Aravind-Pondicherry, 24^th May 2026

The CME was an enriching day of learning and discussions focused on empowering ophthalmologists with essential oculoplasty skills. The sessions featured practical workups and surgical approaches to ptosis, along with overviews of ectropion, entropion, and eyelid laceration repair. A Kahoot Quiz was also conducted during the programme. Dr. Dania won the first prize, while Dr. Vinduja and Dr. Sahla secured the second and third prizes respectively.

Aravind-Coimbatore, 16-17 May 2026

After a decade, Update on Neuro-Ophthalmology (UNO 2.0) was conducted at Aravind-Coimbatore with the theme, “Clarifying the Blurry Lines.” The programme featured sessions by three international faculty members from the USA and Singapore, along with four national faculty from renowned institutions across India. Multidisciplinary experts, including radiologists, endocrinologists, and neurologists, further enriched the academic gathering.

Interactive flipped classrooms, Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) sessions, and Kahoot quizzes kept the audience actively engaged, with winners receiving Aravind textbooks as prizes.

The meeting was guided and inspired by Dr. G. Natchiar, Director Emeritus, AECS, who was present throughout the occasion. Creative additions such as the Neuro Pixel photo booth, the AOP Corner featuring pictures that told neuro stories, and Cortex Comments, an innovative feedback initiative, added a unique touch to the event. The 30-second PG fun videos announcing coffee breaks brought energy and humour to the academic sessions. The enthusiastic response to the Aravind book stall further reflected the spirit of learning and collaboration.

UNO 2.0 proved to be both a memorable and enriching experience for all participants. The one-and-a-half-day programme received an overwhelming response, with 257 registrations and 221 delegates attending the meeting.

Aravind-Thanjavur, 15^th May 2026

Conducted with the objective of fostering a safe, respectful, and supportive workplace environment, the programme featured an interactive session by Chandra, Inspector of Anti Child Trafficking Unit, Thanjavur. She created awareness about women’s rights, workplace safety measures, the prevention of harassment, and the importance of mutual respect and responsibility. Staff members actively participated in the session, which encouraged open discussion and interaction.

Aravind-Madurai, 6-15 May 2026

Janakiamma Crèche, Aravind-Madurai, organised a nine-day summer camp for the children of staff members, creating a valuable and enjoyable learning experience. The camp featured a variety of fun-filled and engaging sessions such as science experiments, a mobile planetarium visit, chess training sessions, games, tree walk activities, music classes, art and craft workshops, bird water feeder making, Madhubani art, grid art, stone art, and storytelling activities.

As part of the camp, the children were also taken on educational visits to Keeladi, Kalaignar Centenary Library, and Aurofarm. They had opportunities to swim, trek, go on nature walks, and learn about the ecosystem. The camp helped the children develop public speaking skills, self-reliance, teamwork, and friendship. They also learned fireless cooking and participated enthusiastically in group activities.

During the valedictory session, the children showcased their talents through singing, dancing, and drama performances. Overall, “Kodai Kondatam” gave the children a memorable and enriching experience.

Aravind-Madurai, 16^th May 2026

The 9^th Retinoblastoma Awareness Day programme was conducted at Aravind-Madurai with various awareness events. A human chain was organised from Anna Bus Stand to Aravind Eye Hospital to raise awareness about retinoblastoma. The event was flagged off by S. Vanitha, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Madurai.

Later, the Survivors’ Meet, held at the AMRF building, began with Dr. Usha Kim, Chief, Orbit, Oculoplasty, Ocular Oncology & Ocular Prosthetic Services, Aravind-Madurai, welcoming the retinoblastoma survivors and their parents. She thanked the staff members, the genetic research team, and the supporting organisations for their dedicated work towards the well-being of the patients. She also remembered the contributions of Dr. P. Namperumalsamy, Chairman Emeritus, Aravind Eye Care System (AECS), and Dr. V.R. Muthukaruppan, Advisor, Aravind Medical Research Foundation (AMRF), whose efforts greatly strengthened genetic research in retinoblastoma.

A connection game was conducted for the parents of retinoblastoma survivors. Dr. R. Kim, CMO, Aravind-Madurai, Dr. R.D. Ravindran, Chairman, AECS, and other senior members were present on the occasion.

Several activities were organised for the children, including a drawing session, a mobile planetarium visit, and a career guidance session. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, followed by lunch for all the participants.

Aravind-Coimbatore, 23^rd May 2026

The World Retinoblastoma Awareness Week celebration at Aravind-Coimbatore marked its 10th year with great enthusiasm and participation. An awareness programme was organised, beginning with a welcome address by Dr. Parag K. Shah, Chief, Paediatric Retina and Ocular Oncology Services, Aravind-Coimbatore.

Dr. Ninan Jacob, Paediatric Retina Fellow, explained the various groups and stages of retinoblastoma and discussed the available treatment options. Dr. Kavitha Yuvarajan, Medical Consultant, Orbit, Oculoplasty & Ocular Oncology Services, Aravind-Coimbatore, gave a detailed presentation on customised prosthetic fitting. Jaisree from the Research Department delivered a talk on the genetics of retinoblastoma and clarified the doubts raised by parents.

Children were provided with school bags, water bottles, caps, colourful notepads, crayons, chocolates, and balloons. Dhivya, Welfare Coordinator, engaged the children through games and interactive activities. The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. S. Prema, Medical Consultant, Paediatric Retina and Ocular Oncology Services, Aravind-Coimbatore. The programme concluded with a delicious lunch for all attendees.

