The month of April arrives with renewed spirit as the Aravind family celebrates the commencement of Aravind’s 50^th year, marking a remarkable journey that began with the vision of Dr. Govindappa Venkataswamy on 4^th April 1976. Stepping into its golden jubilee year, Aravind has laid out extensive plans for yearlong celebrations that reflect both gratitude and growth. To kick start the celebrations, a jubilee logo contest was held, attracting over 140 submissions. The winning design, created by a doctor, was chosen for its thoughtful representation of Aravind’s core principles. This commemorative logo was officially launched on 7^th April 2025, setting the tone for the jubilee year and sparking a festive spirit among staff across all centres.

This milestone year offers a special opportunity to reflect on Aravind’s inspiring journey, from its humble beginnings in an 11-bedded rented building to becoming a global model of compassionate and sustainable eye care. It is also a time to reaffirm our commitment to the founding vision of Dr. V, who dreamed of eliminating needless blindness.

A variety of events are unfolding throughout the jubilee year, engaging not just employees but also patients, reinforcing trust and strengthening the bond between Aravind and the communities it serves.

Notable highlights this month include the opening of the state-of-the-art Amblyopia and Binocular Vision Clinic at Aravind–Coimbatore, inaugurated by international guests, the opening of the new Frame Division, at Aurolab, and the launch of Aurolab’s several new products at the APAO Conference, all of which add new spirit to Aravind’s initiatives.

The month was also filled with a series of CME programmes and workshops, highlighting Aravind’s ongoing commitment to continuous learning and staying update of the latest advancements in eye care.

This edition captures the highlights of events that took place between 15^th March and 15^th April 2025 and much more.

Dr. Rajiv Pardasani, Retina Fellow, Aravind-Madurai, won first place in the Vitreo-Retinal Society–India (VRSI) Image Competition – February 2025, for his image titled “Managing chronic retinal detachment with Cyst: The efficacy of scleral buckling,” while Dr. Jigu S. Krishn, Retina Fellow, Aravind-Madurai, secured second place with his image titled “Spotlight on sight.”

USA, 20^th March 2025

Dr. N. Venkatesh Prajna was honoured with the Ronald G. Michels, MD Lectureship Award during his visit as an invited guest speaker at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA. He delivered the prestigious Ronald G. Michels Lectureship in Cornea, Cataract and External Disease, marking a significant recognition of his contributions to the field.

Aravind–Madurai

Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai, was recognised as one of Asia’s Top Private Hospitals 2025 for cataract surgery by Newsweek and Statista, based on peer recommendations, accreditations, and certifications.

New Delhi, 3–6 April 2025

Dr. R.D. Ravindran, Chairman, Aravind Eye Care System (AECS), was honoured with the prestigious Holmes Lecture Award, named in memory of William J. Holmes, the founding Secretary-General of APAO. This highest award recognises his exceptional contributions to preventive ophthalmology, especially in the prevention of blindness in the Asia-Pacific region. He delivered the Holmes Lecture on “Improving cataract surgical quality through monitoring and benchmarking: An improvement” at the Celebrating Excellence in Ophthalmology Plenary Session.

Aravind-Madurai

Dr. R. Kim, Chief Medical Officer, Aravind–Madurai

• S.S. Badrinath Endowment Lecture Award

Dr. Usha Kim, Chief, Orbit & Oculoplasty, Aravind-Madurai

• Best Paper Award
  Title: Vision salvage in retinoblastoma: A ten-year clinical review (Session: Community/Social Ophthalmology – II)

• Best Free Paper Award
  Title: Our SMS Strategy for molecular diagnosis of retinoblastoma

• Best Poster Podium Presentation Award
  Title: Genetics and Retinoblastoma: All you need to know

• International Hero Award
  Title: Rapid and cost-effective molecular diagnosis of retinoblastoma

Dr. K. Naresh Babu, Chief, Retina Services, Aravind-Madurai

• Achievement Award

Sanil Joseph, Senior Faculty, LAICO

• Best Scientific Paper Award
  Title: Enhancing ai-based diabetic retinopathy diagnosis through universal cro-camera image adaptation (Category: AI, Innovations, and Virtual Health)

Dr. Sameer Chaudhary, Medical Officer, General Ophthalmology, Aravind-Madurai

• Runner up at the Asia Pacific Ocular Imaging Society (APOIS)-APAO imaging competition
• Best paper of session – Strabismus and Neuro Ophthalmology in PG Capsule
  Title: Sudden visual loss in pineal gland tumour

