Aluva: Reputed eye specialist Dr Tony Fernandez was felicitated by civic leaders on his 84th birthday here on Sunday. Actor Mammootty and former chief minister Oommen Chandy were among the dignitaries who thanked the veteran ophthalmologist for his stellar contribution in his field.
Actor Mammootty, a surprise guest, at the event noted that "there could've been a major traffic block in Aluva if all those who have gained vision thanks to the doctor had arrived". Praising the doctor, the megastar said the people of Kerala and he himself owe much to the doctor. "I have not been able to thank him for all his services," the actor said. "Hence I came here ignoring an award function today".
Mammootty presented Dr Fernandez a glass plaque titled 'Drusya Silpi' (sculpture of vision) created by glass artist Javan Chacko.
Kerala assembly speaker P. Ramakrishnan, who inaugurated the function, said Dr Fernandez could've been honoured by the government. "Wonder why they didn't do it," he said, adding apologetically, "I realized the depth and glory of his work only very late".
Former chief minister Oommen Chandy recalled his four-decade long association with the doctor, and adorned him with a golden shawl.
Magician Gopinath Muthukad spoke about how Dr. Fernandez attended to his father, and received 1,000 eye donation documents.
Dr Fernandez, who was associated with the Little Flower Hospital, Angamaly, established the first private eye bank in Kerala. This former president of the All-India Ophthalmological Society is a Padma Shri. Anwar Sadat MLA presided over the function.
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