The month of June has brought several notable recognitions and achievements to Aravind Eye Care System (AECS), serving as a source of encouragement as the institution continues its journey of service and excellence in the 50th year.

A significant national honour was bestowed upon AECS when it received the Jury’s Special Mention Award at the 18th BML Munjal Awards for Business Excellence through Learning and Development.  Adding to this, Aravind Eye Hospital, Pondicherry received two prestigious awards at the International Health & Environment Leadership (HELP) Conference: The Best Sustainable Water & Wastewater Management Award and The Best Water Reduction & Recycling Practice Award.

The institution’s continued emphasis on innovation and research has been further reflected when Dr. R. Venkatesh, CMO, Aravind-Pondicherry, ranked among the World’s Top 5% Scientists in the 2025 SciRank Global Registry. This ranking is based on a rigorous bibliometric analysis of more than 10 million active researchers and nearly 50 million scholarly works.

As part of its ongoing expansion of eye care services, Aravind-Coimbatore inaugurated its latest Vision Centre in Nambiyur on 4^th June 2026, increasing the total number of Vision Centres across the Aravind network to 120.

A notable event this month was the Eye Behind the Eye CME, conducted for the first time at Aravind-Pondicherry. The programme brought together ophthalmologists and photographers in a unique learning environment focused on ophthalmic photography, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and advancing clinical excellence.

This edition features these and many other significant developments that took place during June up to the 25th of the month. In addition, a few news items from the previous month that could not be included earlier have also been featured.

New Delhi, 15^th June 2026

Aravind Eye Care System (AECS) has been honoured with a Jury’s Special Mention Award in recognition of its outstanding contributions and impact, at the 18th BML Munjal Awards for Business Excellence through Learning and Development, presented during the Mindmine Summit 2026 held in New Delhi.

Aravind-Pondicherry

Dr. R. Venkatesh, Chief Medical Officer, Aravind-Pondicherry, has been ranked among the World’s Top 5% Scientists in the 2025 SciRank Global Registry, based on rigorous bibliometric analysis. He has secured a Global Rank of #898,860.

Hyderabad, 21^st June 2026

Aravind Pondicherry has been honoured with two prestigious awards at the International Health & Environment Leadership (HELP) Conference 2026, held in Hyderabad.

The Best Sustainable Water & Wastewater Management Award recognises the hospital’s exceptional leadership in water conservation and resource stewardship, contributing to a future where healthcare and environmental sustainability thrive together

While, the Best Water Reduction & Recycling Practice Award recognises the hospital’s commitment to sustainable healthcare through innovative strategies, advancing India’s transition towards green, climate-resilient hospitals and inspiring the healthcare sector to heal without harm

Raichel, Manager – Quality Assurance, Aravind-Pondicherry, represented the institution by presenting Aravind’s environmental sustainability initiatives and received the awards on its behalf.

Chennai, 5^th June 2026

Dr. Haripriya Aravind, Chief, Intraocular Lens & Cataract Services, Aravind-Chennai, was honoured with the Rtn. PDG Dr. Rekha Shetty Memorial Award by the Rotary Club of Madras Temple City. The award, instituted to recognise outstanding women achievers and inspire future generations of women, acknowledges Dr. Haripriya’s significant contributions to the field of cataract surgery. Her professional excellence, leadership, and commitment to advancing eye care have made her a role model for aspiring women professionals.

Hyderabad, 29-30 May 2026

The Aravind Centre for Eye Care Innovation (ACEi) teams secured prizes for their innovations at the LVPEI Bio-NEST Incubator Start-Up Challenge 2026 and AIOS Hackathon, hosted by the LV Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) and the All India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS) in Hyderabad.

Dr. Tanvi Sharma, DNB Resident, Aravind-Chennai, and Dr. Gowtham Kim, Medical Officer, General Ophthalmology, Aravind-Chennai, won the second prize for their innovation titled “SMART-LIFT DRAPE.”

