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

“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

© 2011 Berrett-Koehler Publishers (Ebook): 9781605099811

Release date

Ebook: 7 November 2011