Dr. Ashok C. Shroff (often referred to as A.K. Shroff or Dr. Ashok Shroff) is a distinguished Indian ophthalmologist and a leading figure in modern eye care in the country. He received the Padma Shri in 1990 for his contributions to ophthalmology.

He completed his MS in Ophthalmology and further qualifications including D.O.M.S. and D.O. (London). After his master’s degree he trained at the prestigious Moorfields Eye Hospital and the Institute of Ophthalmology in London. He began his practice in Mumbai in 1961, joining the family tradition of eye care that began when his father, Dr. C.N. Shroff, established the practice in 1919 after returning from London.

Dr. Ashok Shroff specialised in cataract surgery and medical retinal conditions. He was among the early Indian ophthalmologists to introduce several advanced techniques: modern retinal surgeries with implants (1962), cryosurgery for retinal detachment and cataract (1968), fundus fluorescein angiography, xenon-arc photocoagulation (a precursor to argon laser), microscopic cataract surgery, and vitrectomy. In later years the practice under his guidance also brought argon and krypton lasers, phacoemulsification and A-scan sonography to India.

He has served as committee member and president of various ophthalmic societies. His long commitment to quality eye care helped the Shroff Eye Hospital (with centres in Bandra West and Marine Drive, Mumbai) become India’s first eye hospital to receive Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation from the United States (since 2006). The institution continues the family’s century-old tradition of combining clinical excellence with service to the underprivileged, originally begun through the Ramwadi Free Eye Hospital.

In recognition of his pioneering work and contribution to ophthalmic care in India, the Government of India awarded him the Padma Shri in 1990.

Dr. Ashok C. Shroff remains associated with Shroff Eye Hospital, where successive generations of the family (including his sons) have continued to advance specialised eye care while upholding the standards he helped establish.