Aravind-Tirunelveli, 23^rd  July 2026

As part of its ongoing commitment to promoting the holistic development and mental well-being of its trainees, Aravind-Tirunelveli organised a session for the first batch of AOP trainees. The session was conducted by Lincemon Thomas, Counselling Therapist and Psychosocial Rehabilitation Consultant, and Founder and Director of Prathiksha Psychosocial Rehabilitation Centre, Tharuvai, Tirunelveli.  During the session, Lincemon emphasised that caregivers must prioritise their own emotional and mental well-being to provide compassionate and effective patient care. The session concluded with an interactive discussion, reflecting on various aspects of emotional health.

Aravind-Tirunelveli, 22^nd July 2026

The session was conducted for AOP trainees and employees of Aravind-Tirunelveli with the objective of promoting personal safety, cyber security, and emotional well-being. The session was led by Kalai Santhanmari, Sub-Inspector, Singappenn Special Task Force, Tirunelveli, who delivered an informative and engaging talk on various aspects of women’s safety. She also introduced participants to the Kaaval Uthavi App, explaining its features, emergency support services, and the importance of installing and using the app.

Sornalatha, a leading advocate, social activist, and external member of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), joined the programme online for a motivational session. She encouraged the participants to face challenges with faith, courage, and self-confidence.

Aravind-Salem, 20^th July 2026

The Diabetic Retinopathy Clinic was opened at Aravind-Salem with the objective of standardising comprehensive care for patients with diabetic retinopathy. The clinic carryout systematic documentation of treatment history, dietary history, and baseline clinical evaluation, along with essential retinal imaging, including fundus photography and other indicated investigations. The clinic was formally inaugurated by Dr. B. Manohar Babu. Following the inauguration, he distributed diabetic health charts to patients attending the clinic, encouraging them to actively monitor their condition and adhere to regular follow-up visits and treatment. This initiative marks an important step toward delivering structured, patient-centered diabetic eye care and improving long-term visual outcomes.

Aravind-Salem, 19^th July 2026

The Warrior Group was launched as a volunteer initiative to keep the campus clean, green, and free of plastic waste and litter.

The initiative was led by Dr. B. Manohar Babu, along with Sr. Prema, Sr. Mathumitha, Sr. Harini, Sr. Aalaya, Sr. Inthumathi, Sr. Rama Lakshmi, Sr. Pooja, and Keerthiga. To remove plastic waste, discarded paper, and other litter and to maintain a clean environment, volunteers dedicate one hour every Sunday to collecting scattered waste across the campus grounds. The team encourages everyone to reduce plastic use and support the effort to keep the campus clean and spotless at all times.

Aravind-Salem

As part of Aravind-Salem’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability, a Tree Plantation Drive was organised on the hospital campus during the visit of postgraduate doctors from Vinayaka Mission’s Kirupananda Variyar Medical College & Hospital (VMKVMCH), Salem, who were attending a training session at the hospital.

Aravind-Pondicherry, 19^th July 2026

The symposium aimed to advance participants’ knowledge of paediatric eye care and strabismus management. The programme featured insightful sessions on a range of topics, from the anatomy of extraocular muscles and advanced sensory evaluation to a spectacular 3D Surgical Video Masterclass. Attendees also had the opportunity to sharpen their skills through intensive hands-on wet and dry lab sessions.

Aravind-Madurai, 18^th July 2026

As part of the My Life My Pride initiative, AOPs who completed the tailoring training programme were awarded course completion certificates at a special event held at Aravind–Madurai. During the event, the participants proudly showcased the garments they had stitched, highlighting the skills they had acquired through the programme.

Aravind-Coimbatore, 18^th July 2026

As a flagship cataract education initiative, the Department of Cataract and IOL Services at Aravind-Coimbatore, in collaboration with Alcon, conducted the Surgical Skills Enhancement Programme. Designed to enhance cataract surgical skills through structured learning, teaching, and hands-on skill transfer, the programme featured focused academic sessions on the fundamentals of modern cataract surgery. Topics included the Aravind approach to high-volume cataract care, ocular biometry, phacoemulsification fluidics, management of soft and dense cataracts, and surgical strategies for eyes with extreme axial lengths.

