“I thought I’d just end up as a postmaster in my hometown,” Muthuramalingam says with a gentle chuckle. “But life had other plans.”
His path was set in motion at a Lions Club eye camp, where he volunteered without any formal medical training—only a deep desire to help. His unwavering commitment caught the attention of visiting doctors and trainers, who recognised his potential and encouraged him to pursue further learning. Motivated by their support, Muthuramalingam began studying eye care and refraction, sowing the seeds of what would become his life’s calling.
That decision changed not only his own life but also brought hope to countless others. Equipped with modest tools and unshakable resolve, he cycled from village to village, transforming school verandas and shady trees into makeshift eye clinics. His mission was clear: to restore sight to those overlooked by mainstream healthcare.
“Eye care is not just about treating vision,” he explains. “It’s about giving people a whole new life.”
Over the years, Muthuramalingam witnessed the evolution of community eye care—from its humble origins with basic equipment to today’s well-organised camps staffed by trained professionals and equipped with modern technology. Yet, at its core, his work has always been about reaching those most in need.
One of his most cherished memories comes from a school screening in Melur, a town near Madurai. There, he encountered a 12-year-old boy who was struggling academically and seemed withdrawn. The reason: an undiagnosed, severe refractive error. “Once he started wearing eyeglasses, he became one of the top students in his class,” Muthuramalingam recalls with pride. “That single pair of eyeglasses completely transformed his future.”
Muthuramalingam estimates that over the course of his career, he has screened and treated tens of thousands across Tamil Nadu. From Madurai to Salem, Erode to Coimbatore, he has tirelessly travelled from village to village, ensuring that no one is left in the dark.
His journey has not been without challenges—cultural barriers, arduous travel, and physical exhaustion were constant companions. But the trust of the community and the visible impact of his work have kept him going. “Back then, we did everything ourselves—planning, counselling, and conducting eye exams. Now we have more support, but the mission remains the same,” he says.
Even today, Muthuramalingam continues to organise school screenings and assist families in accessing the care they need. What drives him? “A child’s smile after seeing clearly for the first time—that’s all the motivation I need,” he says.
As India confronts a growing burden of preventable vision problems, Muthuramalingam’s journey underscores the vital role of grassroots health workers. “We can’t wait for people to come to hospitals,” he emphasises. “We must go to them. That’s how we build stronger, healthier communities.”
At a stage in life when many begin to slow down, Muthuramalingam shows no signs of stopping. “The body may feel its age,” he says, “but the spirit should never grow weary.”
