The inception of Sir Henry Holland Mission Eye Hospital can be traced back to 1909 when a philanthropist, Hiranand, invited Sir Henry Holland to establish a medical facility in Shikarpur.[2][5] Hiranand provided land, construction resources, and a sustenance fund for the patient and their companions.[1] Holland accepted, on the condition that the local community leaders consented to the project, and he retained the freedom to practice his faith and preach outside his professional environment.[1]
The proposal was initially met with substantial opposition due to Holland's affiliation with a Christian mission, raising religious concerns among the Hindu and Muslim communities.[1] Hiranand, however, challenged the objectors to find a doctor with the same caliber and commitment as Holland who was not Christian.[1] Hiranand eventually succeeded, leading to the establishment of an annual eye clinic in Shikarpur, starting from 1910.[1]
Throughout the 1920s and 1930s Holland's pioneering contributions in ophthalmology drew international attention.[1] Physicians and surgeons from the United Kingdom, Europe, and as far as the United States, Canada, and Australia came to learn and practice at the hospital.[1] This influx of global expertise transformed the hospital into a leading eye care facility.[1]
Hiranand, until his untimely death in 1913, bequeathed an endowment of Rs100,000 (approximating Rs105 million in 21st century) to sustain the clinic and cover staff expenses.[1]
After formally retiring in 1948, Holland transferred the administrative reins of the mission hospitals in Quetta and Shikarpur to his son, Harry Henry.[6][1] Nevertheless, he continued to perform eye surgeries at Shikarpur until 1956, reflecting his unflagging dedication to the cause of ocular health.[1]
Since its foundation more than 150,000 eye operations have been performed.[2]