Dr. Priyankaa K, MS Resident, General Ophthalmology, Aravind-Madurai, Dr. Nishwath B, General Ophthalmology, Aravind-Madurai, and Dr. Athul Puthalath, Medical Consultant, Retina & Vitreous Services, Aravind-Madurai, won the third prize for their innovation titled “SCILPT-EYE.”

Additionally, Dr. P. Mounika, MS Resident, Dr. Eshwar Rajesh, MS Resident, and Dr. T. Shanmathi, MS Resident, all from General Ophthalmology, Aravind-Madurai, received a Special Mention for their innovation “RHEXITRACE.”

Aravind-Pondicherry, 20-21 June 2026

Organised by Aravind-Pondicherry, held in memory of Mike Myers, celebrated his invaluable contributions to the field of ophthalmic photography. The event marked Aravind’s first-of-its-kind symposium, bringing together ophthalmologists, photographers, videographers, and ophthalmic technicians on a common platform to learn, collaborate, and advance the field of ophthalmic imaging.

The remarkable two-day symposium featured several distinguished faculty members who shared their expertise across various aspects of ophthalmic imaging.

Tim Costello, Award-winning Ophthalmic Imaging Specialist, W.K. Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, United States of America, delivered sessions on a wide range of topics, including Anterior Segment Photography – Principles, Slit-lamp Techniques & Common Mistakes, OCT, FFA and ICG Imaging – Basics, Techniques and Pearls, and Editing & Post-Processing – Do’s and Don’ts: Ethical Editing in Medical Images.

Dr. Prasanna V. Ramesh, Glaucoma Surgeon, DNB coordinator, and researcher, Mahathma Eye Hospital Private Limited, Trichy, presented a session on AI in Ophthalmic Imaging – Present & Future. Bagmisikha Puhan, Managing Partner, Puhan and Puhan LLP, Delhi, spoke on Copyright, Consent & Ethical Dimensions in Clinical Photography, followed by an interactive Q&A session. Dr Deepak Megur, Megur Eye Care Centre, Bidar, Karnataka, delivered a guest lecture.

In addition to the invited speakers, several internal faculty members shared their expertise. They included Dr. Apurva Nagtode, Medical Officer, Cornea & Refractive Surgery Services, Aravind-Pondicherry, Dr. Vignesh TP, Medical consultant, Retina-Vitreous Department, Aravind-Madurai, R. Jayalakshmi, Biomedical Engineer, Instruments Department, Aravind-Madurai, Srini, Chief Technology Officer, Auroitech, Ravindran Padmanabhan, Volunteer – Imaging Informatics and PACS, AECS, Dr. R. Ramsudharshan, Medical Consultant, Retina-Vitreous Department, Aravind-Tirunelveli, S.N. Kamatchi, Clinical research—IOL study, Aravind-Madurai, Bharathi, FFA Technician, Aravind-Madurai, and P. Gomathi, Clinical Manager – Retina investigations, Aravind-Madurai.

Additionally, two workshops were conducted. The first, led by Dr. TP Vignesh & Dr. Ramsudharshan, focused on Publishing Clinical Images, while the second, conducted by Tim Costello, covered Anterior Segment Imaging.

A major highlight of the symposium was the Mike Myers Award Imaging Competition, held in two categories: Anterior Segment Photography and Posterior Segment Photography.

In the Anterior Segment Photography category, S.R. Sumithra, Supervisor, Cornea Department, Aravind-Madurai, won the first prize. V. Ramesh, Photographer, Aravind-Madurai, secured the second prize, while Dr. Gahan Reddy, Senior Resident, Sri Venkateshwaraa Medical College Hospital & Research Centre, Pondicherry, received the third prize.

In the Posterior Segment Photography category, S. Bharathi, FFA Technician, Aravind-Madurai, won the first prize. Dr. Aravind Krishna, MS Resident, Aravind-Madurai, secured the second prize, and Dr. Dhyanesh Reddy, DNB Resident, Aravind-Pondicherry, received the third prize.

