Fifty years ago, a humble journey began with a vision to give sight to all those who needed it. Aravind Eye Hospital, which began in a rented house, has now grown into a network of hospitals and an ecosystem of services, providing effective eye care to the community. This journey has been made possible by the grace of God, the dedication of its leaders, and the hard work of its employees. At its heart is the Aravind culture built on spirituality, compassion, and service – values embodied by its founder Dr. G. Venkataswamy.

The celebrations began as Aravind stepped into its fiftieth year on 5^th April 2025. A series of events followed, including the creation of the Jubilee logo, composing an anthem, tree planting, and special CMEs. These activities brought the Aravind family together and renewed their commitment to the mission of eliminating needless blindness.

The pinnacle of the celebrations was the grand occasion held on 20th September 2026, commemorating 50 years of Aravind’s journey towards sight. The event witnessed the presence of renowned guests and the honouring of senior employees. All these reflected a sense of fulfilment and hope for continuing this service with the same dedication in the years to come.

Besides these, a number of routine activities were held across Aravind centres, including the inauguration of creches at Aravind-Salem and the Camp and IT Office at Aravind-Coimbatore. The 41st Annual Eye Donation Awareness Week was also observed across all centres through a series of events, including rallies and awareness sessions. These activities highlighted the importance of eye donation and encouraged the public to pledge their eyes for this noble cause.

These and many more events held until 25th September have been featured in this edition. A few additional items from the past month have also been included.

London, 11-15 September 2026

Dr. C. Akila, Medical Consultant, Paediatric Services, Aravind-Chennai
Title: Surgical techniques video: Managing complex paediatric cataract with atypical lens coloboma: A case series

5^th September 2026

Dr. Usha Tejaswini S., Medical Consultant, Glaucoma Services, Aravind-Pondicherry, won the BMJ Awards South Asia 2026 in the Primary Care category, recognising excellence in healthcare.
Title: India restructuring the cataract surgical pathway: An integrated model between rural vision centres and base hospitals

Idea/Concept: Dr. R. Venkatesh, Chief Medical Officer, Aravind-Pondicherry

Australia, 28- 30 August 2026

Dr. Naresh Babu, Chief, Retina-Vitreous Services, Aravind-Madurai, was honoured with the Achievement Award at the 19th Annual Asia-Pacific Vitreo-Retina Society (APVRS) Congress, held in Gold Coast, Australia.

Chennai, 30th August 2026

Dr. Veeransh Shah, DNB Resident, Aravind-Pondicherry, won First Runner-up at the MANTHAN Grand Finale, organised in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu Ophthalmic Association (TNOA) and INTAS Pharmaceuticals, held at Novotel, Chennai. The award recognises his exceptional clinical knowledge, analytical thinking, and outstanding performance.

Aravind-Kovilpatti, 25^th September 2026

The 7th Hospital Day of Aravind-Kovilpatti was celebrated with great enthusiasm, commemorating the hospital’s journey, acknowledging the contributions of its team members, and providing an opportunity for everyone to come together to celebrate its milestones and achievements.

The programme commenced with a prayer song, followed by the Welcome Address by Dr. Suganya G.J., who also presented the annual report. Dr. R. Ramakrishnan, Advisor, Aravind-Tirunelveli, delivered a special address. Dr. Subhashini, Diabetologist and Physician, and Dr. R. Meenakshi, CMO, Aravind-Tirunelveli, were felicitated as part of the programme.

Sr. Anthony Jeba Mary presented a Bharatanatyam performance, and Sr. Sakthi and Sr. Malathi presented a Karakattam performance, followed by a melodious song by Sr. Kavina. The formal programme concluded with the Vote of Thanks delivered by Rajaram Mohanroy, Manager.

Aravind-Madurai, 20^th September 2026

Aravind Eye Care System (AECS) commemorated its Fifty-Year Journey by organising a grant event at The Residency Signature Hotel, Perungudi, Madurai. The Golden Jubilee celebration, titled “A Tribute to the Journey – Celebrating Fifty Years of Service in Sight,” featured a series of programmes, with a morning session for the public and guests and an afternoon session exclusively for Aravind employees.