A total of 400 participants, including 97 enthusiastic retinoblastoma survivors and their families, attended the function. Patients were also registered for vision and refraction assessments, followed by consultations with doctors for fundus and orbit examinations for those in need.

Aravind-Salem, 8^th May 2026

A new surgical machine was inaugurated at the LASIK OT Services of Aravind-Salem to provide advanced vision correction treatment for patients. The Cornea and LASIK team played a vital role in successfully establishing and launching the OT services.

Aravind-Madurai, 4-8 May 2026

Dr. Bipin Bista, Consultant Ophthalmologist at Narayana Eye Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal, attended a five-day Ophthalmic Instrument Maintenance course held at Aravind-Madurai. He received hands-on training in the use and maintenance of the Streak Retinoscope, Direct Ophthalmoscope, Indirect Ophthalmoscope, Slit Lamp, and the calibration of the Applanation Tonometer and Keratometer.

Basic care and maintenance of the Surgical Microscope, Phaco machine, Vitrectomy machine, NCT, and OCT were also explained to him. In addition, a session on sharpening surgical instruments was conducted. The course also provided him with a small set of tools.

Aravind – Salem, 5^th May 2026

World Hand Hygiene Day was observed at Aravind-Salem with a focus on creating awareness about the importance of proper hand hygiene in preventing infections and promoting overall health. Educational videos on hand hygiene were screened for patients in the waiting area. Staff members also provided direct demonstrations on correct handwashing techniques and interacted with patients to reinforce the importance of maintaining good hand hygiene.

Aravind-Chennai, 7^th April 2026

The workshop focused on strengthening sterilisation processes and enhancing the monitoring of infection control practices across all centres. A key priority was ensuring strict adherence to standardised sterilisation protocols and establishing a structured system for periodic OT and CSSD audits.

The workshop introduced periodic audits aimed to identify gaps in current sterilisation practices, reinforce and standardise CSSD procedures, ensure uniform implementation of protocols, develop a comprehensive audit checklist, and form dedicated teams to carry out systematic CSSD audits. The programme brought together 40 participants, including doctors, AOPs, microbiologists, and managers from various Aravind tertiary centres in Chennai, Madurai, Pondicherry, Coimbatore, Salem, Tirupati, Thanjavur, and Theni.

Aravind- Coimbatore, 22^nd April 2026

Aravind-Coimbatore has initiated a three-phase parenting workshop series comprising separate sessions for parents and children, followed by a joint session for both. The first session, focused on parenting awareness for AOPs and administrative day scholar staff members, has been successfully completed. The programme aimed to strengthen parent-child relationships through effective communication and practical parenting approaches. The session was facilitated by Priya Senthil, a motivational speaker, confidence coach, and corporate trainer. A total of 24 parents participated in the session.

Aravind-Coimbatore, 20^th April 2026

The objective of the half-day CPE programme was to strengthen professional skills, enhance safety awareness, and promote overall well-being. The programme began with Vignesh, Transport Manager, sharing insights into the day-to-day operations of the transport system. Sambamoorthy, Force Territory Service Manager, along with Asam Moheem, conducted the technical training sessions, while Umapriya, HR Manager, led a session on Genesis and women’s safety awareness. Additionally, a video presentation highlighted the importance of timely intervention in restoring vision. A total of eight drivers participated in the programme.

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.

Aravind-Pondicherry, 24-25 April 2026

The CPE for managers of Aravind Eye Hospitals featured a range of insightful sessions conducted by both internal and external resource persons.

The programme commenced with a welcome address by Dr. R. Venkatesh, CMO, Aravind-Pondicherry, followed by a keynote address by Thulasiraj Ravilla, Director – Operations, AECS, who highlighted gaps in current practices and emphasised the need to eliminate waste. Varun Dubey, CEO, SuperHealth, Bengaluru, led a session on “Patient-Centred Care: Designing Systems Around Patients’ Needs and Expectations.” This was followed by a fireside chat featuring Thulasiraj Ravilla and Dhivya Ramasamy, Executive Director, LAICO, in conversation with Varun Dubey. Dr. Anna George, Head – Quality, Aster DM Healthcare, India, delivered a virtual session on “Driving Quality in Healthcare: From Intent to Impact.”

Subodh Satyawadi, Senior President, EMRI, Telangana, conducted a session on “Effective Operational Practices in Healthcare Organisations,” followed by a Q&A session. Additional sessions were facilitated by internal experts, including Dr. S. Aravind, CMO, Aravind-Chennai, B. S. Ganesh Babu, Senior Faculty, LAICO, Syed Ali, Senior Faculty, LAICO, and Vadamalayappan from Aurolab.

Aravind-Salem, 26^th April 2026

Organised by Aravind-Salem, the event focused on outreach activities, collaboration, and strengthening sponsorship initiatives. The event began with a welcome address by Boopathi, Camp Manager, while Dr. Sankar, Camp Medical Officer, presented the outreach performance. This was followed by a group photo session and a hospital tour conducted by the outreach team.

The key segment of the programme was a live discussion session led by Dr. B. Manohar Babu, CMO. Aravind-Salem. He highlighted communication received from Dr. G. Natchiar, Director Emeritus, AECS, regarding the changing scenario and emphasised several focus areas: identification of new sponsors, development of new publicity strategies, emphasis on comprehensive eye care, motivating both current and next-generation sponsors, and implementing a mentorship model.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mohanasundarajan, VC Coordinator. The event ended with lunch, providing an opportunity for informal interaction and networking. A total of 94 individuals from 45 organisations participated in the event.