Aravind-Salem, 21^st June 2023

Organised by Aravind-Salem, the programme commenced with a welcome address by Dr. B. Manohar Babu, CMO, Aravind-Salem. The scientific sessions featured distinguished faculty members sharing their knowledge on various aspects of glaucoma diagnosis, management, and surgical techniques. The morning session was dedicated to CME lectures, while the afternoon featured an interactive dry lab on glaucoma procedures. The CME was attended by 75 delegates and 15 faculty members, while the dry lab had 20 participants guided by 4 faculty members.

Aravind-Chengalpattu, 20^th June 2026

Aravind-Chengalpattu conducted a CME programme titled “Keratoconus Unravelled – What You Need to Know in 2026” for eye care professionals, reaffirming the hospital’s commitment to advancing ophthalmic education and enhancing patient care.

The programme focused on the early detection, accurate diagnosis, and latest management strategies for keratoconus. Experts emphasised the importance of timely intervention, advanced corneal imaging techniques, and contemporary treatment options, including corneal collagen cross-linking and specialty contact lenses. The sessions provided participants with valuable clinical insights to improve the diagnosis and management of keratoconus in practice. The programme was accredited with TNMC credit points and was attended by a total of 51 participants.

Aravind-Tirunelveli, 19^th June 2026

As part of the hospital’s staff wellness initiative, an online yoga session was conducted for Vision Centre staff through teleconference. The session focused on simple yoga postures, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques that can be incorporated into daily routines to enhance physical fitness, mental well-being, and stress management. The programme was facilitated by Gomathi and Deepa, and witnessed enthusiastic participation from Vision Centre staff across multiple locations.

Aravind-Chennai, 16-20 June 2026

The 7th Batch of Īkshana – Comprehensive Capsule for Postgraduates (Phase II) was conducted at the ARCORE Training Centre, Aravind-Chennai. The programme was designed to strengthen postgraduate ophthalmology training by providing a comprehensive foundation in theoretical knowledge and practical surgical skills through interactive lectures, hands-on sessions, and expert-led discussions. The programme was attended by 37 postgraduate students representing government medical colleges, regional institutes of ophthalmology, tertiary care teaching hospitals, and various Aravind centres across India.

Dr. D. Balasaraswathy, Medical Consultant, General Ophthalmology, Aravind-Coimbatore, delivered lectures on phacoemulsification complications and the principles of anterior vitrectomy, followed by a wet lab demonstration. Dr. R. Shanthi, Head, Ocular Pathology, Aravind-Madurai, conducted a lecture on ocular pathology.

Aravind-Thanjavur, 17^th June 2026

A certification training programme on Basic Life Support (BLS) was conducted at Aravind-Thanjavur. The programme was led by Dr. Deepak Narayanan, Deputy Medical Superintendent, Kamatchi Medical Centre, Thanjavur, along with his team.

All staff members of Aravind-Thanjavur actively participated in the training, gaining valuable knowledge and practical skills in managing cardiac emergencies. The programme included both theoretical sessions and hands-on training in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), providing essential life-saving skills for staff involved in direct patient care.

Aravind-Madurai, 14^th June 2026

Aravind-Madurai, organised a CME programme for practising ophthalmologists and consultants on the theme “Mastering Complex Situations in Cataract Surgery.” The programme aimed to enhance clinical expertise and improve decision-making in challenging cataract surgery scenarios.

The comprehensive curriculum covered critical topics such as managing small pupils, handling subluxated cataracts, performing anterior vitrectomy, biometry in difficult situations, and selecting suitable patients for premium intraocular lenses (IOLs).

The programme featured deferred live surgeries that demonstrated the management of complex cases. In addition, the CME included hands-on wet lab training focused on iris hook application, capsular tension ring (CTR) placement, and anterior vitrectomy techniques, providing valuable practical experience.

The event brought together 97 ophthalmologists and expert consultants. In recognition of their participation, all attendees were awarded two Tamil Nadu Medical Council (TNMC) credit hours.