Two teams from Aravind-Madurai were among the eight shortlisted finalists out of 80 teams from across the country in the Teachers of Tomorrow event. The finalists from Aravind Eye Hospital were:

Team: Jed-Eyes (Winners)
Dr. Sahithya Bhaskaran, Medical Consultant, Paediatric Services, Aravind-Madurai (Mentor)
Dr. Priyadharshini PV, Resident, MS Ophthalmology, Aravind-Madurai
Dr. Smrithi Sony Thampi, Resident, MS Ophthalmology, Aravind-Madurai

Team: Eye-Vengers
Dr. Sameer Chaudhary (Mentor)
Dr. Nishwath Balakrishnan, Resident, MS. Ophthalmology, Aravind-Madurai
Dr. Vedant Sharma, Resident, MS. Ophthalmology, Aravind-Madurai

Dr. P. Sundaresan, ICMR Emeritus Scientist, AMRF

• Certificate of appreciation for the “Best Publication in the Indian Journal of Ophthalmology (IJO)” for the year 2024
  Title: Genotypic and phenotypic diversity in X-linked retinoschisis: Findings from a South Indian patient cohort

Dr. K. Naresh Babu, Dr. Avik Dey Sarkar, Medical Consultant, Retina & Vitreous Services, Aravind Madurai, Dr. Muthukrishnan V, Medical Consultant, Retina & Vitreous Services, Aravind Madurai

• Certificate of appreciation for the “Best Publication in the Indian Journal of Ophthalmology (IJO)” for the year 2024
  Title: A retrospective analysis of surgical outcome in sutureless glueless scleral fixation of foldable intraocular lens (Paper- IJO 72: PS658 S663- July 2024)

Dr. Sharmila, Medical Consultant, Glaucoma Services, Aravind-Madurai

• International Hero award at AIOS New Delhi for winning the best video award on quadruple procedure

Aravind-Chennai

Dr. Haripriya Aravind, Chief, Cataract Services, Aravind-Chennai

• Best Paper Award
  Title: Endothelial cell loss following phaco in eyes with Pseudoexfoliation: A ten-year comparative study (Session: Cornea – II)

• APAO Achievement Award

Dr. Prabhu Baskaran, Medical Consultant, Retina-Vitreous Services, Aravind-Chennai

• IJO Silver Award
  Title: Closure rate and recovery of subfoveal microstructures following conventional internal limiting membrane peeling versus per fluorooctane-assisted inverted flap for large macular holes: A randomised controlled trail (In Flap Study)
•  IJO Reviewer Commendation Certificate
• Appreciation certificate for two IJO Papers
  Title 1: Comparative analysis of outcomes of two (popular) techniques of haptic exteriorisation in scleral fixation intra-ocular lens surgery: A retrospective study
  Title 2: S-FIX: A sutured way of doing suture less SFIOL surgeries beyond X-NIT!

Dr. Eliza Anthony, Medical consultant, Uveitis services

• Best Poster podium presentation – Uvea
  Title: Paracentral acute middle maculopathy like lesions associated with ocular and systemic inflammation.

Dr. Anand Rajendran, Chief, Retina Vitreous Services

•  IJO Reviewer Commendation Award

Dr. Vikas Menon, Orbit, Oculoplasty, Ocular Oncology and Ocular Prosthetics Services

• IJO reviewer commendation award certificate

 Dr. Anamika Paul, Glaucoma fellow

• First Prize in Think under the apple tree
  Title: Perkins Aplanation: An ergonomic approach.

Aravind-Pondicherry

Dr. Hari Bhadari Anand, Medical Consultant

• Best Poster Podium Presentation Award
  Title: Comparing post-operative endophthalmitis in operating rooms with and without laminar airflow & HEPA filtration (Session: Comprehensive Ophthalmology)

 Dr. Anahita Shroff, DNB Resident

• A Trophy for being a finalist
  Title: Ab interno stenting (Presenter)

Aravind-Coimbatore, 14^th April 2025

Organised by Aravind-Coimbatore, a skill development workshop was conducted for first-year trainees, focusing on enhancing eight key skills essential for their professional growth. These included hand hygiene, instilling eye drops, objective refraction using an autorefractometer, measuring visual acuity, lens power neutralisation using a digital lensometer, camp preparation and refraction cubicle arrangement, objective refraction using streak retinoscopy, and muscle balance evaluation.

