Biography of Dr. M. C. Luthra, Ophthalmologist, Dehradun
Dr. M. C. Luthra was a distinguished ophthalmologist and the founder of Drishti Eye Institute in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. Recognized as a visionary leader and pioneer in ophthalmology, he made significant contributions to eye care in India, particularly in Uttarakhand. Below is a detailed biography based on available information:
- Early Life and Education: Dr. M. C. Luthra completed his medical studies in ophthalmology at S.N. Medical College, Agra, earning his degree in 1967. His specialization in cataract and glaucoma laid the foundation for his illustrious career in eye care.
- Career at ONGC: In 1968, Dr. Luthra joined the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) as an ophthalmologist. During his tenure, he was instrumental in advancing the technological and medical capabilities of ONGC’s eye department. He rose to the position of Chief Eye Surgeon before taking voluntary retirement to pursue his vision of establishing a specialized eye care facility.
- Founding Drishti Eye Institute: In 1994, Dr. Luthra established the Drishti Eye Centre (now known as Drishti Eye Institute) in Dehradun, with the mission to provide super-specialty eye care services in Uttarakhand. His goal was to make advanced eye care accessible locally, reducing the need for patients to travel to metropolitan cities. The institute, a unit of Luthra Hospitals Private Limited, has grown into a leading tertiary care referral eye hospital in North India, attracting patients from across India and abroad. Dr. Luthra continues to play a key administrative role at the institute.
- Pioneering Contributions: Dr. Luthra was among the pioneers of Intra Ocular Lens (IOL) Implantation in India during the early 1980s. He championed advanced techniques such as phacoemulsification for cataract surgery, utilizing no-injection, no-stitch, and no-pad methods with technologies like the Restor Multifocal IOL and IQ Acrysof Intra Ocular Lens. These innovations improved surgical outcomes and patient recovery, contributing to the institute’s reputation as a leader in eye care.
- Community Service: Dr. Luthra was deeply committed to social service. He conducted over 1,000 free eye screening camps in collaboration with organizations like the Rotary Club and Lions Club in Dehradun. Additionally, he performed more than 200 free eye surgeries, significantly impacting underserved communities. His involvement in the Rotary International Cataract Surgery Project further highlights his dedication to addressing avoidable blindness.
- Leadership and Recognition:
- Awards: Dr. Luthra received the Doctor Mohan Lal Memorial Gold Medal at the UP State Ophthalmic Conference in 1965 and a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Uttarakhand State Ophthalmic Conference in 2008.
- Rotary Involvement: An active Rotarian, he was awarded the Best President Award for District 3080 in 2012 and played a key role in establishing two new Rotary clubs in Dehradun.
- Professional Leadership: He served as Past President of the UP State Ophthalmic Society, Founder President of the Uttarakhand State Ophthalmic Society, and Past Senior Vice President of the UP State Medical Association. He also chaired numerous scientific sessions at national and state-level conferences.
- Legacy: Dr. Luthra’s vision and leadership transformed eye care in Uttarakhand, making Drishti Eye Institute a hub for advanced treatments like cataract surgery, refractive surgery, and corneal transplantation. His commitment to education, research, and community service inspired generations of ophthalmologists, including his son, Dr. Gaurav Luthra, who continues his legacy as the Director of Drishti Eye Institute. A tribute on X posted on July 15, 2025, by Drishti Eye Institute celebrated his birth anniversary, describing him as a “visionary leader” and “pioneer in ophthalmology” whose legacy continues to inspire
Sources
- Drishti Eye Institute website: Information on Dr. M. C. Luthra’s education, career, and contributions.
- X post by @DrishtiEyeInst (July 15, 2025): Tribute to Dr. M. C. Luthra’s birth anniversary.
Dehradun, 12 Apr: Dehradun’s iconic eye-surgeon Dr MC Luthra passed away, today, after a prolonged illness. He was 81. The medical fraternity and former patients have sent in their condolences to the bereaved family.
He had migrated from Pakistan and decided to settle down in Doon. He got his first job with the ONGC and worked with the organisation for the majority of his working years. In his active career MC organised over 200 free eye treatment camps and charitable cataract surgeries running into the thousands. ONGC, which was a flourishing organisation, always supported his initiatives, and he brought a lot of new technology and equipment into the organisation, especially after he helped set up the state of the art ONGC Hospital in town.
Later, in ’95, he took premature retirement, and around this time, his elder son Dr Gaurav Luthra joined him, after completing his degree from the prestigious Maulana Azad College, a brief stint at AIIMS, and training in Lasik surgery, Retina and PhacoEmulcification from abroad. All this was new and involved latest technology, and brought a sleepy little town like Doon, centre-stage. It implied cataract treatment without surgery and no stitches, which was a big thing for this part of the country. This led to the establishment of the by now well-known Drishti Eye Centre, which is credited with having pioneered many niche specialties.
He died due to Cardiac Arrest at 9 am today.
His Prayer Meeting will be held on Thursday, April 15 at Swarg Puri Ashram, Race Course, Dehradun.
Dr MC Luthra is survived by wife Dr Savita Luthra, sons Gaurav, Saurabh and daughters-in-law Arti, Megha, grandchildren Anshika, Abhijay, Ashrey, Ananta and Aadya.
The Garhwal Post family extends its condolences to the bereaved family.
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