In addressing retinoblastoma, a rare form of eye cancer that primarily affects children, Aravind follows a comprehensive approach that includes treatment, rehabilitation, and community awareness. To date, Aravind has treated nearly 1,000 children with retinoblastoma, achieving a survival rate of around 90%, with 923 survivors. Sadly, a few children could not be saved as they were brought in too late for effective treatment.

Each year, Aravind-Madurai celebrates these victories over the disease during Retinoblastoma Awareness programmes, bringing survivors together to honour their resilience and strength. The recent event brought together around 175 survivors, who showcased their skills and shared their success stories of clearing examinations and securing placements.

Similarly, in its journey to restore sight to those who cannot see the beautiful world around them, the Aravind Eye Bank services play a vital role in facilitating the collection of eyes from donors through its dedicated collection team. A remarkable milestone was achieved by the Rotary Aravind International Eye Bank, Madurai, last month with the collection of 50,000 eyes since its inception in 1998, contributing to a total of nearly 100,000 eyes collected across all Aravind Eye Banks.

To ensure hassle-free vision for patients with low vision, where vision aids are often the only solution, Aravind, with support from various organisations, provides free smart vision glasses to patients, enabling them to lead a normal lifestyle. In this regard, in association with the Administrator General and Official Trustee of Tamil Nadu, 30 smart vision glasses were distributed at Aravind-Madurai during an event last month.

News about these and much more that took place between 15^th May and 15^th June 2025 are featured in this edition.

Madhya Pradesh, 30th May 2025

Dr. R.D. Ravindran, Chairman, Aravind Eye Care System, was honoured with the Sadguru Humanitarian Award in recognition of his outstanding service in the fields of ophthalmology. The award was presented by Dr. B.K. Jain, Director and Trustee, Shri Sadguru Seva Sangh Trust, during the Sadguru Conclave – AIOS ARC PG Refresher Programme held at Sadguru Nethra Chikitsalaya, Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh.

New Delhi, 13-15 June 2025

Dr. Sameer Chaudhary, Medical Officer, Aravind-Madurai, won the Young Ophthalmologists Premier League (YOPL) award at the 75^th Annual Conference of the Delhi Ophthalmological Society, held at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

Aravind-Tirunelveli, 14-15 June 2025

Organised by Aravind-Tirunelveli, the two-day CME familiarised participants with recent trends and revolutionary advancements in the field of ophthalmology. The inaugural session began with welcome address by Dr. R. Ramakrishnan, Advisor, Aravind-Tirunelveli. Expert faculty members from across India were invited to share their insights, along with internal experts from the Aravind network who shared their expertise.

The scientific sessions covered all major subspecialties in ophthalmology, including retina, cataract, cornea, paediatrics, glaucoma, orbit, and neuro-ophthalmology. A dry lab training session was also conducted, focusing on key diagnostic investigations in retina, glaucoma, cornea, and paediatric ophthalmology. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Ram Sudharsan, Organising Secretary. A total of 136 participants, including ophthalmologists, postgraduates, and fellows from various subspecialties, attended the CME.

Aravind-Chennai, 11-15 June 2025

The third batch of the Īkshana held at the ARCORE Training Centre aimed to provide postgraduate with a strong foundation in both theoretical knowledge and surgical skills. It featured in-depth lectures covering key areas of ophthalmology, complemented by intensive surgical training sessions, including dry and wet lab practice, hands-on training using goat’s eyes, and observation of live surgeries. These sessions were designed to enhance participants’ competence and confidence in performing ophthalmic procedures.

A total of 28 postgraduates representing institutions from across India, including Perinthalmanna, Dharwad, Bagalkot, Mangalore, Gobindapur, Shillong, Sevagram, Visakhapatnam, Guntur, Bareilly, Thiruvananthapuram, Pondicherry, and Salem participated in the programme. This diverse participation reflects the programme’s national reach and its role in fostering a collaborative learning environment for emerging ophthalmologists.

Aravind-Salem, 4^th June 2025

In recognition of the hospital’s unsung heroes, its cleaning and security teams, Aravind-Salem celebrated their dedication and hard work with a special appreciation event. The event began with refreshments, where doctors, administrative staff, and other team members interacted warmly with the security and cleaning staff. A video presentation showcased the vital contributions of these teams, who ensure safety and cleanliness at the hospital.

Aravind-Madurai, 4^th June 2025

The Department of Retina and Vitreous, Aravind-Madurai, conducted the exit examination for six outgoing fellows, five from Aravind-Madurai and one from Aravind-Tirunelveli. The examination was held in three phases, an MCQ assessment on 12^th May 2025, a theory examination on 24^th May 2025, and the Clinical Viva Voce on 4^th June 2025. The clinical exam evaluated candidates on their attitude, practical skills, and clinical problem-solving abilities.

