Dr E T Selvam, a renowned eye surgeon and former dean of the 200-year-old Government Ophthalmic Hospital and Regional Institute of Ophthalmology in Egmore, Chennai, died last week.

He was 93. During his term at the Egmore hospital from 1977 to 1982 Dr Selvam spearheaded major reforms like upgrading hospital equipment and staff training. He instituted teaching syllabus for postgraduates so that it was recognised by the Medical Council of India as an institution for postgraduate studies.

He won the Dr M G R Medical University award for conducting the maximum number of eye camps in Tamil Nadu. A specialist in the older form of cataract surgery, his skill in glaucoma, retinal and cataract surgeries is lauded even today by colleagues, former students and leading eye doctors.

Even after retirement he continued as a visiting doctor in private hospitals and eye camps.