Infinite Vision: How Aravind Became the World's Greatest Business Case for Compassion

Pavithra K. Mehta · Suchitra Shenoy

Nov 2011 · Berrett-Koehler Publishers

About this ebook

“A must-read for anyone interested in leadership, service, and the building of institutions that release the best energies of the human spirit.” —Jacqueline Novogratz, New York Times-bestselling author

When a crippling disease shattered his lifelong ambition, Dr. V (Venkataswamy) chose an impossible new dream: to cure the world of blindness. The tiny clinic he founded in India defied conventional business logic and is now the largest provider of eye care on the planet.

At Aravind, patients choose whether to pay or not. Millions are treated for free, yet the organization remains stunningly self-reliant. Serving everyone from penniless farmers to the president, it delivers world-class outcomes at less than a hundredth of what similar services cost in advanced nations. Its model is emulated by organizations everywhere from Rwanda to San Francisco.

Infinite Vision uncovers the radical principles behind Aravind’s baffling success. Charged with profound insights and stories, it draws readers to the heart of Dr. V’s selfless vision, proving how choices that seem quixotic can, when executed with compassion and integrity, yield incredible results—results that can light the eyes of millions.

“Reveals the power of a model that combines business discipline with compassion. May the wisdom of Dr. V and Aravind shared here inspire many such initiatives for the wellbeing of future generations.” —Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Founder, Grameen Bank

“Aravind may be a case study for MBA students, and a model social business, but to me this book told a story, with elegance, clarity and intimacy.” —Fred de Sam Lazaro, PBS NewsHour

“In the world of blindness Dr. V has performed a miracle.” —Ram Dass, author of Be Here Now

Ratings and reviews

I read this book following a recommendation by one of my mentors. It is truly a phenomenal example of what can happen when you let yourself be guided by the needs of those you are trying to help.

About the author

Pavithra K. Mehta is an award-winning filmmaker and journalist. She is a board member of the Aravind Eye Foundation and CharityFocus and coeditor of the latter’s inspirational news service, DailyGood. Dr. V. is her granduncle.

Suchitra Shenoy has more than a decade of experience in the social sector, most recently at the Monitor Group, where she was a founding member of Monitor Inclusive Markets.