Aravind-Salem, 3^rd June 2025

Aravind–Salem organised a programme on “Hospitality and Empathy,” reinforcing the hospital’s commitment to compassionate care and patient-centred service. This Thirukkural-themed event, shared verses reflecting the values of kindness, service, and empathy. This unique initiative aimed to connect the timeless wisdom of the Thirukkural with modern-day care values.

Additionally, a motivational video presentation was screened. Doctors, MLOPs, and administrative staff participated enthusiastically, reflecting a unified spirit and collective dedication to fostering a culture rooted in empathy, respect, and humane care.

Aravind-Salem, 1^st May – 2^nd June 2025

Dr. Mutale Nyaywa, an ophthalmologist from Ndola, Zambia, completed a one-month short-term training programme on advanced phacoemulsification (Phaco) at Aravind-Salem, mentored by Dr. R. Sankarananthan, Medical Consultant, Cataract & Uvea Services, Aravind-Salem.

During her training, Dr. Nyaywa participated in both clinical and surgical sessions, gaining extensive hands-on experience in cataract management and phacoemulsification techniques. At the conclusion of the training, she delivered a comprehensive presentation highlighting her key learnings, clinical insights, and observations. She emphasised the advanced techniques she had acquired and how these would contribute to improving cataract care in her home district of Ndola.

Following her presentation, Dr. Manohar Babu, Chief Medical Officer, Aravind-Salem, shared valuable perspectives on critical themes such as the magnitude of blindness, manpower challenges, and employee productivity in eye care services. Seran I, Manager, Patient Care, Aravind-Salem, presented three core focus areas aimed at enhancing eye care delivery in Ndola: the magnitude of blindness in Ndola District, manpower planning templates, and incremental changes to enhance employee productivity.

Aravind-Coimbatore, 31^st May 2025

An educational video and posters on Multiple Sclerosis, created by Dr. Sangavi, Medical Consultant, Aravind-Coimbatore were screened for the public throughout the day.

In alignment with this year’s theme, “Navigating MS Together,” Dr. Virna Shah, Chief, Neuro-ophthalmology Services, Aravind-Coimbatore, organised a webinar titled “PGs in Sync” which brought together more than 150 postgraduate students from across the country.

The event further featured two insightful talks by leading experts in Neuro-Ophthalmology, Dr. Mahesh Kumar, Chief, Neuroophthalmology Services, Aravind – Madurai and Dr. Virender Sachdeva from LVPEI. The day concluded with an engaging Neuro Quiz, organised by Dr. D. Chandrasekar, Consultant & NABH Coordinator, Aravind-Coimbatore.

Aravind-Salem, 29^th May 2025

Janakiraman, a psychologist, delivered a motivational talk during an interactive session organised by Aravind-Salem. He connected deeply with the MLOP audience, sharing life lessons through simple, real-life examples that inspired personal growth and boosted self-confidence.

Theni, 27^th May 2025

In collaboration with the Government Hospital, Bodi, an Eye Donation Awareness Programme was organised by Aravind-Madurai on 27^th May 2025. D. Saravanan, Manager, Eye Bank, Aravind-Madurai, conducted a session on eye donation, the hospital cornea retrieval programme, and the important role of healthcare professionals in promoting eye donation. A total of 30 personnel, including doctors, nurses, and support staff, attended the session.

A similar programme was conducted at Singampunari Government Hospital on 11 June 2025, with 50 participants, including doctors, nurses, Lions Club members, and representatives from other NGOs.

Aravind-Madurai, 24^th May 2025

As part of Retinoblastoma Awareness Week, Aravind-Madurai organised an Awareness Day Programme to celebrate the strength and resilience of children who have overcome retinoblastoma.

The event commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Usha Kim, Chief, Orbit Services, Aravind-Madurai, in which she shared that among the 923 survivors out of 1000, 50% have achieved 6/6 vision in the better eye and are leading normal lives, 25% have improved vision, and 25% have lost their vision.  Dr. R.D. Ravindran expressed his joy at the hospital’s 90% survival rate and spoke of the hope and potential these children embody during his felicitation. The event also featured cultural performances by the survivors, showcasing their talents and confidence. The programme was attended by over 175 children and their families. A sumptuous meal was served, and children received attractive gifts, making the day truly memorable for all.

Aravind-Salem, 16-22 May 2025

In observance of Myopia Awareness Week, Aravind-Salem organised an educational exhibition in the hospital’s registration area to raise awareness about myopia and its growing prevalence, especially among children.

The registration area was transformed into an interactive awareness zone, featuring informative displays on the causes, prevention, and treatment of myopia. The exhibition aimed to educate patients and visitors on the importance of regular eye check-ups and early detection.