To ensure effective engagement and interaction, participants were divided into eight groups, each focusing on a specific skill. This allowed them to explore, practise, and develop their assigned skills through interactive activities and discussions.

The trainees also gained valuable insights from one another through teamwork, promoting a collaborative learning environment. The programme also served as an opportunity to build confidence, showcase talent, and strengthen bonds between seniors and juniors. At the end of the workshop, the three best-performing teams were selected and rewarded.

Aravind-Madurai, 11-13 April 2025

As part of the jubilee celebrations, the Dept. of Vitreo-Retinal Services, Aravind-Madurai, conducted a three-day internal CME, offering in-depth insights into the latest advancements and best practices in retinal investigations. The programme featured informative theoretical sessions covering essential topics such as OCT, FFA, OCTA, ERG, EOG, OCT RNFL, B-Scan and ASOCT. A specialised session on FFA emergency handling was also conducted, along with detailed discussions on report interpretation.

Participants gained hands-on experience in uploading images to the EMR system, enhancing their skills in digital documentation. An assessment exam was held to evaluate participants’ understanding. Further, practical sessions on tips and tricks for conducting investigations, instrument maintenance, as well as a group discussion were held. A total of 50 MLOPs from across all Aravind centres actively participated in the CME.

Aravind-Salem, 12^th April 2025

Aravind–Salem conducted a training programme in support of the Tamil Nadu Health Project, an initiative by the Government of Tamil Nadu under the Directorate for the Welfare of the Differently Abled.

The session was organised to equip 17 newly appointed coordinators who will be working across the Salem district. Their primary role is to identify individuals with visual impairments and refer them to appropriate services and schemes offered by the government.

The training focused on clarifying the coordinators’ roles and responsibilities, addressing their queries, and enhancing their capacity to engage and motivate potential beneficiaries. The attendees were provided with practical insights into eye care services and the importance of early intervention, with the aim of ensuring effective outreach and maximum utilisation of government benefits by the visually challenged community.

AECS, 7^th April 2025

Aravind’s jubilee celebrations commenced on 4^th April 2025. As part of the celebrations, the official launch of the jubilee logo was held on 7^th April 2025 across all Aravind centres. Chief Medical Officers and leadership members unveiled the logo at their respective centres. To mark the occasion, tree saplings were planted at each centre following the logo launch.

Aravind-Coimbatore, 7^th April 2025

Aravind-Coimbatore inaugurated the state-of-the-art Amblyopia and Binocular Vision Clinic with support from Bynocs, a global leader in AI-based digital therapies for vision. The clinic aims to provide advanced, non-invasive, and patient-friendly treatment options for individuals of all age groups suffering from amblyopia (lazy eye), intermittent squint, and digital eye strain/computer vision syndrome.

This first vision clinic of its kind in India was inaugurated by distinguished international guests from the USA, Dr. Paul Chan, Department Head & Professor of Ophthalmology, Illinois Eye & Ear Infirmary, Chicago, Dr. Peter Macintosh, Associate Professor, Department of Neuro-Ophthalmology, University of Illinois, and Dr. Peter Campbell, Edwin and Josephine Knowles Professor of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University. A press meet was organised to mark the occasion, and the event received wide media coverage.

Aravind-Chennai, 7^th April 2025

Aravind-Chennai organised the Cataract Retreat, bringing together key stakeholders to reflect on, evaluate, and reimagine the future of cataract care. The programme was graced by Dr. David Chang, whose presence added significant value to this meaningful exchange of ideas and insights. Through interactive sessions, panel discussions, and breakout groups, participants engaged in in-depth conversations on best practices, emerging technologies, and innovative care models. The retreat served as a platform to critically review current practices, assess performance, and explore opportunities for standardisation and innovation, strengthening the commitment to high-quality, accessible cataract care. The programme was participated by doctors from Aravind across Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore, Tirupati, Tirunelveli, Pondicherry, Salem, Udumalpet, Tirupur, Tuticorin, and Dindigul, fostering a spirit of collaboration and shared learning.

Aravind-Chennai, 30^th March 2025

Aravind-Chennai organised a Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme for vision centres and city centre teams to enhance their knowledge and professional skills. Topics included basic skills, patient care, efficiency of vision and city centres, common eye diseases, optical care, medical practices, and counselling. Around 25 MLOPs participated.