The morning programme began with a welcome address by Dr. R.D. Ravindran, Chairman, AECS, followed by video presentations and the felicitation of distinguished guests. Dr. B.K. Krishnaraj Vanavarayar, Chairman, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, and educationist, participated as the Chief Guest. Dr. G. Nageswara Rao, Chairman, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Prof. R. Raja Govindasamy, past Rotary District Governor for RI District 3000 (2024–25), Dr. V. Paneer Selvam, Founder and Director, Arasan Eye Hospital, Erode, and R. Ramraj, Co-founder, Sify & Advisor, Aurolab, participated as Guests of Honour. Dr. G. Natchiar, Director Emeritus, AECS, delivered a special address. A special play, “Aravind’s Journey,” directed by Prof. Dr. R. Prabakar, Former Head & Associate Professor Dept. of Tamil, The American College, Madurai, was staged as part of the celebrations, with Aravind employees performing in the play. The first session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. R. Kim, President, GOVEL, Trust.

The afternoon programme, exclusively for Aravind employees began with a welcome address by Lakshmi HR, Aravind-Tirunveli. The session featured addresses by the founders and the presentation of Service Awards to Aravind employees. A dance drama titled “Towards Light,” conceptualised and directed by Sandhini Arunagiri of Madurai Naatya Kalaya, was also staged. A special debate involving Aravind employees was held, with Prof. Dr. G. Gnanasambandan serving as the moderator. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by R. Deepa, HR Manager, Central Office.

Coimbatore, 20^th August 2026

Aravind-Coimbatore organised a one-day knowledge-enrichment visit to the Kasthuri Sreenivasan Art Gallery and Textile Museum, Coimbatore, for the newly joined AOP trainees.

The visit provided the trainees with an opportunity to explore the rich heritage of textile manufacturing, traditional arts, and cultural exhibits preserved at the museum. It also offered a platform for the trainees to interact with their peers, strengthen team bonding, and create memorable experiences making it an enjoyable and enriching experience.

Aravind-Coimbatore, 15-16 September 2026

Aravind-Coimbatore conducted a special gathering for the parents of AOP employees who have completed their third and fourth years of service. The initiative provided parents with an opportunity to understand and appreciate their daughters’ growth, achievements, responsibilities, and contributions to patient care.

The meeting began with Umapriya, HR Manager, welcoming the gathering and Dr. Kalpana Narendran, Chief, Paediatric Ophthalmology & Adult Strabismus Services, Aravind-Coimbatore, delivered a talk emphasising the importance of continuous learning, and taking ownership of work. Dr. Sasikala, Medical Consultant, Paediatric Ophthalmology Services, Aravind-Coimbatore, , highlighted the importance of each AOP’s role in supporting the vision and mission of Aravind. Theanamudhan, Academic Coordinator, explained the degree courses, modes of study, and contact classes. Parents expressed happiness and pride in witnessing the positive changes in their daughters’ confidence, discipline, skills, sense of responsibility, and overall personality.

Aravind-Pondicherry, 13^th September 2026

Aravind-Pondicherry organised “Neuro Synapse 2026,” a symposium featuring high-yield academic sessions and engaging panel discussions on clinical localisation, cranial nerve palsies, IIH management strategies, and acute neuro-ophthalmic emergencies. The programme began with a welcome address by Dr. Manavi D. Sindal. A major highlight of the day was the energetic Kahoot Quiz, in which Dr. Vaishnavi, Glaucoma Fellow, Aravind-Pondicherry, secured first place. Dr. Jai Sriram, a Private Practitioner, secured second place, while Dr. Premalatha, Government General Hospital, Karaikal, secured third place.