To make the occasion more engaging for young visitors, the paediatric section was festively decorated with colourful balloons and child-friendly posters.

Aravind-Pondicherry, 18^th May 2025

Hosted by Aravind-Pondicherry, Neuro synapse 2025, a one-day conference on Decoding Neuro-ophthalmology Disorders, brought together renowned specialists and postgraduate students to share knowledge and experiences.

The event began with a warm welcome address by Dr. R. Venkatesh, Chief Medical Officer, Aravind–Pondicherry. The day featured a series of engaging sessions and discussions. Keynote speakers, including Dr. Pazhani, Professor Emeritus, Dr. S. Ambika, and Dr. A.L. Periakaruppan, led insightful sessions. Esteemed guest speakers from various specialisation, such as neurologists, Dr. C. Shobana, Dr. S. Kamatchi, and Dr. Mithun Mathew Thomas, radiologists, Dr. J. Jai Kishor and Dr. S. Lokesh, and ophthalmologists, Dr. K. Veena, Dr. Annamalai O., Dr. A. Balraj, Dr. G. Madhumita, Dr. K. Stephen Sudhakar, Dr. S. Rajalakshmi, Dr. D. Thamizhselvi, and Dr. J. Jefila, shared their insights, making the event a vibrant platform for collaborative learning and discussion.

Additionally, a quiz competition for postgraduate students was conducted, fostering a spirit of inquiry and knowledge sharing.

Aravind-Madurai, 19^th May 2025

In association with Aravind-Madurai, the Smart Vision Glasses Distribution Programme was organised by the Administrator General and Official Trustee of Tamil Nadu.

The Chief Guest, Hon’ble Justice R. Vijayakumar, Judge, High Court of Madras, graced the occasion. Dignitaries present included, Justice D. Lingeshwaran, Administrator General and Official Trustee of Tamil Nadu, Dr. R.D. Ravindran, Chairman, AECS, Dr. R. Kim, CMO, Aravind-Madurai, Dr. P. Vijayalakshmi, Senior Medical Consultant, Vision Rehabilitation Centre & Paediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus Services, Aravind-Madurai, Dr. N. Venkatesh Prajna, Chief, Cornea and Refractive Surgery Services, Aravind–Madurai, Dr. R. Krishnadass, Senior Medical Consultant, Glaucoma Service, Aravind-Madurai; and Dr. B. Sahithya, HOD, Vision Rehabilitation Clinic, Aravind-Madurai.

During the event, 30 Smart Vision Glasses were distributed to 30 beneficiaries, including, 14 students,3 job seekers, 4 TNPSC exam aspirants,1 finance consultant, 1 hospital assistant, 4 teachers, salesperson and 2 clerks

Aravind-Salem, 12-13 May 2025

As part of its ongoing commitment to excellence in eye care delivery, Aravind-Salem conducted a Seva Audit of Vision Centres at Omalur and Mecheri on 12^th May 2025, and at Thalaivasal and Harur on 13^th May 2025. The purpose of the visit was to ensure that all Vision Centres continue to uphold the highest standards of community eye care service.

The audit team, led by Sarath, Optometrist, LVPEI and Niranjan Kumar, Manager, Vision Centre, LVPEI, conducted a thorough assessment of each centre, reviewing performance from inception to the present. This comprehensive evaluation covered service delivery, patient outreach, quality of care, and operational efficiency.

Aravind-Salem, 28^th April – 21^st May 2025

Temesgen from Ebser Eye Hospital, Zanzibar, Tanzania, participated in a three-week observational training programme at Aravind-Salem. During his stay, he observed the functioning of all non-clinical departments, gaining comprehensive exposure to hospital administration, patient counselling, medical records, outpatient coordination, stores and procurement, housekeeping, biomedical maintenance, IT systems, finance, human resources, and optical and pharmacy operations.

At the conclusion of his visit, Temesgen delivered a formal presentation summarising his key learnings and takeaways. He highlighted the best practices and systems he plans to implement at Ebser Eye Hospital and shared insightful comparisons, offering suggestions for mutual learning and potential future collaboration.

New Delhi, 13-15 June 2025

Aurolab participated in the 75^th Annual Conference of the Delhi Ophthalmological Society (DOS), held at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. At Booth No. 6, Aurolab showcased its latest ophthalmic solutions and connected with professionals from across the ophthalmic community.

During the scientific sessions, Aurolab hosted live surgical demonstrations showcasing the clinical performance of its intraocular lenses and delivery systems. Dr. Piyush Kapur demonstrated the implantation of Aurolab Vivid and Essence Toric IOLs using the Hummingbird Lite system, while Dr. Vivek Sharma presented a live implantation of the Aurolab Essence IOL using the same delivery system. Dr. Vivekanandan, Medical Consultant at Aravind Eye Hospital, Tirunelveli, shared his approach and expertise on modern solutions in complex cataract surgery.

