Dr Santosh G Honavar, India’s Ophthalmologist conferred American Academy of Ophthalmology’s (AAO) highest award Life Achievement Honor given to its members.

He is the first Indian chosen for the honour. The Award was formally presented Dr Honavarat recently at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology held in San Francisco. US-based AAO is the world's largest association of eye specialists and its mission of the American Academy of Ophthalmology is to protect sight and empower lives by serving as an advocate for patients and the public, leading ophthalmic education, and advancing the profession of ophthalmology. Dr Honavar, a Hyderabad-based Indian Ophthalmologist was chosen for its highest award to recognize “contributions to the Academy, its scientific and educational programs, and to the advancement of ophthalmology.”

In a citation announcing the award, the American Academy of Ophthalmology states that “Dr Honavar’s contributions have been instrumental in supporting the Academy’s mission to protect sight and empower lives. Responding on receiving the honour, Dr Honavar said, “I am indebted to great ophthalmologists and my teachers and mentors such as Dr Jerry and Carol Shields, Prof NN Sood, Dr Gullapalli N Rao and Dr Mahipal S Sachdev, who have been my role models. I rededicate myself in the duty of treating eye cancers – to save life, salvage the eye and optimize vision”.

Formerly the Associate Director of LV Prasad Eye Institute, Dr Honavar currently heads the Department of Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery and Ocular Oncology and National Retinoblastoma Foundation at Centre for Sight, Hyderabad and leads the Medical Services team and the educational wing - CFS Education. He is also the Chief Editor of the Indian Journal of Ophthalmology.