The Association of Eye Bank of Asia (AEBA) presented its inaugural award for ‘Pioneering contributions to eye banking in Asia’ to Dr Gullapalli N Rao, Founder-Chair of L V Prasad Eye Institute.
The award was presented at the 3rd Asia Cornea Society Biennial Scientific Meeting held in Manila, Phillipines, from 27th to 29th November, 2012.
Dr Rao developed the first international standard eye bank in Asia at L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) in Hyderabad in 1989. The Ramayamma International Eye Bank at LVPEI is now one of the biggest eye banks in the world and LVPEI in Hyderabad reportedly performs the highest number of corneal transplants from any single centre in the world. In addition to service, the Ramayamma International Eye Bank is also one of the major training centres for eye banking personnel and research in the world.
Dr Rao was a member of the Medical Advisory Board of the Eye Bank Association of America, and had played a major role in the creation of the Eye Bank Association of India (EBAI) where he was also the former President. Through its activities, EBAI stimulated the development of a world class eye banking network in India, and helped in the development of many eye banks in Asia.