Aravind-Madurai, 11^th June 2026

The Singappen Special Task Force conducted a session for AOP 1st and 2nd year trainees to introduce the Singappen Special Force, a dedicated all-women police unit launched by the Government of Tamil Nadu to protect women and children across the state. The session created awareness about issues affecting women and ways to safeguard themselves.

Nithya, Sub-Inspector and Incharge of the Madurai Singappen Force, delivered a talk emphasising women’s safety and also shared the relevant helpline number. More than 100 AOP trainees participated in the event.

Aravind-Chennai, 6-7 June 2026

The two-day CME programme brought together leading glaucoma specialists from across the country and Aravind faculty from various centres to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and discuss the latest advances in glaucoma care.

The first day programme Attended by 30 delegates featured a hands-on Wet Lab and various session covering procedures such as AADI implantation, Ahmed Glaucoma Valve (AGV), Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) using the Kahook Dual Blade (KDB), and Tanito surgery. The second day attracted 160 delegates and featured a vibrant academic programme designed to promote learning and collaboration. Highlights included engaging sessions such as “Battle of Perspectives: Glaucoma Champions Speak,” challenging case discussions with expert panelists, “Glaucoma Surgeries – Reality Check,” and spotlight lectures on emerging concepts in glaucoma management.

An interactive Glaucoma Quiz generated enthusiastic participation. Dr. Amritha of Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, secured the First Prize, while Dr. Sonakshi Gahwani of Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, won the Second Prize. Dr. Flonny Sunny, Glaucoma Fellow, Aravind-Coimbatore, secured the Third Prize.

The Case Presentation Competition showcased exceptional clinical acumen and innovative problem-solving. Dr. Flonny C. Sunny won the First Prize in the Interesting Case Discussion category for her presentation titled “Rear Door Phaco: Cataract Surgery Through the Pars Plana Route in ICE Syndrome.”

Aravind-Madurai, 6^th June 2026

In collaboration with the College of Nursing, Madurai Medical College, Madurai, Aravind-Madurai conducted a three-hour training programme on Eye Banking for ten M.Sc. Nursing students from the first and second years of the Surgical Nursing Department. The programme was organised in response to a request from the Principal of the College of Nursing, Madurai Medical College.

The training programme aimed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of eye banking and corneal donation services. D. Saravanan, Manager, Eye Bank, Aravind-Madurai, delivered an introductory session on Eye Banking and Eye Donation. He also handled sessions on the Hospital Cornea Retrieval Programme (HCRP), Community Cornea Retrieval, and Grief Counselling. While, K. Anusuya conducted sessions on retrieval techniques, contraindications for corneal donation, quality assurance in eye banking, and infection control practices.

Aravind-Salem, 5^th June 2026

In observance of World Environment Day, the doctors and AOP Sisters at Aravind-Salem, came together for a tree-plantation drive within the hospital campus. The initiative aimed to promote environmental sustainability, enhance the green cover of the campus, and create awareness about the importance of protecting and preserving the environment.

Aravind-Chennai, 4-5 June 2026

The 7th batch of AKSHIVIKAS – Aravind Advanced Cataract Course (Phase II) was conducted at the ARCORE Training Centre, Aravind-Chennai. The programme was designed to strengthen participants’ knowledge and surgical skills in advanced cataract management through a comprehensive mix of academic sessions, practical demonstrations, case-based discussions, and interactive faculty engagement.

The course featured expert-led sessions covering key aspects of cataract surgery and its management. Participants benefited from insightful lectures, practical tips, and focused discussions aimed at improving surgical outcomes and effectively handling challenging cases. The programme provided participants with opportunities to share experiences and learn directly from experienced faculty members.

A total of 36 participants attended the course, representing institutions and medical councils across India, including Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Haryana, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Karnataka.

Aravind-Coimbatore, 31^st May 2026

In observance of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Day, the Neuro-Ophthalmology Department at Aravind-Coimbatore conducted a radio talk based on the 2026 global theme of overcoming diagnostic barriers and reshaping public perception. The session aimed to raise public awareness, dispel fears and misconceptions surrounding the disease, and educate listeners about its early symptoms, available treatment options, and the importance of timely diagnosis.