Theni, 10^th & 20^th March 2025

In collaboration with the Private Ambulance Drivers Association, Theni, an eye donation awareness programme was held on 10th March 2025. Saravanan, Manager, Eye Bank, Aravind–Madurai, highlighted the importance of eye donation and the vital role ambulance drivers play. Eye donation contact number stickers were distributed. A total of 30 ambulance drivers participated.

Similarly, on 20th April 2025, a session on Eye Donation, Hospital Cornea Retrieval Programme, and the role of healthcare professionals in eye donation was conducted for doctors and nurses at Government Hospital, Chinnamanur, Theni. A total of 22 personnel attended.

Aravind-Tirunelveli, 28^th March 2025

Organised by Aravind-Tirunelveli, the smart vision glasses (SVG) Pro were provided to 75 patients with severe visual impairments. As part of a CSR initiative, Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) sponsored these SVGs – assistive AI devices, developed by Smart Health Global, who provide them at an affordable cost.

The programme began with a welcome address by Dr. R. Meenakshi, CMO, Aravind-Tirunelveli. Jinu James, Assistant Manager, IOCL, gave a talk about IOCL and their CSR initiatives. Gomathi Nayagam, representing the Rotary Club of Madras East, spoke about the project DRISTI. Following this, Dr. R. Ramakrishnan shared insights on Aravind’s services.

Ibrahim, an AI engineer from Smart Health Global, Bengaluru, registered the devices with the beneficiaries’ smartphones and trained them on how to use various features of the SVG Pro. Siva Perumal, one of the beneficiaries, shared his experience and the benefits of using the SVGs.

Aravind-Chennai, 25-26 March 2025

Aravind–Chennai hosted the 3^rd batch of AKSHIVIKAS – Aravind Advanced Cataract Course in collaboration with ALCON Phaco Development at ARCORE. The two-day programme aimed at enhancing cataract surgical skills, including lectures, live surgeries, video discussions, and wet lab sessions. A total of 24 ophthalmologists from across India participated.

Aravind-Pondicherry, 30^th March 2025

Aravind–Pondicherry hosted the Glaucoma Conclave focused on extending the boundaries of glaucoma management & surgical excellence. The conclave featuring talks by renowned faculty, case-based discussions, wet lab, and Video Assisted Skill Transfer, covered all the aspects of secondary glaucoma, including post-vitreo-retinal surgery glaucoma, PXF, steroid-induced, neovascular, traumatic glaucoma, neurocutaneous syndromes, and more. Surgical videos on AADI, MIGS, AGV, MP, and TSCPC were discussed. The programme was participated by 98 delegates from various hospitals.

Aravind -Tirunelveli, 30^th March 2025

Organised by Aravind–Tirunelveli for optometry faculty, students, and postgraduates, the CME fostered mutual understanding between the two pillars of children’s health namely paediatrics and ophthalmology.

Dr. R. Meenakshi gave the welcome address, followed by Dr. Ramakrishnan setting the context. Senior refractionists presented on recent developments in the field. Morning sessions were theoretical while afternoon sessions were hands-on. Additionally, a quiz was conducted by E.S. Ayirathammal and prizes were distributed to winners. The programme saw 182 participants, including 2 postgraduates, 13 faculty members, 15 hospital optometrists, and 152 students.

Aravind-Coimbatore, 20-21 March 2025

Aravind-Coimbatore organised a two-day Internal Auditor Certificate Programme, a practical and interactive training session that included pre- and post-evaluations.

Prof. Dr. Akilan Arunkumar, Associate Director, Joseph Eye Hospital, served as the external faculty, while Dr. D. Chandrasekhar, Medical Consultant, Aravind-Coimbatore, and Dr. S. Lalitha Prajna, Chief Microbiologist, Aravind-Madurai, led the internal training. The first day saw the participation of 24 individuals representing various Aravind centres. On the second day, 22 participants from Aravind-Coimbatore attended the training session.

Aravind-Chennai, 19-23 March 2025

Conducted by Aravind-Chennai, the second batch of the five-day Advanced Course at ARCORE, began with a pre-assessment test and concluded with a post-assessment, and feedback session.

