A Lasting Legacy – The Inspiring Journey of Dr. K. Bhujang Shetty

India’s eye care landscape was transformed by one visionary leader — Dr. K. Bhujang Shetty. A renowned ophthalmologist, humanitarian, researcher, and institution-builder, he dedicated his life to restoring sight and bringing world-class eye care to India.

At Mr. Opticals, we celebrate leaders whose work continues to inspire excellence in vision care. Dr. Shetty’s journey is a powerful reminder that humble beginnings can lead to extraordinary achievements.

Humble Beginnings, Big Dreams

Born in 1953 in a small village in Kundapura taluk, Udupi district, Dr. Shetty grew up in a modest family. His father ran a small provision shop, and he studied in a Kannada-medium school.

A life-changing moment came in 1963 when he was enrolled at Baldwin Boys' High School in Bangalore. Despite not knowing English at the time, he worked hard, earned double promotions, and graduated with top honors in academics, sports, and extracurricular activities.

This early resilience shaped the determined leader he would become.

Medical Education and Specialization

Dr. Shetty pursued MBBS at Bangalore Medical College and later completed his Master’s in Ophthalmology from Minto Eye Hospital in 1982.

Even in his late 60s, he pursued a Ph.D., proving that learning has no age limit.

Founding Narayana Nethralaya

In 1982, Dr. Shetty started a small eye clinic in Bangalore. By 1993, he established Narayana Nethralaya in Rajajinagar — which grew into one of India’s leading tertiary eye care institutions.

Today, the hospital is known for:

• Advanced cataract surgery

• Retina and cornea care

• Pediatric ophthalmology

• Cutting-edge eye research

• Affordable treatment for the underprivileged

His vision was simple: quality eye care should be accessible to all.

A Champion of Eye Donation

Dr. Shetty strongly promoted eye donation in Karnataka.

With the support of legendary actor Dr. Rajkumar, he established the Dr. Rajkumar Eye Bank to increase cornea donations in India.

His efforts helped:

• Increase awareness about eye donation

• Improve corneal transplant availability

• Restore vision to thousands

He even pledged to donate his own eyes — a powerful example of leading by action.

KIDROP – Fighting Infant Blindness

In 2007, Dr. Shetty launched KIDROP (Karnataka Internet Assisted Diagnosis of Retinopathy of Prematurity).

This groundbreaking telemedicine program:

• Screens premature babies for ROP

• Covers 177+ neonatal ICUs across Karnataka

• Has screened over 1.5 lakh infants

• Prevented blindness in thousands of babies

It is now recognized as one of the world’s largest ROP screening programs.

Research and Innovation in Eye Care

Dr. Shetty believed science and research were key to better healthcare.

Under his leadership, Narayana Nethralaya invested in:

• Molecular diagnostics

• Corneal research

• Imaging and biomechanics

• Ocular pathology education

His work placed India on the global ophthalmology map.

Reversing Diabetes – A New Health Vision

After living with diabetes for over 25 years, Dr. Shetty reversed his condition through lifestyle changes.

He established the Reversing Diabetes Clinic (RDC) to help patients:

• Control blood sugar naturally

• Prevent diabetic eye disease

• Reduce medication dependence

• Improve overall health

His approach focused on preventive care, nutrition, and lifestyle management.

Philanthropy and Social Impact

Through charitable trusts and initiatives, Dr. Shetty ensured that:

• Poor patients receive free or subsidized eye surgery

• Rural communities benefit from eye camps

• Children are never denied treatment due to lack of funds

• Affordable cataract surgery is available

The launch of Narayana Devalaya in Tumakuru further expanded access to eye care for underprivileged communities.

Awards and Recognition

Dr. Shetty received several prestigious awards, including:

• Kannada Rajyotsava Award

• Kempegowda Prashasti

• Legend in Ophthalmology Award

• National Innovation Awards

These honors recognized his contributions to healthcare, research, and medical education.

His Legacy Lives On

Dr. Bhujang Shetty was:

• A visionary eye surgeon

• A compassionate humanitarian

• A leader in ophthalmology

• A promoter of eye donation

• A mentor to future doctors

Though he is no longer with us, his work continues to restore sight and inspire generations.

Final Thoughts

At Mr. Opticals, we believe that great eye care is built on knowledge, compassion, and innovation — values that Dr. Bhujang Shetty embodied throughout his life.

His journey teaches us that with determination, humility, and purpose, one person can transform millions of lives.