Ramanathan V. Ramani is the founder and the managing trustee of Sankara Eye Foundation (SEF).

On 21 May 1974 Ramani started Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Medical Centre, a 100 square feet clinic in Coimbatore to provide subsidised health care to the poor at 50 paise per patient.

In 1978, Ramani, in association with the Rotary Club of Coimbatore and Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Medical Centre began the Measles Immunisation Programme.

In 1980 Ramani joined the Rotary Club, Coimbatore Central, and became the president in 1989.

In July 2019, the Ministry of Health approved the appointment of Ramani to the Board of Governors of MCI as an additional Member.