During evidence-based discussions and clinical insight sessions, Dr. Rishi Raj Singh delivered a talk on the clinical perspectives and performance of the Aurolab Vivid CFV IOL, while Prof. Dr. Sumit Sachdeva presented on clinical outcomes and the role of the Aurolab Dfine Multifocal IOL in promoting spectacle independence.

Aurolab also conducted a hands-on wet lab session, providing ophthalmologists with practical experience using its latest surgical technologies. The session was well-received, offering valuable insights into the application of Aurolab’s innovative solutions in ophthalmic procedures. This successful participation reaffirmed Aurolab’s leadership in ophthalmic innovation.

Aurolab, 17^th May 2025

The training and development team, Aurolab conducted a strategy session focused on digital marketing, benefiting 30 to 35 participants by enhancing their skills and knowledge in the evolving digital landscape. This training reflects Aurolab’s commitment to empowering its team with the latest marketing strategies to better serve its mission.

Aurolab, 29-30 May 2025

Aurolab conducted a comprehensive Equipment Training Programme to empower the equipment team and field staff with practical knowledge and operational skills. The training covered all aspects, from installation to maintenance, ensuring that the team is equipped to deliver excellence at every stage of service. This initiative reflects Aurolab’s commitment to quality and continuous learning, enabling the organisation to provide superior support and technical expertise to its customers.

Madhya Pradesh, 30^th May-1^st June 2025

Aurolab participated in the Sadguru Seva Sangh Conference held in Madhya Pradesh, where it showcased its latest ophthalmic products to eye care professionals. The event provided a valuable platform to connect with the ophthalmic community and share recent innovations.

Madhya Pradesh, 24-30 May 2025

At the request of the SEVA Foundation, Mohammed Gowth, Senior Faculty, LAICO, undertook an observation visit to the Vision Centres of Sadguru Netra Chikitsalaya, Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh. During the visit, he closely observed the functioning of the Vision Centres, including patient flow, clinical processes, supply chain management, and monitoring systems.

He also organised a health education programme, supported by the local Vision Centre coordinator, in one of the Vision Centre service areas to assess public awareness of eye health. He was joined by Birendra Pratap Singh, Clinical Manager of Vision Centres at Shroff Eye Hospital, Delhi, as well as Vijay Singh and Param from Sadguru Netralaya, Chitrakoot.

On the final day, Gowth had a debriefing session with Dr. Elesh Jain and the team at Sadguru Netralaya, where they discussed the Vision Centre model and insights gathered during the visit.

LAICO, 30^th May – 2^nd June 2025

LAICO has initiated a three-year capacity-building project in collaboration with Sightsavers to enhance eye care delivery in five underserved districts in India. One of the key activities is the District Planning Initiative, aimed at developing appropriate strategies and action plans to improve eye care service delivery. In this regard, a four-day workshop was organised by LAICO, bringing together representatives from Jeevan Jyoti Hospital, Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh, a representative from Sightsavers, and the DPM & DDPM from Jhabua, along with the LAICO team.

The workshop focused on areas such as public-private partnerships, outreach sustainability, improving surgery uptake, and quality and sterilisation standards.

In addition to classroom sessions, participants visited primary Vision Centres and secondary hospitals of similar size. They also attended an outreach camp to observe systems, processes, and best practices in service delivery. At the end of the programme, the Jeevan Jyoti Hospital team developed an action plan for the coming year.

Coimbatore, 9^th June 2025

Dr. P. Sangavi Samritha Selvi, Medical Consultant, Neuro-Ophthalmology Services, Aravind-Coimbatore, delivered an eye awareness talk at an Educative Session organised by the Rotary Club of Coimbatore West, held at Hotel Heritage Inn, Ramnagar. She shared valuable insights into the interconnection between brain and eye health. Her engaging and interactive talk helped the audience understand how, in many cases, visual symptoms are the earliest or only warning signs of brain disorders.

Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, 3-8 May 2025

Dr. P. Sundaresan, ICMR Emeritus Scientist, Department of Genetics, AMRF, presented a poster on “Functional Analysis of GUCY2D Mutant: An Intrinsic Cause of Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis” at the Annual Meeting of ARVO 2025, held in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. This year, the meeting was themed “i3: Imagining Innovation and Intelligence in Vision Science.”
Meanwhile, Sanil Joseph, Senior Faculty, LAICO, presented a poster titled “Enhancing Artificial Intelligence-Based Diagnosis of Diabetic Retinopathy via Universal Cross-Camera Image Adaptation” at the same meeting.