The first two days featured comprehensive ophthalmology lectures, OSCEs, a quiz contest, and a panel discussion on key highlights of the fellowship. The latter half of the programme focused on surgical training, including demonstrations and hands-on sessions in both dry and wet labs. Live cataract surgeries were performed by Dr. Haripriya, followed by discussions on surgical videos submitted by participants. Dr. Parag K. Shah, Medical Consultant, Paediatric Retina and Ocular Oncology Services, Aravind-Coimbatore, delivered a lecture on Retinoblastoma and ROP.

The programme was attended by 15 postgraduate students from Aravind Eye Hospitals in Salem, Tirupati, and Chennai, as well as from institutions across India.

Aravind-Madurai, 21-23 March 2025

Aravind-Madurai conducted an Internal CME on refraction in clinical practice, led by Dr. P. Vijayalakshmi, Advisor, Paediatric Ophthalmology & Vision Rehabilitation Services, Aravind-Madurai, to equip participants with the latest knowledge and techniques in refraction. The first two days featured informative theory sessions, covering a wide range of topics relevant to refraction, helping participants deepen their knowledge. On the third day, the event concluded with a practical, hands-on training session, allowing attendees to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. A total of six training tracks were arranged for hands-on practice, and participants were divided into six groups focusing on, PG Power Neutralisation, Progressive Lens Marking with Layout Card, Binocular Vision Assessment and Binocular Balancing, Duochrome Test, and Central Fields. Additionally, an assessment exam was conducted to evaluate the knowledge gained by participants. The event saw the participation of 55 MLOPs.

Aravind-Chennai, 3^rd March 2025

Andreas Pecher, CEO of Zeiss, along with Miguel Gonzalez, Managing Director of Carl Zeiss India, Dipu Bose, Head of Medical Technology, and other team members from Zeiss, visited Aravind-Chennai. They engaged in discussions with the hospital team and were taken on a tour of the facility, where the genesis of Aravind Eye Care System was presented to them.

Aurolab, 7^th  April 2025

Aurolab marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of its new frame division, dedicated to producing affordable, high-quality, flexible frames for children. The new facility was inaugurated by P. Ramachandran, Business Advisor, Eyewear, and Fellow, Institute of Directors. The event was also graced by several distinguished guests, including philanthropist Balbir Mathur, whose vision was instrumental in conceptualising this initiative, R.D. Thulasiraj, Director-Operations, AECS & Executive Director Emeritus, LAICO, Dr. P. Vijayalakshmi, and Kannamma, HOD, Opticals & Medicals.

Delhi, 3–6 April 2025

Aurolab showcased its diverse products at the 40th Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO) Congress, held in conjunction with the 83rd Annual Conference of the All India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS) in New Delhi, marking an opportunity to enhance brand visibility. The following products were launched and introduced during the occasion, attracting considerable attention from attendees and industry professionals:

• ESee Pro – An advanced Auto Refractometer, introduced for the first time at APAO 2025.
• QuickSee Pro – A handheld Auto Refractometer with keratometry (K) functionality. Its portability and efficiency were well received by the ophthalmic community during the event.
• Retisil 1500 PF – For the first time in India, Aurolab introduced Retisil 1500 PF (Silicon Oil 1500 cSt) in a pre-filled syringe variant, a premium ophthalmic product.
• Flexikids – A brand of durable and flexible optical frames specially designed for children, known for their child-friendly design, comfort, and resilience.

As part of Aurolab’s commitment to continuous innovation in ophthalmic care, a sneak preview of the upcoming IOL range was unveiled through exclusive brochures at AIOC 2025:

• Aurolab Essence Toric – A hydrophobic aspheric toric IOL that offers clear, comfortable vision starting from 75 cm onwards, designed for precision and patient comfort.

• AceVision – An advanced hydrophilic phakic IOL tailored to correct high refractive errors, providing excellent clarity and stability for spectacle-free vision.
• AceVision Toric – A toric phakic IOL combining refractive correction with astigmatism management, engineered for sharper and more stable outcomes.

Aurolab also showcased its flagship equipment such as the Hummingbird Lite Phaco System and Phoenix Green Laser at its experience booth. Live demonstrations of both devices drew active engagement from attendees, who were impressed by their features, performance, and design. The interactive setup allowed doctors to get hands-on experience.

Additionally, Aurolab conducted a hands-on wet lab session, providing ophthalmologists with practical exposure to its latest surgical technologies. The Hawki Slit Lamp Imaging System was praised for its image clarity and ease of use. Retisil 1500 PF, I-Nova, Litropine, and Lidclean also received strong positive feedback for their performance and value.

