Sanjay Seth Hosts AIOS–AFOU 2026 Conference; India’s Rise as Global Leader in Ophthalmic Care

“Indian ophthalmologists stand among the finest in the world. Their skill, dedication, and compassion have restored the gift of sight to millions — in our cities, our villages, and on our most challenging frontlines,” Shri Sanjay Seth said.

In a landmark moment for military medicine and ophthalmic sciences in India, Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth on Friday inaugurated the AIOS–Armed Forces Ophthalmology Update (AFOU) 2026 in New Delhi, bringing together some of the world's leading ophthalmologists, military medical experts and healthcare innovators on a single platform dedicated to advancing eye care, research and surgical excellence.

The prestigious two-day conference is being jointly organised by the Department of Ophthalmology, Army Hospital (Research & Referral), New Delhi, in collaboration with the All India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS). The event marks the first-ever large-scale academic collaboration between the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) and the country's premier civilian ophthalmology body, underlining India's growing stature in advanced ophthalmic medicine and military healthcare innovation.

The conference has attracted eminent experts from India and abroad and is focused on cutting-edge developments in ophthalmic surgery, retinal imaging, artificial intelligence-driven diagnostics, corneal sciences, combat eye trauma management and futuristic visual healthcare technologies.

Raksha Rajya Mantri Praises Armed Forces Medical Services

Addressing the gathering, Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth praised the unwavering dedication and humanitarian service of the Armed Forces Medical Services, Army Medical Corps and AIOS, highlighting their critical contribution to nation-building and public healthcare.

Invoking the spirit of "Nar Seva Narayan Seva," he said doctors and healthcare professionals embody one of the noblest forms of national service by restoring health, dignity and hope to millions.

"Indian ophthalmologists stand among the finest in the world. Their skill, dedication, and compassion have restored the gift of sight to millions — in our cities, our villages, and on our most challenging frontlines," Shri Sanjay Seth said.

"The men and women of our Armed Forces medical services carry that tradition forward with extraordinary commitment. This conference is a proud testament to what our doctors in uniform are capable of, and I have no doubt that Indian ophthalmology will continue to lead the world," he added.

India's Military Hospitals Equipped with World-Class Eye Care Technology

The Raksha Rajya Mantri also commended the advanced ophthalmic infrastructure established across Armed Forces hospitals, noting that India's military medical system now possesses some of the world's most sophisticated diagnostic and surgical technologies.

He described the Armed Forces' approach to medical innovation as futuristic, adaptive and aligned with India's ambition of becoming a global healthcare leader.

Experts attending the conference highlighted how military ophthalmology today incorporates cutting-edge technologies such as:

• AI-driven retinal diagnostics

• Advanced corneal imaging systems

• Robotic and minimally invasive eye surgeries

• Combat trauma eye reconstruction

• Precision laser-based procedures

• Tele-ophthalmology for remote regions

• High-resolution retinal scanning systems

The conference is also expected to deliberate on the growing role of artificial intelligence, machine learning and digital imaging in preventing blindness and improving early diagnosis of complex eye diseases.

Surgical Eye Camps in Border and Remote Areas Highlighted

A major highlight of Shri Sanjay Seth's address was his recognition of the Armed Forces Medical Services' humanitarian outreach initiatives in remote and border regions of India.

He noted that over the past sixteen months, advanced surgical eye camps had been conducted in eight remote and strategically challenging areas, bringing critical ophthalmic care to underserved populations living in difficult terrains.

"These camps have brought the light of sight to thousands of citizens living in some of India's most inaccessible geographies. This service truly reflects the spirit of the Indian soldier — protecting the nation while also serving humanity," he stated.

The outreach programmes are seen as part of a broader effort by the Armed Forces to expand healthcare access in frontier regions where specialised eye care facilities remain limited.

Advanced Centre of Ophthalmic and Visual Sciences Receives Praise

The Raksha Rajya Mantri also lauded the recently inaugurated Advanced Centre of Ophthalmic and Visual Sciences at Army Hospital (Research & Referral), describing it as a world-class institution that would become a centre of excellence in military ophthalmology and advanced visual sciences research.

The centre is expected to play a major role in:

• Combat eye injury management

• Ophthalmic research and innovation

• Training military ophthalmologists

• Advanced surgical interventions

• AI-enabled visual diagnostics

• Collaborative international research

Medical experts believe the facility will strengthen India's capability in specialised military eye care and position the country as a global hub for ophthalmic research and innovation.

Internationally Acclaimed Experts Honoured

During the inaugural session, Shri Sanjay Seth felicitated internationally renowned ophthalmologists for their contributions to global eye care and research.

Among those honoured were:

Prof Harminder Singh Dua

Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Nottingham, United Kingdom, globally recognised for his pioneering work in corneal sciences and the discovery of the now-famous Dua's Layer in the human cornea.

Dr Colin Siang Hui Tan

Leading retinal specialist and expert in AI-driven ophthalmic diagnostics from Singapore, known for his groundbreaking work in retinal imaging and digital ophthalmology.

Their participation underscored the conference's international significance and India's growing integration into the global ophthalmic research ecosystem.

Vice Admiral Arti Sarin Emphasises Research Collaboration

Director General Armed Forces Medical Services, Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, highlighted the importance of academic partnerships and medical research in advancing military healthcare standards.

She expressed confidence that AIOS-AFOU 2026 would establish a new benchmark for ophthalmology conferences in India by encouraging collaboration between civilian specialists, military doctors, researchers and healthcare innovators.

She said knowledge-sharing platforms such as these are essential for ensuring that India remains at the forefront of modern medical science and patient care.

Top Defence Leadership Attends Conference

The inaugural ceremony witnessed the presence of India's top military leadership, reflecting the strategic importance attached to advanced healthcare within the Armed Forces.

Dignitaries attending the event included:

• General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff

• General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff

• Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff

• Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, Chief of the Air Staff

• Shri Rajesh Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Defence

Their participation highlighted the increasing emphasis being placed on military medicine, medical preparedness and healthcare innovation within India's national security framework.

India Emerging as Global Hub for Ophthalmic Innovation

Medical experts believe AIOS-AFOU 2026 reflects India's emergence as a major global centre for ophthalmology, advanced eye surgery and healthcare innovation.

With a strong combination of skilled specialists, cutting-edge technology, large-scale outreach programmes and growing international collaboration, India is increasingly being recognised for its leadership in affordable, high-quality eye care.

The conference is expected to generate valuable collaborations, research initiatives and technological advancements that could shape the future of ophthalmology both in military and civilian healthcare sectors.