The programme featured Surgical Pearls sessions, Round Table Interactive (RTI) discussions, a Live from the OT session, and a “What Would You Do?” session. Simultaneously, a hands-on wet lab provided supervised training in iris claw lens implantation and iris hook techniques. The programme brought together Medical Officers and Fellows from Aravind Eye Hospitals, along with consultants from various states who had previously participated in the Alcon Phaco Development Programme.

Aravind-Chennai, 14-18 July 2026

The sixth batch of Īkshana was conducted at the ARCORE Training Centre, Chennai. This five-day programme was designed to provide first-year postgraduate ophthalmology students with a comprehensive foundation in clinical ophthalmology, along with hands-on training to strengthen their diagnostic and surgical skills.

Sessions on various topics, including practical training in B-scan by Dr. Rashi, OCT by Dr. Sharon, visual fields by Dr. Anusha, gonioscopy by Dr. Pavithra, and indirect ophthalmoscopy and the Amsler grid by Dr. Siddhi, were conducted through demonstrations, image interpretation, and supervised hands-on practice. Participants also received hands-on training in SICS steps and biometry stations.

Dr. Haripriya, Chief, Intraocular Lens & Cataract Services, Aravind-Chennai, reviewed the participants’ SICS surgical videos and provided individualised feedback.

A total of 36 postgraduate students participated, representing a diverse range of institutions across India, including Uttar Pradesh, Puducherry, Mumbai, West Bengal, Ranchi, and Bengaluru, along with postgraduate students from Aravind-Chennai.

Aravind-Tirunelveli, 17^th July 2026

A motivational session titled “புதிய தொடக்கம், புதிய கனவு, புதிய சாதனை” was organised for the newly joined AOP recruits at Aravind-Tirunelveli.

The session was conducted by R. Ganesh, an inspiring motivational speaker, who encouraged the new recruits to view their journey at Aravind as the beginning of a meaningful and purposeful career. Through engaging stories, practical examples, and interactive discussions, he emphasised the importance of maintaining a positive attitude, setting clear goals, practising discipline, and developing self-confidence to overcome challenges. The session was highly interactive, with enthusiastic participation from the new AOP recruits.

Aravind-Coimbatore, 16^th July 2026

Aravind-Coimbatore, inaugurated the Aravind Centre for Advanced Ophthalmic Resources & Education (ARCORE), marking the culmination of a 22-year collaboration between Aravind and Alcon, with valuable support from ZEISS, EssilorLuxottica, and Aurolab.

The inauguration began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by the traditional lighting of the kuthuvilakku by Prof. Dr. S. Raja Sabapathy, Chairman, Ganga Medical Centre and Hospitals, and Rajkumar Narayanan, Senior Vice President and President – International, Alcon.

Dr. V. Narendran, CMO, Aravind-Coimbatore, welcomed the gathering. Senior leaders from AECS, including Dr. R. Kim, CMO, Aravind-Madurai, Dr. S. Aravind, Director – Projects, AECS, and Dr. Venkatesh Prajna, Director Finance, AECS, were also present. In his keynote address, Rajkumar Narayanan highlighted the strength of the long-standing partnership between Aravind Eye Hospital and Alcon. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Jebinth Brayan, Medical Consultant, Cataract & IOL Services, Aravind-Coimbatore.

ARCORE brings together the Phaco Development Programme (PDP) and the Vitreoretinal Development Programme (VRDP) under one roof, creating an integrated centre for comprehensive ophthalmic surgical training. The centre enables surgeons to refine their skills in a safe, simulation-based environment before operating on patients.