During a session, Dr. Jebinth Brayan, Medical Consultant, Paediatric Ophthalmology & Adult Strabismus Services, Aravind-Coimbatore, delivered an engaging talk on “The new generation pupil expansion device: Aurolab i-Nova,” highlighting the device’s innovative features and its role in improving surgical outcomes.

LAICO, 8–10 April 2025

The Vision Building Workshop for Aravind-Thanjavur team was organised at LAICO featuring various activities. The first day featured an outbound learning session at Aurolab, conducted by Pegasus Academy, focusing on team dynamics and leadership.

Day two began with the inauguration, followed by sessions on institution building, patient-centred care, setting Year 1 targets, and understanding the service area population. Participants engaged in group exercises to finalise protocols and improve patient flow.

Day three focused on finalising functional policies, outreach planning, and receiving guidance and inputs from Aravind’s senior leadership team. The workshop concluded with a summary presentation and a roadmap for moving forward.

Aravind–Madurai/Chennai, 13–20 March 2025

Organised by LAICO with support from the Cure Blindness Project, twelve ophthalmologists from eleven eye hospitals in Ethiopia and Ghana attended the training programme in two locations, the sessions  at Aravind–Chennai  and Aravind–Madurai. The primary goal of the week-long orientation was to help the participants enhance their understanding of clinical protocols in cataract surgery, improve SICS training methods, and review standard operating procedures (SOPs) for better implementation in their own institutions.

During the course, the team actively participated in outreach surgical programmes and hands-on training. The participants explored outpatient care processes, pre-operative procedures, operating theatre and sterilisation protocols, trainer responsibilities, curriculum design for effective SICS training, infrastructure, teaching tools, evaluation methods, and adult learning principles. They also discussed managing complications and strategies for efficient and sustainable outreach models.

The team also had the opportunity to observe and engage in wet lab sessions, experience hands-on training at various stations, and use the HelpMeSee Simulator for SICS training. In addition, they visited an IT-enabled Vision Centre in Mudichur, Chennai, and attended an outreach eye screening camp.

LAICO, March 2025

As part of LAICO’s ongoing capacity-building initiative, a six-day Vision Building and Strategic Planning Workshop was organised to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of eye care services highlighting the key management principles. The focus areas include, demand generation, quality assurance, optimal resource utilisation, and financial sustainability. Presently, LAICO conducted the workshop for three hospitals, namely, Northern Community Eye Hospital, Tamale, Ghana, Bahirdar Speciality Eye Hospital, Bahirdar, Ethiopia, and Thulsi Eye Hospital, Nashik, Maharashtra, India.

Participants worked on setting actionable strategic plans tailored to their local community needs, while also benefiting from peer learning. The workshop also featured exposure visits, input sessions, panel discussions, interactive group work, and presentations.

Aravind Eye Hospitals, 7^th April 2025

Promotion desks have been set up at all tertiary centres and Aravind-Theni to increase the uptake of Dhrishti, Aravind’s patient care mobile app, starting from 7th April 2025. These desks operate daily from 9.00 am to 12.00 pm, managed by MRD teams and supported by IT staff, assisting patients in downloading and using the app.

Dhrishti now features a new mobile pre-registration option, enabling patients to pre-register via their phones, reducing wait times, eliminating paperwork, and streamlining the registration process.

Kariavattom, 8–10 April 2025

Prof. K. Dharmalingam, Director–Research, Aravind Medical Research Foundation (AMRF), delivered an invited talk on “Microbiome science and applications” at the international seminar on “New Horizons in Plant Science (NHPS-2025), Harnessing Bio-Resources: Opportunities in Prospecting, Sustainable Utilisation and Bioresource-based Entrepreneurship,” organised by the Department of Botany, Kerala University Business Innovation and Incubation Centre (KUBIIC).

USA, 20–22 March 2025

Dr. N. Venkatesh Prajna, Chief, Cornea & Refractive Surgery Services, Aravind-Madurai, delivered an invited talk on Management of fungal keratitis: Rose Bengal Electromagnetic Activation with Green Light for Infection Reduction (REAGIR) during the Infection Symposium in the World Cornea Congress (WCC) IX, held at Westin Washington, DC.

New Delhi, April 3–6, 2025

Doctors and faculty from Aravind participated, served as resource persons, at the 40th Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO) Congress, held at New Delhi, in conjunction with the 83rd Annual Conference of the All-India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS).