Aravind-Chennai, 11^th September 2026

As part of the 50th year celebrations, Aravind-Chennai hosted “Coffee with GN Madam,” an informal and heartwarming interaction with Dr. G. Natchiar. Medical consultants had the opportunity to listen to her memories of the early days of Aravind, her experiences of working alongside Dr. G. Venkataswamy, and her reflections on the values and culture that have shaped the organisation.

The conversation brought together stories, laughter, inspiration, and valuable lessons for the next generation of Aravind doctors. Questions from the younger members made the interaction engaging and personal. The event was a wonderful reminder that behind Aravind’s growth are people, relationships, and decades of committed service.

Aravind-Salem, 11^th September 2026

The Humour Club was officially launched at Aravind-Salem, bringing together doctors, AOP sisters, and staff members for an enjoyable evening filled with laughter and entertainment. The club aims to promote team spirit, positive interaction, friendship, and a joyful workplace environment.

The club was initiated under the guidance of Dr. B. Manohar Babu, CMO, Aravind-Salem. During the launch, he highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for staff to relax, interact, and share moments of happiness beyond their routine responsibilities. Participants shared jokes and entertaining experiences, creating a lively and cheerful atmosphere throughout the evening.

Aravind-Salem, 7-11 September 2026

Aravind-Salem organised the “Arivuthirukoil Manavalakalai Yoga for Youth Empowerment” course for newly joined AOP sisters. The programme was designed to support the personal growth and emotional well-being of the trainees, helping them cultivate calmness, self-awareness, and inner strength as they begin their professional journey.

The course provided a focused and interactive learning environment. The sessions introduced participants to the core principles of Manavalakalai Yoga, including physical exercises, meditation, and techniques for anger management and mind control. At the end of the training, certificates were awarded to all participants.

Aravind-Thanjavur, 9^th September 2026

Aravind-Thanjavur conducted a Fire and Rescue Safety Training Programme in collaboration with the District Fire and Rescue Services, Thanjavur. The training was organised to strengthen fire safety awareness among staff and ensure preparedness to respond effectively during fire-related emergencies.

The session included practical demonstrations and guidance on fire prevention, emergency response procedures, safe evacuation, and the appropriate use of fire extinguishers. The programme also emphasised the importance of maintaining a safe hospital environment and adhering to NABH safety and compliance requirements.

Aravind-Coimbatore, 7^th September 2026

A new Camp and IT office were inaugurated at Aravind-Coimbatore, marking an important step towards strengthening eye care outreach. The newly established office will serve as an operational hub for streamlining comprehensive eye camps and expanding access to eye care services in the community.

The occasion began with a traditional inaugural pooja attended by Dr. Narendran, CMO, Aravind-Coimbatore, and Dr. Rodney J. Morris, Camp Medical Officer. Following the ceremony, Dr. Kalpana, Senior Medical Officer, visited and inspected the newly established facility. During her visit, she shared valuable insights and guidance to strengthen future outreach programmes and enhance community eye care initiatives.

Aravind-Thanjavur, 5-6 September 2026

Aravind-Thanjavur commenced its outreach services in Thanjavur District, bringing accessible and quality eye care closer to communities in need. As part of the initiative, two outreach eye camps were conducted at Anaikadu and Kumbakonam on 5 and 6 September 2026, respectively. The camps provided comprehensive eye screening and identified patients requiring further treatment. A total of 67 patients were brought from the outreach camps for cataract intervention, and the cataract surgeries were successfully completed at Aravind-Thanjavur. This community-based eye care ensures quality eye care and timely surgical services reach people closer to their homes.

Aravind-Chennai, 1-5 September 2026

The 17th batch of Īkshana – Comprehensive Capsule for Postgraduates – Phase 1 was conducted at ARCORE, Aravind-Chennai. This five-day comprehensive training programme was designed for first- and second-year postgraduate ophthalmology students, with a focus on strengthening their clinical foundation and developing essential diagnostic and surgical skills through a combination of interactive academic sessions and hands-on training.