Aravind-Madurai, 12^thJuly 2026

A Bhoomi Pooja (groundbreaking ceremony) was held at the Karuppayurani site to mark the commencement of construction of the new Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai. The ceremony was attended by senior leaders of the Aravind, including Dr. P. Vijayalakshmi, Dr. M. Srinivasan, Director Emeritus, AECS, Dr. R.D. Ravindran, Chairman, AECS, Dr. G. Natchiar, Director Emeritus, AECS, Thulasiraj Ravilla, Director – Operations, AECS, Dr. S. Aravind, Dr. R. Kim, and other members of the Aravind family. The ceremony was conducted at two locations on the campus, one marking the future hospital building and the other the staff quarters. At the end, everyone had a fellowship meal and departed with a shared sense of hope and anticipation. The occasion symbolised the beginning of a new chapter, with the vision that the barren land would soon be transformed into a place of healing, hope, and compassionate eye care, serving countless people for generations to come.

Aravind-Pondicherry, 12^th July 2026

Aravind-Pondicherry hosted this collaborative initiative organised by Aurodhan and Aravind-Pondicherry, bringing together visionaries, institutional partners, and delegates to celebrate sustainability and innovation. This premier gathering featured an address by the esteemed Chief Guest, Padma Shri Arunachalam Muruganantham, a social entrepreneur from Coimbatore. From strategic panel discussions to the ‘Dolphin Pool’ start-up presentations, the festival showcased the immense potential of homegrown solutions in addressing global challenges.

Aravind-Tirupati, 12^th July 2026

As part of the APOS ARC programme, the workshop was conducted by Aravind-Tirupati.

The programme featured sessions on slit-lamp examination, indirect ophthalmoscopy, tonometry, and gonioscopy, presented by the senior internal faculty. Important diagnostic investigations across all subspecialties were discussed. There were eight stations covering the Humphrey Field Analyser, OCT-RNFL, OCT-macula, B-scan, FFA, Orbscan and Pentacam, Hess and diplopia charting, and IOL power calculation. Delegates were divided into small groups and rotated through these stations.

Most of the delegates were postgraduate students, giving them ample opportunity to interact with the faculty and understand the clinical applications of these investigations. An OSCE question display, with answers provided on the reverse side, was also arranged. A bookstall featuring Aravind publications was set up, and eight books were sold.

Aravind-Salem, 11^th July 2026

As part of the follow-up initiatives from the Sponsor Day Meet, the Camp Team from Aravind-Salem, commenced courtesy visits to the newly elected office bearers of Lions and Rotary Clubs for the 2026-2027 tenure. The initiative aimed to reinforce Aravind’s long-standing partnership with these service organisations in the shared mission of eliminating needless blindness through sustained community outreach.

The visiting team comprised Dr. B. Manohar Babu, Dr. R. Sankarananthan, Camp Medical Officer, Boopathi, Camp Manager, Mohanasundararajan, Camp Organiser, Jerin, Camp Organiser, and Arunarasan, Camp Organiser.

The team visited the Lions Clubs of Attayampatti, Paramathivelur, Dharmapuri, Sankagiri, and Palacode, as well as the Rotary Clubs of Dharmapuri and Attur Midtown.

Aravind-Coimbatore, 8^thJune 2026 – 22^nd June 2026

The Biomedical Engineering Department of Aravind-Coimbatore, organised a two-week Ophthalmic Equipment Internship Programme for Biomedical Engineering students of KPR Engineering College.  The programme provided students with practical training on the operation, preventive maintenance, equipment handling, quality assurance practices, hospital safety procedures calibration, and troubleshooting of various ophthalmic diagnostic and surgical equipment.

The internship helped students understand the practical applications of biomedical engineering in a healthcare environment and enhanced their technical skills, knowledge, and confidence in managing medical equipment.