Aravind-Coimbatore, 23^rd April 2026

The workshop on personal etiquette for the Medical Record Department staff aimed at strengthening communication and enhancing patient-centred care. The session was facilitated by Dr. V. Uma, Head of the Department, and Sirija, Assistant Professor, from the Master of Hospital Management programme at Dr. N.G.P. Arts and Science College, Coimbatore. Through interactive activities and role plays, participants developed greater confidence and gained meaningful insights into being responsive, responsible, and committed in their roles.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) requires greater awareness in India, as it is not merely a disease of the Western world. MS is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the central nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves, disrupting communication between the brain and the rest of the body.

With advances in medical treatment, early diagnosis and appropriate care can significantly improve quality of life and reduce disability. Increasing public awareness and ensuring timely referral remain crucial for achieving better outcomes for patients living with multiple sclerosis.

Aravind-Madurai, 13 & 28 May 2026

The Department of Vitreo-Retina, Aravind-Madurai, conducted the Exit Examination for nine outgoing fellows from various centres: five from Aravind-Madurai, two from Aravind-Tirunelveli, and two from Aravind-Tirupati. The examination was conducted in two phases: the Theory Examination on 13^th May 2026 and the Clinical Viva Voce on 28^th May 2026.

Dr. V. Jaya Prakash, Senior Consultant & Professor, Department of Vitreo-Retina, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai (External Examiner), Dr. T.P. Vignesh, Medical Consultant, Retina-Vitreous Services, Aravind-Madurai, and Dr. Muthu Krishnan V., Medical Consultant, Retina-Vitreous Services, Aravind-Madurai, served as examiners for the Clinical Examination. The clinical examination assessed the candidates’ attitude, practical skills, and clinical problem-solving abilities. The active participation of both internal and external examiners ensured a fair, thorough, and comprehensive evaluation process.

Aravind-Madurai, 27^th May 2026

Aravind-Madurai, hosted this academic gathering, bringing together the Heads of Cornea from across the Aravind network, along with distinguished delegates from the Proctor Foundation, USA. The meeting was presided over by Dr. N. Venkatesh Prajna, Chief, Cornea & Refractive Surgery Services, Aravind-Madurai.

The event featured senior faculty members and experts from the Proctor Foundation, who engaged in in-depth discussions on advancing research methodologies in infectious keratitis. A novel approach to conducting clinical research through platform trials was introduced by Dr. Gerami Seitzman and Dr. Thomas Lietman, highlighting the advantages of efficiency, adaptability, and continuous learning across multiple trial arms.

The meeting also generated a series of innovative, collaboratively developed research questions that will serve as the foundation for future studies. Senior faculty members reaffirmed the long-standing partnership between Aravind and the Proctor Foundation in infectious keratitis research and emphasised the importance of cross-border collaboration in addressing this vision-threatening condition. The discussions laid the groundwork for future collaborative research initiatives and innovative multicentre studies aimed at accelerating progress in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infectious keratitis.

28^th June 2026, LAICO

LAICO, in association with the Tamil Nadu Ophthalmic Association (TNOA), conducted a Masterclass, the 3rd batch of the Ophthalmology Practice Development programme, to provide inputs on practice development for ophthalmologists.

Through expert-led sessions and interactive discussions, participants gained practical insights into practice management, patient experience, quality, finance, digital tools, and leadership, aimed at strengthening and sustaining their ophthalmology practices.

Dr. Sujatha Mohan, President of TNOA, delivered the welcome address, while Thulasiraj Ravilla, Director – Operations, AECS, and Dr. D. Chandrasekar, Secretary, TNOA, delivered the keynote addresses. The speakers for the day included Dr. R.D. Ravindaran, Chairman, AECS, Ajanth, Dr. Rajakumari, Dr. Samina Zamindar, Dr. Vinod Arunachalam, Dr. Venkatesh, Deepa, Deepa Krishnan, Sunytha, Dr. Sathian, and Dr. Panneer Selvam.

