Tushar Agarwal

When working as a Fellow in the Cornea and Refractive service, Agarwal developed the technique of computer simulation-assisted rotational autokeratoplasty, and gained recognition nationally – receiving the Indian National Science Academy Young Scientist Medal, and a Best of Show award from the AAO. He was also recognized for discovering a cause of severe ocular alkali burns in Indian children – bursting Chuna packets (edible calcium hydroxide). He has more than 60 published papers, including over 15 new surgical techniques.

A nominator said: “Among his many accomplishments, Dr Agarwal described the use of smartphones in diagnosing fungal keratitis. This pioneering work has opened up a new area of research in mobile phone based point-of-care diagnostics in ophthalmology, and he continues to adapt high-end technology for use in the most basic settings in developing countries, thus enriching the lives of the most underprivileged people. He was instrumental in development of International Council Ophthalmology residency curriculum committee. His other passion is teaching cataract surgery to residents for which he has established a world-class wet Lab at RP Centre.”

Part of the Power List 2015

In 2014, we compiled a list of the Top 100 most influential people in ophthalmology – an endeavor that received a significant amount of attention and, it’s fair to say, caused more than a little controversy. For our 2015 Top 40 Under 40 list we’ve taken a different approach, asking: who are the young, up-and-coming individuals set to rise to the top of their field? That’s the question we posed to ourselves – and then to you – ahead of open nominations and a painstaking judging process. Our list this year almost halves the average age of the celebrated individuals, with many of them born in the same year as the iconic Sex Pistols cover – 1977. Though we admit that no list of this type can be definitive, it does clearly show that the future of ophthalmology is very bright indeed. And so, without further ado, we celebrate the movers and shakers aged 40 or under who show what can be achieved with determination, passion and inspiration.

Go to The Power List 2015