**Executive Summary**
The Department of Ophthalmology at Army Hospital (Research & Referral), in collaboration with the All-India Ophthalmological Society, will host India’s first International Ophthalmology Research Conference (AIOS-AFOU 2026) on May 09 and 10, 2026. Inaugurated by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi, the event aims to foster civil-military cooperation and showcase the latest advances in the field. The conference serves as a critical academic platform for young ophthalmologists to learn from global experts and military specialists.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Event Overview and Significance**
* The event, titled AIOS-AFOU 2026, marks the first international-level ophthalmology research conference held in India.
* The conference is characterized by its Tri-service nature, underscored by the attendance of the Chief of Defence Staff, the three Service Chiefs, and the Defence Secretary.
* The primary goal is to foster meaningful civil-military cooperation in the field of ophthalmology.
**Participants and Faculty**
* The conference brings together nearly 200 renowned ophthalmologists from across India alongside top military eye specialists.
* More than 100 distinguished faculty members will attend from premier institutes, including AIIMS (New Delhi), PGI (Chandigarh), LV Prasad Eye Institute (Hyderabad), Sankara Netralaya (Chennai), and the Aravind Eye Care System.
* The event provides a dedicated platform for young serving ophthalmologists to showcase their skills and learn from industry experts.
**Technical and Research Focus**
* The program covers all major subspecialties and the latest advances in ophthalmology.
* International expert Prof. Harminder Singh Dua (UK) will share research on corneal anatomy (Dua's Layer) and chemical ocular injuries.
* International expert Dr. Colin Siang Hui Tan (Singapore) will present on retinal imaging, diabetic retinopathy, and AI-driven ophthalmic diagnostics.
**Impact Analysis**
**Young Serving Ophthalmologists**
**Impact**
They are provided with an inspiring platform to demonstrate their clinical skills and receive direct mentorship from global and national experts.
**Action Required**
Attend the two-day conference on May 09–10, 2026, to participate in academic updates and skill-sharing sessions.
**Military and Civil Eye Specialists**
**Impact**
The conference facilitates the exchange of specialized knowledge and fosters professional relationships between military and civilian medical sectors.
**Action Required**
Collaborate on research discussions and subspecialty updates to enhance the national standards of ophthalmic care.
**Ministry of Defence / Armed Forces Leadership**
**Impact**
The involvement of high-ranking officials reinforces the national importance of military medical research and the Tri-service medical character.
**Action Required**
Preside over the inauguration and provide the necessary institutional support to ensure the success of the first-of-its-kind international event.
Key Entities Referenced
AIOS-AFOU 2026: India’s first International Ophthalmology Research Conference, a two-day academic event aimed at fostering civil-military cooperation and showcasing advances in ophthalmic research.
Army Hospital (Research & Referral): The primary host institution, specifically its Department of Ophthalmology, representing the military medical sector's leadership in the event.
All-India Ophthalmological Society: The professional body collaborating with the military to host this international academic and research conference.
Shri Sanjay Seth: The Raksha Rajya Mantri (Minister of State for Defence) responsible for inaugurating the landmark international conference.
Ministry of Defence
Raksha Rajya Mantri to inaugurate India’s first
International Ophthalmology Research
Conference in New Delhi
Posted On: 08 MAY 2026 1:46PM by PIB Delhi
The Department of Ophthalmology at Army Hospital (Research & Referral), New Delhi, in collaboration
with All-India Ophthalmological Society, is set to host India’s first International Ophthalmology Research
Conference at Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantonment on May 09 & 10, 2026. This two-day academic
event, named All-India Ophthalmological Society - Armed Forces Ophthalmology Update (AIOS-AFOU
2026), will be inaugurated by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth. The Chief of Defence Staff, the
three Service Chiefs and the Defence Secretary will be in attendance, underscoring the national
importance & Tri-service character of the event.
The event will bring together nearly 200 renowned ophthalmologists from across the country alongside
the finest military eye specialists. It will cover the subject of ophthalmology comprehensively,
encompassing the latest advances across all major subspecialties. More than 100 distinguished faculty
drawn from AIIMS, New Delhi; PGI, Chandigarh; LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad; and Sankara
Netralaya, Chennai; Aravind Eye Care System among other institutes will attend the conference.
Two internationally acclaimed ophthalmologists - Chair & Professor of Ophthalmology at the University
of Nottingham, UK Prof Harminder Singh Dua and Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist & Clinician
Researcher at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore Dr Colin Siang Hui Tan - will also take part in the event.
Prof Harminder Singh Dua is renowned worldwide for his pioneering research in chemical ocular injuries
and his landmark discovery of the Dua's Layer, a paradigm-shifting contribution to corneal anatomy. Dr
Colin Siang Hui Tan heads the Fundus Image Reading Centre at the National Healthcare Group Eye
Institute, and is renowned for his expertise in retinal imaging, diabetic retinopathy, and AI-driven
ophthalmic diagnostics.
The conference would serve as an inspiring platform for young serving ophthalmologists from across the
country to showcase their skills and simultaneously learn from the experts of the craft. It aims to foster
meaningful civil-military cooperation in ophthalmology.
*****
VK/Savvy
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