Aravind-Madurai

Dr. R. Kim, Chief Medical Officer, Aravind–Madurai

• Gaps and Challenges in Diabetic Retinopathy Management (Talk)

Dr. K. Naresh Babu, Chief, Retina Services, Aravind-Madurai

• Management of PVR in Traumatic RD (Talk)

 Dr. S.R. Krishnadas, Senior Medical Consultant, Glaucoma Services, Aravind-Madurai

• Faculty Member at the National Symposium on Glaucoma

Dr. George Varghese Puthuran, Chief, Glaucoma Services, Aravind-Madurai

• GP–Glaucoma Surgery, GP–Advancement Innovation, IC–Optimising GDD Outcome (Talk)

Dr. Manju R. Pillai, Medical Consultant, Glaucoma Services, Aravind-Madurai

• Presented a free paper on glaucoma
• Faculty at the National Symposium on IPGS

Dr. R. Sharmila, Medical Consultant, Glaucoma Services, Aravind-Madurai

• Title: NPDS vs MIGS PHACO (Free Paper)
• MIGS Complications (Instruction Course)
• Tube Complications (Instruction Course)
• Mentor – Teacher of Tomorrow

Dr. S. Vidya Raja, Medical Consultant, Glaucoma Services, Aravind-Madurai

• Advances and Innovations in Optimising GDD Outcome (Instruction Course: Glaucoma Surgery)

Dr. Indira Durai, Medical Consultant, Glaucoma Services, Aravind-Madurai

• Faculty (Instruction Course on AADI)

Dr. Ann Mary Mathews, Medical Consultant, Glaucoma Services, Aravind-Madurai

• FAICO

Dr. T.P. Vignesh, Medical Consultant, Retina Services, Aravind-Madurai

• Curcumin in the treatment of CSCR (Talk)

Dr. V. Muthukrishnan, Medical Consultant, Retina Services, Aravind-Madurai

• Outcomes of surgical management of retained Subfoveal PFCL in Vitrectomy (Talk)

Dr. Avik Dey Sarkar, Medical Consultant, Retina Services, Aravind-Madurai

• Torpedo Maculopathy: Diving deep in search for a newer classification system (Free Paper)
• Long Term outcome of intravitreal expansile gas and bevacizumab for CNV induced subfoveal hemorrhage
• Intravitreal clindamycin with dexamethasone as 1st line therapy for ocular toxoplasmosis (E poster)
• Vein overriding arteriole in branch vein occlusion – Is it the bisser evil? (Physical poster)

Dr. Vignesh E, Medical Consultant, Retina Services, Aravind-Madurai

• Crabtree Effect as a Parallel Pathogenic Pathway in DR

Dr. Madhu Shekhar, Chief, Cataract Services, Aravind-Madurai

• Eye Opener: Managing Unexpected Bleeding After Cataract Surgery (Co-Author – Physical poster)

Dr. Gopal Archana, Medical consultant, Cataract Services

• Systemic Emergencies: A Roadblock to Cataract Surgery (Paper)
• Unveiling Diabetic Retinopathy in Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes MellitusRole (Physical poster)

Dr. Kriti Bhatt, IOL fellow, Cataract Services

• Inherited Bilateral Absorbed Cataracts: A Family-Based Study of Management and Outcomes (Physical poster)
• Restoring Vision: Successful Surgical Outcomes for Bilateral Anterior Polar Cataracts (E poster)
• Behind the cloud: A case of occular and systemic manifestation in Mucopolysaccharidosis (E poster)

Dr. Gariyashee, IOL fellow, Cataract Services

• Diabetic Retinopathy and Medical Retina; Ocular Blood Flow as a Pre-Clinical Marker in Diabetic Retinopathy (Free Paper)

Dr. P. Sundaresan, ICMR Emeritus Scientist, AMRF,

• Mitochondria and wound healing (Paper – session: Cells Talk: Innovations in Cell-Based Ophthalmology)

• Translational genomics of eye diseases (Paper – session: Advances in Multi-Omics Approaches to Understanding Eye Diseases)
• A journey in glaucoma genetic research (Paper –session: Genetics in Ophthalmology: Current Methods of Genetic Analysis and Potential Genetic Treatments)