During one of the sessions, participants’ SICS surgical videos were reviewed by Dr. Haripriya, Chief, Cataract Services, Aravind-Chennai. Dr. S. Kavitha, Chief, Glaucoma Services, Aravind-Pondicherry, shared her experiences and insights. The sessions were conducted under the guidance of Dr. Nikita Manikandhan, Medical Officer, and Dr. Mukkamala Narasimha Rao, IOL Fellow. A total of 38 postgraduates participated, representing a diverse group of institutions from across India.

Aravind-Madurai, 2^nd September 2026

Organised by Aravind-Madurai, DME 360, a scientific session, aimed at promoting a holistic, evidence-based, interdisciplinary approach to the management of Diabetic Macular Edema (DME).

The session featured scientific contributions from experts across multiple specialties. Dr. Anand K. Annamalai, Endocrinologist, reviewed critical evidence on the mechanisms underlying Early Worsening of Diabetic Retinopathy (EWDR) during rapid glycemic control. Dr. P. Vathsalyan, Nephrologist, provided insights into the systemic pharmacokinetics of intravitreal injections. Dr. Ragavan K., Cardiologist, discussed the cardiovascular risks associated with anti-VEGF therapies. Dr. V. Muthu Krishnan, Medical Consultant, Retina-Vitreous Services, Aravind-Madurai, highlighted patient profiles in which dexamethasone implants may be an optimal treatment option.

The session featured discussions led by the Chairperson, Dr. R. Kim, with expert panellists Dr. Naresh Babu, Chief, Retina-Vitreous Services, Aravind-Madurai, Dr. T.P. Vignesh, Medical Consultant, Retina-Vitreous Services, Aravind-Madurai, and Dr. Renu P. Rajan, Medical Consultant, Retina-Vitreous Services, Aravind-Madurai. The discussions effectively bridged systemic evidence with clinical realities.

Aravind-Salem, 2^nd September 2026

A new crèche facility was inaugurated at Aravind-Salem by Dr. B. Manohar Babu in the presence of doctors and staff members. The inauguration was made more memorable by the participation of the staff members’ children, who filled the occasion with joy and warmth. The joyful atmosphere marked the beginning of a nurturing space where little ones can learn, play, grow, and feel at home.

Aravind-Salem, 30^th August 2026

An Ideathon event was conducted at Aravind-Salem, headed by Dr. B. Manohar Babu, and supported by Dr. R. Janani, Medical Consultant, Paediatric Ophthalmology & Adult Strabismus Services, Aravind-Salem, with the objective of encouraging innovative thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and practical solutions to challenges faced within the hospital. A total of 23 problem statements identified and posted by the team were presented at the forum. Participants engaged in group discussions to understand the problems, explore their root causes, and propose practical and feasible solutions.

The event witnessed active participation from doctors, administrative staff, and senior AOPs, making it an excellent platform for cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing.

25th August – 8th September 2026

As part of the National Eye Donation Fortnight, observed annually from 25th August to 8th September to raise public awareness and encourage people to pledge their eyes for corneal donation, a series of awareness programmes and activities were organised across all Aravind centres.

Aravind-Madurai

A series of Eye Donation Awareness and Hospital Cornea Retrieval Programme (HCRP) activities were organised across Madurai, Kodaikanal, Theni, Sivagangai, Pudukkottai, Kumbakonam and Dindigul, in association with IMA, Lions Clubs and government hospitals and institutions. The programmes included HCRP training for doctors, awareness sessions, oath-taking and signature campaigns, student programmes, drawing competitions, human chains, rallies and seminars. Special programmes included the felicitation of 27 eye-donation donor families at Sivagangai. The sessions focused on strengthening hospital cornea retrieval, donor identification, eye banking and encouraging healthcare professionals, students and the public to promote eye donation and help restore sight to people affected by corneal blindness.

