Prof. Dr. Kulamani Misra’s distinguished career as a professor, surgeon, mentor, and administrator serves as an enduring example of dedication and integrity in the medical field. His contributions to education, patient care, and the medical community remain a source of inspiration to his students and colleagues alike.

Personal Information

Personal Details:

• Full Name: Dr. Kulamani Misra
• Date of Birth: 25th August 1926
• Place of Birth: Village Gaibo, District Dhenkanal, Odisha
• Date of Death: 5th January 2009

Education:

• M.B.B.S.:
  • S.C.B. Medical College
  • University: Utkal University
• M.S. Ophthalmology:
  • KING’S Medical College, Bombay

Academic Appointments

Odisha Medical Education Service:

• Professor of Ophthalmology:
  • S.C.B. Medical College, Cuttack
  • M.K.C.G. Medical College, Berhampur
  • Served from 1965 to 1997 (22 years)

Administrative Roles

• Superintendent, Medical Colleges:
  • V.S.S. Medical College, Burla:
    • Tenure: 1965–1970, 1972–1994
    • A strict yet empathetic administrator, known for upholding discipline and ensuring high standards in patient care.
    • Created initiatives to prevent food adulteration in hospital food preparation for patients.

Clinical & Surgical Expertise

• Specialization: Cataract Surgery
• Organized and participated in numerous eye camps focused on cataract surgery, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
• Actively involved in preventive awareness campaigns to reduce blindness.

Mentorship and Influence

• Prof. Dr. Kulamani Misra was a mentor to many distinguished ophthalmologists, including, Dr. K.C. Padhi, Dr. BKTripathy
• Guided numerous students in both undergraduate and postgraduate programs, leaving a legacy of moral integrity, discipline, and professional excellence.
• Known for his ethical and non-corrupt approach, his influence shaped many students and professionals.

Legacy as a Teacher and Guide

• Mentorship during Post-Graduation (M.S.):
  • Served as a guide and mentor for his students, including those who went on to complete their M.S. degrees under his supervision.
• Prof. Misra was not only a disciplinarian but also known for his personal connection with students and colleagues. He emphasized the importance of ethics, honesty, and professionalism in both medical practice and personal conduct.
• He was highly respected for his dedication, and even after transferring from V.S.S. Medical College, Burla, his legacy continued through the students he mentored.

Personal Qualities

• Prof. Misra was admired for his hospitality and warmth, often hosting guests with traditional Odia food preparations.
• He was known for making surprise visits to hospital wards during meal times, personally checking the quality of food being served to patients, reflecting his deep care and commitment to patient welfare.
• His unique teaching style, mixing humor and strictness, left a lasting impression on his students, often addressing them with a blend of English and Odia.

Memorable Anecdotes

• During his final class at V.S.S. Medical College, Burla, before his transfer to S.C.B. Medical College, Prof. Misra gave a memorable address to his students, playfully reminding them that despite his strictness, their success depended on their efforts. He encouraged them to share their honest opinions in writing, displaying his remarkable ability to connect with and understand his students.

Contributions to the Ophthalmological Society

• Prof. Dr. Kulamani Misra was not only a renowned academician and administrator but also a pillar of the Ophthalmological Society. His influence and guidance left a profound impact on the field of ophthalmology in Odisha and beyond.

OSOS Acknowledges and is thankful to; Dr Anup Das & Dr Debendra Kumar Sahu, both students from VEER SURENDRA SAI MEDICAL COLLEGE AND HOSPITAL, now doing well in their fields of ophthalmology

Dr Anup Das, Director,
Dr Anup’s insight group of hospitals,
Warkela and Thiruanantapuram,
Kerala

Dr Debendra kumar Sahu, Director,
Mahanadi Netra Chikitsalaya, Birmaharajpur
Subarnapur, Odisha

Who have generously contributed for a free paper award for Refraction/ Optics, in the name of Prof Dr Kulamani Misra.

This was initiated with an idea of the importance of refraction/ Optics in Ophthalmology.

Importance of Refraction/Optics in Ophthalmology

Refraction and optics are fundamental aspects of ophthalmology, playing a crucial role in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of vision-related problems. Understanding the principles of light and how it interacts with the eye is essential for ensuring clear vision and addressing refractive errors.

1. Understanding Refractive Errors

2. Prescription of Corrective Lenses

3. Pre- and Post-Surgical Assessment

In surgical procedures like LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis), cataract surgery, or corneal transplants, understanding the patient’s refraction is essential for:

• Pre-surgical planning: Determining the degree of refractive correction required.
• Post-surgical assessment: Ensuring that the surgery has restored optimal visual acuity or if additional correction is needed.

Intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation during cataract surgery is a prime example where precise refraction measurements are vital to achieve the desired post-surgical vision outcomes.

4. Optics in Diagnostic Tools

The knowledge of optics is integral to the functioning of various ophthalmic diagnostic tools, such as:

• Slit-lamp bio-microscope
• Ophthalmoscope and Retinoscope
• Corneal topography

5. Pediatric and Community Eye Care

6. Understanding Binocular Vision and Accommodation

Refraction/ Optics is the corner stone of Ophthalmic care.

Compiled from the memories of seniors
Dr KCP, Dr HKR, Dr AP, Dr IR, Dr LDM,
Dr SS, Dr SKK et al
Dr Sharmistha Behera,
Chairman Scientific committee, OSOS (2021 to 2025)

Year Wise Recipients

• 2024 : Dr MS Mahesh kumar Sahu