The sessions were moderated by Dhivya Ramasamy, Executive Director, AECS, Dr. Thirumalakumar, and Dr. V. Panneer Selvam. At the end of the programme, Syed Ali A. delivered the vote of thanks. The one-day programme brought together 27 ophthalmologists from Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

Chennai, 25^th June 2026

Prof. K. Dharmalingam, Director–Research, AMRF, delivered an invited lecture on “Future Directions of Integrative Biology and Translational Research” at the One-day National Symposium on Integrative Biology & Translational Research (NSIBTR-2026), held at Dr. ALM PG Institute of Basic Medical Sciences (IBMS), University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Chennai.

Shanghai, China, 4-6 June 2026

Dr. Usha Kim, Chief, Orbit, Oculoplasty, Ocular Oncology & Ocular Prosthetic Services, Aravind-Madurai, presented a scientific paper at the 11th Asia Pacific Tele-Ophthalmology Society (APTOS) Symposium held in Shanghai, China.

Title: Scaling Community eye care in Asia: Artificial intelligence as a triage filter to reduce ophthalmologist dependency in rural vision centres

Aravind-Madurai, 2^nd June 2026

Sohan Verma, a cyclist undertaking a long-distance journey from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, is travelling across India to explore and document grassroots initiatives and small enterprises. As part of his journey, he visited Aravind-Pondicherry, where he toured the hospital facilities and interacted with Dr. Venkatesh, CMO, Aravind-Pondicherry.

He later visited Aravind-Madurai, on 2^nd June 2026. During his visit, he observed the Wet Lab and gained an overview of the hospital’s services and activities. He also interacted with staff members, sharing experiences from his cycling journey while learning about the institution’s clinical and community outreach work. In addition, he visited Sakthi Vidiyal to understand its initiatives and their impact on the community.

The visit was coordinated by B. Udayakumar, Senior Faculty, LAICO, and Deepa, Manager, Human Resources Department, Central Office. Raghu, Faculty Associate, facilitated the external visits, with support from Dr. Prabhu Krishna, Medical Officer, and Abdul Aziz Hakkim, E-Learning Designer.

12-13 June 2026

Rajeev Agarwal, Founder and Manging Consultant, and Ramkumar Chandrasekaran, Senior Manager Growth Initiatives, from MAQ Software, a Leading AI & data consulting firm delivering transformative business intelligence solutions, visited Aravind. They were here to have specific focus on understanding about Aravind’s IT initiatives where they were exposed for a presentation on AuroiTech – applications, resources, financials, future aspirations, followed by assessment and discussions.

12-13 June 2026

Abdirisak Seid Nur, Commercial Attaché at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Somalia, New Delhi, visited Aravind for an exposure visit to learn about the institution’s impactful work in Africa through capacity-building initiatives, collaborative partnerships, and specialised training programmes.

During the visit, he explored potential areas of collaboration between the AECS and eye hospitals in Somalia. He also toured the Primary Eye Care Centre and Aurolab to gain a deeper understanding of Aravind’s comprehensive eye care model and its innovations in affordable ophthalmic products.

12-13 June 2026

Dr. Kara Hartl, Harvard-educated physician, healthcare innovator, entrepreneur, & philanthropist, visited AECS. This visit followed her previous engagement with Aravind in March 2025 and her continued interest in learning from Aravind’s model of delivering high-quality, affordable eye care at scale. During the visit, Dr. Hartl focused on acquiring a deeper understanding of Aravind’s capacity-building and training initiatives, including the Residency and Fellowship Programmes, the AOP Training Programme, and Aurosiksha. She also visited Aurolab to learn about manufacturing affordable ophthalmic products that support access to quality eye care worldwide. The visit paved way to discuss about training, technology-enabled learning, and initiatives to improve healthcare access in underserved and rural areas.