Aravind and Alcon Unveil New Retina Training Centre in India

Aravind Eye Care System and Alcon have launched the Aravind Alcon Global Centre of Excellence for Vitreoretinal Surgery Training in Coimbatore, India. The new centre, following the successful Global Cataract Centre of Excellence in 2024, aims to address the critical lack of retina care specialists globally. It will provide advanced retina training to ophthalmologists, focusing on regions with limited access to quality eye care.

Designed as a global training hub, the centre combines hands-on surgical training with virtual education. It features a state-of-the-art wet laboratory and plans to train about 60 participants annually. This initiative is expected to broaden access to retina care, particularly in underserved areas of Africa, Latin America, and Asia.

The Centre emphasizes building long-term healthcare capacity, aiming to better patient outcomes worldwide. Dr. Narendran of Aravind Eye Care highlights the importance of skilled retinal surgeons amid rising retinal disease instances. Alcon's Raj Narayanan underscores the ongoing commitment to enhance global eye care through world-class training.