Aravind-Tirunelveli

Aravind-Tirunelveli observed Eye Donation Fortnight 2026 with a series of awareness and community outreach activities, including an exhibition, human chains, rallies, drawing competitions, Pattimandrams, a beneficiary meeting, Teachers’ Day celebration and public awareness van display. The programmes engaged doctors, AOPs, students, teachers and the general public across Tirunelveli, Alangulam, Kovilpatti, Palayamkottai and Sankar Nagar. Awareness sessions highlighted eye donation, corneal transplantation and the importance of donor identification. The fortnight concluded with a valedictory function at Aravind-Tirunelveli, where around 20 donor families and key contributors to eye donation activities were honoured for their invaluable support in giving the gift of sight.

Aravind-Salem

Aravind-Salem observed Eye Donation Fortnight 2026 through awareness activities for patients, attendants, staff, students and the public, including awareness videos, donor recognition, pledge boxes and an exhibition featuring posters, games and interactive activities. More than 591 people pledged their eyes during the fortnight, while students from schools and colleges participated in awareness programmes. Awareness talks were also conducted at Namakkal Medical College and IMA Hall, Salem. The fortnight concluded with a Thanksgiving and Felicitation Programme on 8th September, where the Enucleation Team, drivers and AOP sisters were honoured for their dedicated support.

Aravind-Coimbatore

As part of the National Eye Donation Fortnight, the Aravind IOB Eye Bank, Coimbatore, conducted several awareness activities. Sessions were held for around 150 nursing staff at Royal Care Hospital and 130 students of PPG College of Nursing, focusing on the importance and process of eye donation and the role of healthcare professionals. Awareness programmes were also conducted for students of Kovai Vidya Mandhir School and RVS College of Nursing, while Dr. P. Mangala delivered an awareness talk through All India Radio, Coimbatore. The Aravind-Coimbatore team, including doctors and AOPs, participated in the “Walk for Sight – Eye Donation Walkathon” organised by the Coimbatore Society of Ophthalmic Surgeons. An Eye Donation Awareness Exhibition was also organised at Aravind-Coimbatore for patients and attendants, with several patients coming forward to pledge their eyes for donation.

Aravind – Chennai

As part of the 41st National Eye Donation Awareness Fortnight, Aravind-Chennai conducted various awareness activities in coordination with Government Medical College Hospitals to promote eye donation and corneal utilisation. In collaboration with Vellore Government Medical College Hospital, an awareness rally was conducted by medical students, followed by a felicitation programme for tissue donor families. At Tiruvallur Government Medical College Hospital, an awareness rally was conducted, along with a guest lecture by Dr. Seema on eye donation. Additionally, an Eye Donation Exhibition and Rangoli activity was conducted at the base hospital to educate patients, attendants, and the public.

Aravind – Thanjavur

As part of Eye Donation Fortnight 2026, Aravind-Thanjavur conducted awareness activities to highlight the importance of eye donation and encourage community participation. An awareness session was held at Bharath College of Science and Management, Thanjavur, with more than 100 students and staff participating. Dr. Divya M., Chief, Cataract, Cornea & Refractive Surgeries, delivered an informative talk, addressing common myths and emphasising the importance of eye donation. An Eye Donation Awareness Corner with informative videos and a Ring Toss Game was also organised at the hospital for patients, attenders and visitors. A dedicated registration counter enabled people to pledge their eyes, with more than 200 volunteers registering their willingness to donate their eyes after death and receiving registration certificates

Aravind-Pondicherry

In commemoration of National Eye Donation Fortnight, Aravind-Pondicherry conducted a series of events to raise awareness about eye donation and honour those involved in the eye donation initiatives. The programmes included an awareness rally by AOPs and schoolchildren, eye donation awareness sessions, and an awareness exhibition. These initiatives encouraged the public and visitors to learn more about eye donation and contribute to this noble cause.

