced diagnostic facilities

The hospital combines modern technology with patient-centric care, continuing Dr. Hardia’s vision of accessible, high-quality treatment.

A Legacy of Service

Beyond statistics and awards, Dr. Hardia’s greatest achievement lies in the lives he has transformed. For countless patients, regaining eyesight has meant returning to work, supporting families, pursuing education, and living independently.

His philosophy of combining medical excellence with compassion has inspired generations of ophthalmologists and healthcare professionals.

By dedicating his career to serving society rather than personal recognition, Dr. Hardia has become a role model in Indian medicine. His work demonstrates how skill, perseverance and empathy can together create lasting social impact.

Conclusion

Dr. Pratap Singh Hardia stands among India’s most accomplished ophthalmologists. From earning a Guinness World Record for performing more than half a million eye surgeries to receiving the Padma Shri for his outstanding contribution to medicine, his journey reflects exceptional commitment to restoring vision and improving lives.

His pioneering surgical techniques, charitable initiatives, advocacy for preventive eye care, and dedication to affordable treatment have left an enduring legacy in Indian healthcare. As millions continue to benefit from his work, Dr. Hardia remains an inspiring example of how medicine can serve as a powerful instrument of social transformation.