12/07/2025
The Light He Chose to Follow
Dr. G. Joseph Gnanadickam was born on July 14, 1900, in Coimbatore and was brought up by his devoted mother. Driven by a deep sense of service, he pursued medicine at Royapuram Medical School and trained under Dr. Kugelberg, a renowned Swedish missionary at Tirupattur. He later honed his ophthalmic skills in Vienna, Paris, and Berlin.
In 1934, he came to Tiruchirappalli with a clear purpose-to serve the underserved. He established an eye hospital, pioneered rural eye camps, and later founded a school for the blind and a rehabilitation centre for the visually impaired to ensure every individual could lead a dignified life.
A mentor to many, he played a vital role in founding the Tamil Nadu Ophthalmic Association (TNOA) and held leadership roles in the Rotary Club, YMCA, and Red Cross, reflecting his broader commitment to society.
In 1962, he handed over the hospital to the Tamil Evangelical Lutheran Church, securing its mission for generations.
Dr. Joseph was not just a physician-he was a visionary whose legacy of compassion, leadership, and service continues to shine.
Today, Joseph Eye Hospital stands as a living tribute to his dream-delivering world-class, compassionate eye care to all, regardless of background. With advanced technology, academic excellence, and a deep commitment to community outreach, JEH carries forward Dr. Joseph's mission, touching millions of lives and restoring not just vision, but dignity and hope.
