Dr. I. S. Jain Memorial Oration

(1929 – 2016)

Legendary teacher, researcher and an unparalleled eye surgeon

• Born on 6 June, 1929
• 1952: MBBS, K.G. Medical College, Lucknow.
• Best graduate (Hewett Medalist) with several distinctions
• After a year in Ophthalmology at KGMC he resigned and went to UK; did DO and FRCS.
• 1954 to 1957:Worked in Moorefield Eye Hospital, London, St. Paul’s Eye Hospital, Liverpool and Ashford Hospital, Middlesex
• 1958: Returned to India

Illustrious academic career

• Registrar in Irwin Hospital (now LNJP Hospital) he moved to Rohtak as Incharge of a 230 bedded eye hospital.
• 1971: He became Professor.
• 1969-1989: Headed the Department of Ophthalmology at PGI.
• After his superannuation, he was appointed Emeritus Professor.

Pioneer

• 1990: President of All India ophthalmological Society (AIOS)
• He was instrumental in formation and registration of COS.
• He got COS affiliated to AIOS during his tenure as President.
• Introduced the concept of running special clinics in India laying the foundation of subspecialties in Ophthalmology.
• Credited with creating a unique structured post graduate teaching and training program in Ophthalmology at the PGIMER
• In a true sense, he was the guiding force behind the present day Advanced Eye Centre, PGIMER.

Contributions

• Prof. Jain published more that 300 papers that were extensively cited in System of Ophthalmology by Duke-Elder and contemporary literature.
• Some of his original observations and contributions include
  • Beneficial effect of Myopia> 5.0D on diabetic retinopathy.
  • High IOP and Diabetic retinopathy
  • CSR: A glucocorticoid effect.
  • Sympathetic ophthalmia simulating VKH
  • Extracapsular Surgery in Fuch’s Uveitis
  • Ocular changes in Taka yasu’s diseas
  • Smoking as risk factor for cataractogeneis
• At the PGIMER, he headed a programme for the ‘Rural reintegration of the incurably blind’.
• In the early 1970’s, with a group of Rotarians andOphthalmologists Dr. Jain founded a Society for the Care of the Blind which today has taken shape as the Institute for the Blind in Sector 26, Chandigarh.

Teacher for all times………

• He trained hundreds of Ophthalmologists who have carriedforward his legacy all over the world, many of his students went on to occupy distinguished chairs and play a major leadership role.
• Legacy of Prof. Jain will continue through his students and the several generations of ophthalmologists trained by them.
• Prof. I S Jain has left behind a legacy of honesty, integrity, punctuality, equity and excellence.

Dr. I. S. Jain Memorial Oration Awardees