Aravind-Coimbatore, 21-23 August 2026

Aravind-Coimbatore hosted the 10th Annual Conference of the Indian Retinopathy of Prematurity (I-ROP) Society. The event included a pre-conference awareness workshop for government paediatricians and ophthalmologists, along with three hands-on workshops at ARCORE on indirect laser using model eyes, telescreening using model eyes, and intravitreal injections using goat eyes. The main conference was attended by 129 delegates, while 50 participants attended the various workshops. During one of the paper presentation sessions, Dr. Ninan Jacob, Paediatric Retina Surgical Fellow, secured the Second Prize (First Runner-up) in the Free Paper Contest for his presentation, “Plus is Not the Sole Indicator.”

Aurolab, 12^th September 2026

Aurolab conducted an employee engagement activity for newly joined staff of the Warehouse Department, aimed at fostering unity and strengthening teamwork. The initiative provided an opportunity for the new employees to connect, collaborate, and build stronger working relationships as they became part of the Aurolab family.

To strengthen workplace safety, Aurolab has introduced safety caps (bump caps) for employees working on warehouse floors. These caps help protect employees from potential head injuries and contribute to creating a safer working environment.

Aravind-Kovilpatti, 10^th September 2026

The Magnus IOL launch was successfully conducted at Aravind-Kovilpatti, with doctors and AOPs participating in dedicated training sessions and product demonstrations. The programme helped strengthen familiarity and confidence with Magnus IOLs, supporting their adoption and rollout in the region.

Aravind-Tirunelveli, 3^rd September 2026

The Magnus IOL launch was conducted at Aravind-Tirunelveli, with the participation of more than 80 doctors and 170 AOPs. The milestone event further strengthened the rollout, supporting wider clinical adoption and consistent patient communication across centres.

Aurolab, 2^nd August 2026

A three-month Spoken English course for Production Associates commenced on 2nd August 2026, with 23 participants enrolled. The initiative aims to enhance communication skills and support the professional growth of the workforce.

Aurolab, 29^th August 2026

An Employee Connect session was organised at Aurolab, engaging 30 Production Operators. The programme aimed to build meaningful relationships, foster trust, and strengthen engagement between employees and the HR team. Employee requirements and suggestions were actively addressed, reinforcing collaboration and workplace harmony.

LAICO, 28^th August to 1^st September 2026

Organised by LAICO, this customised training programme comprised seven clinical webinars and a five-day in-person course. The webinars covered priority eye conditions and were conducted by senior consultants from various specialty clinics.

The five-day programme brought together classroom learning, field exposure, and practical programme planning for eye care. The sessions covered areas such as global eye health, assessing eye care needs, evidence-based planning, active demand generation through outreach, achieving universal eye health through Vision Centre management, monitoring and evaluation, clinical quality, human resources, and finance.

LAICO, 6^th August – 4^th September 2026

The 48th Batch of the One-Month Hospital Administrators Course in Management Training and Systems Development for Hospital Administrators and Managers was held at LAICO. The course was attended by 15 participants. In addition, six candidates from the 14th Batch of the Fellowship in Eye Hospital Management (FEHM) participated. Participants from Cameroon, Ethiopia, Kenya, Bangladesh, and India contributed to a diverse and enriching learning environment.

On the inaugural day, Thulasiraj Ravilla, Director – Operations, AECS, welcomed the gathering. Dr. R. Kim delivered the keynote address and highlighted the importance of effective management and systems development in healthcare.

On the final day, Dr. S. R. Krishnadas, Director – Fellowship and Physician Development Programme, AECS, delivered the valedictory address and distributed certificates to the participants, marking the successful completion of the course.

Bhuvaneswar (Odisha), 19-20 September 2026

Aravind doctors participated in the 8th edition of the Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Network (POSN), organised by the L V Prasad Eye Institute’s (LVPEI) Mithu Tulsi Chanrai (MTC) Campus at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Bhubaneswar.

