Dr. Usha Kim heads the Department of Orbit, Oculoplasty, Ocular Oncology and Ocular Prosthetics at Aravind Eye Hospitals. After completing her graduation in Medicine from the prestigious PSG Institute of Medicine, Coimbatore, she went on to complete her residency in Ophthalmology at Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai. Later, she underwent specialized training in field of Orbit, Oculoplasty and Ocular Oncology under the guidance of Dr. William B. Stewart at the University of California, USA. In 1998, Dr. Usha started the Department of Orbit and Oculoplasty at Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai. Under her leadership, the department has become a Centre of Excellence in the treatment of the rarer ocular conditions that have to do with trauma, congenital anomalies and cancers of the eye. The department has become one of the leading units for diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and research in this field of ophthalmology. In the last 20 years, this clinic has seen over 6,41,701 patients and performed over 1,47,008 surgeries – making it one among the largest units for orbit and oculoplasty work in the world. The Department has integrated oncology care for patients as well as started providing custom-made ocular prosthetics. Dr. Usha continues to be a high volume cataract surgeon at Aravind in addition to her surgical expertise in Orbit & Oculoplasty. Deeply moved by the plight of hapless patients who discontinue treatment for want of money, Dr. Usha set up the Ring of Hope initiative in 2004, to raise funds for the treatment of ocular cancers. Till date, 7000 patients have been treated free of cost under this programme. Dr. Usha’s unit is also a preferred destination for training in Orbit, Oculoplasty, Ocular Oncology & Ocular Prosthetics Services – so far, 80 ophthalmologists have undergone long-term fellowship under her; 74 international fellows have undergone short term training. In addition, 80 ocularists from across the globe have been trained in the technical skills of producing custom-made ocular prosthetics. (12,032, Facial prosthesis 42)