Aravind-Tirunelveli, 6^thJuly 2026

The two-year training programme for newly recruited AOPs was formally inaugurated at Aravind-Tirunelveli. Dr. R. Ramakrishnan, Advisor, Aravind-Tirunelveli, delivered the inaugural address, congratulating the newly selected recruits. Dr. R. Meenakshi, CMO, Aravind-Tirunelveli, welcomed the participants to the training programme and spoke about its objectives and benefits. Dr. Padmavathy, Regional HR Director, Aravind-Tirunelveli, and Dr. Fathima, AOP In-charge, Aravind-Tirunelveli, delivered inspiring talks, emphasising Aravind’s values and culture. Additionally, a motivational video highlighting the importance of education was also screened. Superintendents, and Coordinators introduced themselves and assured the trainees of their support throughout the programme.

Aravind-Madurai, 5^th July 2026

The Refraction Department conducted a CME programme focusing on the importance of biometry, measurement techniques, clinical applications, and key learning points from incidents reported during the previous year.

Dr. Sivakumar, Senior Medical Officer, IOL Clinic, Aravind-Tirunelveli, served as the special mentor. Dr. Madhusekar, Chief, IOL Services, Aravind-Madurai, and Dr. Banumathi, Senior Consultant, IOL Clinic, Aravind-Madurai, shared valuable insights that enriched the session.

The programme featured engaging discussions and group activities that encouraged active participation and knowledge sharing. A Kahoot! quiz competition was also conducted, and the two top performers, Sr. Thanalakshmi, Aravind-Tuticorin, and Sr. Manju, Aravind-Chennai, were recognised for their outstanding performance. A total of 100 AOPs participated in the CME programme.

Aravind-Tirunelveli, 3^rd July 2026

Organised by Aravind-Tirunelveli, the programme on the Distribution of CVI Therapy Kits began with a welcome address by Dr.  Meenakshi, while Dr. Fathima, Medical Consultant outlined the objectives of the Vision Aid Project and explained the support being provided to children with Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI).

As part of the programme, 20 CVI Therapy Kits and five Video Pocket Magnifiers, sponsored by the Vision Aid Team, were distributed to children with CVI to support their learning, vision development, and daily living activities. Addressing the gathering, the chief guest, Dr. P. Vijayalakshmi highlighted the importance of early intervention, vision rehabilitation, and the use of assistive devices in improving the quality of life of children with CVI.

Following the distribution, Dr. P. Vijayalakshmi inaugurated the newly established Sensory Park. Sponsored by Aurolab, the park has been specially designed for children with visual impairment, CVI, and multiple disabilities. The Sensory Park features dedicated zones, including the Vision and Contrast Zone, Balance and Movement Zone, Orientation and Mobility Zone, Olfactory Zone, Auditory Experience Zone, and Tactile Exploration Zone. These interactive spaces are designed to promote visual attention, sensory integration, balance, movement, listening, tactile exploration, confidence, orientation and mobility, and independent living skills.

During the inauguration, Dr. P. Vijayalakshmi appreciated the initiative and emphasised the value of multisensory experiences in vision rehabilitation. The programme was attended by doctors, rehabilitation professionals, staff members, parents, and children.

Aravind-Madurai, 21^st June 2026

The Department of Vitreoretinal Services, Aravind-Madurai, conducted the CME, bringing together retina fellows, postgraduate students, and ophthalmologists. The programme was designed to provide advanced retinal education and enhance vitreoretinal surgical skills.

The event, themed “Learn the Art, Witness the Craft: Retina Surgery Redefined,” featured expert lectures on the management of complex retinal diseases. The sessions covered key topics, including macular holes, complex retinal detachments, vitreoretinal surgery, fibrovascular disorders, and open-globe injuries.

The lecture sessions were followed by a wet lab, where participants gained valuable hands-on experience in vitreoretinal surgical techniques under the guidance of experienced faculty.

Aravind-Chennai, 30^th June 2026

Organised by Aravind-Chennai, the workshop for AOPs and administrative staff was facilitated by Mohana Sundaram, Founder of Pupalife and a storyteller. He shared valuable insights Mohana Sundaram through the art of storytelling. The interactive sessions encouraged participants to strengthen their communication skills, think creatively, and express themselves with confidence. In view of the enthusiastic response, three additional batches have been scheduled for other AOPs and administrative staff members.