 Dr. Elackiya Manimaran, Paediatric Ophthalmology Services, Aravind-Madurai

• Association of body mass index and demographic differences with simple myopia in south indian children (E-poster presentation)

Dr. Sakshi Meshram

• Three nerves, two eyes, multiple stages: transposition- based surgical rehabilitation of bilateral sixth with unilateral third nerve palsy – two mirror image cases (Case presentation)
• Hidden in plain sight: Non-strabismic binocular vision dysfunction among practicing ophthalmologists (Free Paper)

Dr. Neediya Mohamed

• Anterior segment and paediatric cataract:  Seeing the break before you make it: preoperative b-scan for posterior capsule integrity in paediatric developmental cataract A Case Series (E-case presentation)

Dr. Pankhudi Verma

•  Neuro-ophthalmology: Two distinct aetiologies, one shared clinical presentation: Upbeat Nystagmus (E-case presentation)

London, 11-15 September 2026

Doctors from Aravind participated in the 44th Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) 2026 in London, showcasing a strong academic presence through several presentations across a range of topics.

Dr. Ashok Vardhan, CMO, Aravind-Tirupati

• Persistent blood reflux during Bang (Video Presentation)
• Refractory Angle Bleeding during BANG: Successful control with targeted diathermy (Poster Presentation)

Dr. Sathya T. Ravilla, Chief, Paediatric Ophthalmology & Adult Strabismus Services, Aravind-Tirupati

• Spontaneous rupture of anterior lens capsule (Poster Presentation)

Dr. Siddharth Narendran, Medical Consultant, Research Department, Aravind-Coimbatore

• Diagnostic accuracy of a CRISPR-based assay in smear- and culture-negative fungal keratitis (Free Paper)

Dr. Navaneeth Saggam, Medical Consultant, IOL Services, Aravind-Coimbatore

• Yellowing of an intraocular lens following chronic periocular turmeric exposure: A rare case report (Poster)
• “Bag-in, haptics-out” Hybrid iris-capsular fixation in 360° traumatic zonular dialysis: A tailored novel technique for microphthalmic eyes (Video Presentation)

• Scleral tuck and iris tie: A Cionni-free fixation in grossly subluxated cataracts (Poster)
• Dual iris fixation and pupilloplasty for traumatic mydriasis with lens subluxation: 50 cases (Poster)
• Culture vs molecular detection in fungal endophthalmitis: Evidence from a postoperative cluster (Free Paper)
• Evaluating the impact of blue-filtering intraocular lenses on macular oxidative stress: A comparative analysis of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine levels in donor retinal tissue (Poster)

Dr. Jebinth Brayan, Medical Consultant, IOL Services, Aravind-Coimbatore

• FLACS vs phaco in the real world: Difficulty-graded intraoperative complication rates in a high-volume service (E-Poster)
• Sex differences in early-onset cataract: Reproductive aging, betel quid use, and socioeconomic disadvantage in a South Indian cohort (Free Paper)

Dr. Sujay Jaju, Research Fellow

• Hormonal Transitions and CRYAA Expression in Early-Onset Cataract Among Women
• Social Sustainability in Cataract Care: Follow-Up Capture and Visual Outcomes by Funding Pathway
• Presented Poster: Posterior Capsule Rupture by Surgeon Grade After Case Difficulty Stratification in a High-Volume Setup

Coimbatore, 11^th September 2026

Dr. P. Shalini, Medical Director, Aravind-IOB Eye Bank, Coimbatore, delivered a technical session at the Eye Donation Workshop, “Bridging the Gap,” for doctors and paramedical professionals at Coimbatore Medical College. The workshop was organised by the Blood & Organ Donation Committee and the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Coimbatore Branch, in collaboration with the Departments of Ophthalmology and Anatomy, Coimbatore Medical College.

She spoke on “Standard techniques in enucleation and safe tissue retrieval,” highlighting the importance of proper procedures, safety measures, and careful handling of donor tissue to ensure the quality and suitability of retrieved corneal tissue for transplantation.

Kerala, 4-6 September 2026

Doctors and staff members from Aravind actively participated in the 16th National Conference on Cornea and Eye Banking, the Annual Convention of the Eye Bank Association of India (EBAI), held at IMA House, Kochi, Kerala. They presented on key topics and shared valuable insights, contributing to discussions in the field of cornea and eye banking.

