Amritsar: Acclaimed ophthalmologist Dr Daljit Singh passed away yesterday (Dec. 27) after remaining in deep coma for seven days. He was 83.
He was known for introducing intraocular lens implants in Indian subcontinent in 1976 and hence revolutionising the eye care treatment.
A recipient of Dr BC Roy Award, Dr Daljit Singh is credited with isolating three new genes that cause congenital cataract. The project was completed in collaboration with Guru Nanak Dev University. He also invented “plasma scalpel” for glaucoma and cataract surgery, a report in The Tribune notes.
Despite the achievements, Dr Singh continued to stay in Amritsar Sahib and made efforts to promote Amritsar on international ophthalmology map.
“Hundreds of patients from outside of Punjab, especially from J&K, visited Dr Daljit Eye Hospital every day. Dr Singh had been running free OPD services for the underprivileged at his hospital for the past 32 years every Thursday. He would also be known for cost-effective eye care treatment, which he made possible by manufacturing lenses in country after procuring a machine from the US”, TT report notes further.
Dr. Daljit Singh had contested the 2014 Lok Sabha elections on Aam Aadmi Party ticket against Capt Amarinder Singh and Arun Jaitley but lost it to Capt. Amarinder Singh. However, he parted ways with AAP soon.
Having written over a dozen of books on ophthalmology, Dr Singh also penned two poetry and three anthologies of essays: “Sach Di Bhaal Vich” (In search of truth), “Dooja Passa” (The other side) and “Badi Di Jarh” (The root of evil) to educate rural masses about national and international issues.