Aravind-Chennai

Dr. Haripriya Aravind, Chief, Cataract Services, Aravind-Chennai

• Is my trainee surgically competent to step into the real world? Assessment of surgical skills and OSCAR practice-
• Delivering safe Cataract Surgery
• How do I deal a rotating nucleus of a Hyper mature Cataract when I am not able to crack?
• Techniques of Paediatric capsulorhexis (anterior and posterior), enlarging a capsulorhexis.
• Complications – PCR and vitrectomy
• Management of Subluxated Hard Cataracts
• IOL placement when capsule support is compromised

Dr. Vikas Menon, Orbit, Oculoplasty, Ocular Oncology and Ocular Prosthetics Services, Aravind-Chennai

• Pigmented conjunctival tumours
• Ocular Surface Tumors (Co-Instructor in IC)

Dr. Prasanna Venkataraman, Medical Consultant, Glaucoma Services, Aravind-Chennai

• Learning Not to Penetrate: A Beginners Guide to Deep Sclerectomy (Theatre E-Video – Presenting Author)
• Transcameral Ab-Interno Tube Occlusion (Theatre E-Video – Presenting Author)
• Hot topics in glaucoma: The Grand Glaucoma Debate- Whats next after a tube fails? 2nd Tube (Speaker)
• Retrospective Study of Intraocular Pressure Outcomes After Iris Claw Intraocular Lens Implantation (Theatre E-Poster – Glaucoma – I – Presenting Author)
• Safety and Efficacy of Non-Penetrating Deep Sclerectomy in Eyes with Open Angle Glaucoma (Theatre E-Poster – Glaucoma – II – Presenting Author)

Dr. Aditya Maitray, Retina Services, Aravind-Chennai

• Rare sequelae of peripheral avascular retina: A case series(Free paper in Vitreoretina)

Dr. Anamika Paul, Glaucoma fellow, Aravind-Chennai

• Topic -Out of the blue when trauma hits you indirectly (Video presentation)

Dr. Anahita Shroff, DNB Resident

• Think under the Apple tree
  Title: Insight VR IOL Simulator (Presenter)
• PG capsule- Junctional Scotoma (Presenter)
• When the going gets tough: Spherophakia (Presenter)
• Teachers of Tomorrow: Yoke muscles
• Scotoma Saga: When the Pituitary plays tricks(Physical Poster)

Dr. Rohan Arora, Fellow, Aravind-Pondicherry

• Functional and Psychological Impact of Ethambutol Induced Toxic Optic Neuropathy (Free paper – Presenting Author)
• Clinically Confounding Unilateral Dysthyroid Optic Neuropathy (Physical Poster- Presenting Author)
• Beating the Curve: Cataract Surgery for a Patient with Kyphosis Using a 2-Way Adjustable Fowler Bed (E-Poster – Presenting Author)
• Compliance to Atropine for Myopia Progression and It’s Socioeconomic and Behavioral Determinants (E-Poster – Presenting Author)
• Retrospective Study of Intraocular Pressure Outcomes After Iris Claw Intraocular Lens Implantation (E-Poster – Co-author)

Dr. Prasanna Venkatraman, Medical Consultant, Glaucoma Services, Aravind-Chennai

• Post Cataract Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy: An Emulated Target Trial (E-Poster – Co-author)

Dr. Madhumita Gopal, Medical Consultant, Neuro Ophthalmology Services, Aravind-Chennai

Dr. Anand Rajendran, Chief, Retina Vitreous Services, Aravind-Chennai

• Symposium – Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Related Diseases – Chairperson
• Symposium– Subthreshold Laser for Macula Diseases ( SOLS ) – Chairperson
• Speaker – Subthreshold Laser for DME
• Instruction Course– OCT Angiography- Navigating the Teenage Tantrums
• Speaker and Panellist – Macular and Widefield OCTA in Diabetic Retinopathy
• Instruction Course– Fundus Signs: Catch Them, Interpret Them, Differentiate Them!
• Speaker and Panelist – Macular Subretinal Fluid – is It CSR?
• Instruction Course– My Approach to Treatable Macular Disorders
• Speaker and Panellist – My Approach to Centre Involving DME
• Instruction Course– Central Serous Chorioretinopathy: Case-Based Discussion on Imaging Findings and Management Challenges
• Speaker and Panellist – CSCR – A Melange

Dr. Eliza Anthony, Medical Consultant, Uveitis Services, Aravind-Chennai

• Title: Unravelling the Mysteries of Uveal effusion syndrome associated with Uveitis (E- poster:)