Dr. R. Revathi, Medical Consultant, Cornea & Refractive Surgery Services, Aravind-Coimbatore

• The future cornea surgeon: Precision, personalisation & predictive medicine

Dr. Shalini P, Medical Consultant, Cornea & Refractive Surgery Services, Aravind-Coimbatore

• Fungal keratitis: Challenges, choices and changing paradigms

D. Saravanan, Manager, Rotary Aravind International Eye Bank, Aravind-Madurai,

• Building Tomorrow’s Eye Bank Workforce: Managing Recruitment and Retention of Gen Z (Talk)
• Operational Excellence in Eye Banking.” (Moderator)
• A role-play on grief counselling techniques.

Anusuya, Technician, Rotary Aravind International Eye Bank, Aravind-Madurai

• Common Recovery Errors by the Technician (Talk)

Geneva, Switzerland, 1-3 September, 2026

Thulasiraj Ravilla, Director – Operations, AECS, participated as a Panellist in various sessions at the WHO Meeting on the SPECS 2030 Initiative and the Global Status Report on Eye Care, held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 1st to 3rd September 2026.

Australia 28-30 August 2026

Doctors from Aravind-Coimbatore actively participated in the 19th Annual Asia-Pacific Vitreo-Retina Society (APVRS) Congress, held in Gold Coast, Australia. They represented the institution by presenting scientific videos, free papers, and a talk, highlighting the hospital’s contributions to vitreoretinal research and clinical practice.

Dr. V.R. Saravanan, Chief, Retina Vitreous Services, Aravind-Coimbatore

• Management of malignant glaucoma in Autosomal Recessive Bestrophinopathy (ARB) (Video)

Dr. Rodney J. Morris, Medical Consultant, Retina Vitreous Services, Aravind-Coimbatore

• Establishing an institutional registry for inherited retinal diseases in south India: Lessons from the ARIDE programme (Paper)
• Culture versus molecular detection in fungal endophthalmitis: Evidence from a postoperative candida cluster (Paper)

Dr. Abijith Vasan, Retina Fellow

• Outcomes of Perfluorocarbon Liquid (PFCL): Silicone oil dual tamponade in complex adult versus paediatric retinal detachments (Video)

Dr. R Ram Sudarshan, Retina Vitreous Services, Aravind – Tirunelveli

• Retina (Medical) Clinical Profile, Microbiology and Outcome in Post – traumatic Endophthalmitis (PTE): A 5 – Year Tertiary Eye Care Experience. (Free Paper)
• Ocular Oncology & Pathology Bilateral Choroidal Metastases as the Initial Presentation of Occult Bronchogenic Carcinoma: A Multimodal imaging Study (Poster)

9-10 September 2026

Krishnakumar Sankaranarayanan, Head of the Centre for Healthcare at the Indian Institute of Management Udaipur, visited Aravind-Madurai on an exposure visit. In line with his focus areas, including Primary Care, Health Financing, Medical Technology, Health Systems Strengthening, and Public Health Supply Chains, the visit provided an opportunity to gain insights into Aravind’s systems and practices, with specific orientation and discussions on the operations and management of Primary Eye Care Centres. He also interacted with the LAICO faculty team to gain insights into systems and management practices. As part of the visit, he visited the Primary Eye Care Centre at Alanganallur to understand its functioning and role in delivering accessible eye care services at the community level.

7-8 September 2026

A team from Goutami Eye Hospital, Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, including Dr. P.R.K. Raju, Managing Director, and Dr. Prashanth Kumar, Director, Glaucoma & Cataract Services, visited Aravind-Madurai for an exposure programme to understand the processes, best practices, and systems that support effective and quality eye care delivery.

The team visited key areas such as operational management, organisational practices, and financial discipline to understand the practices that could be adopted and implemented at Goutami Eye Hospital. As part of the programme, the team also visited Aravind’s Secondary Eye Care Centre at Dindigul and Primary Eye Care Centre at Gandhigram.