**Executive Summary**
On May 09, 2026, Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth inaugurated the two-day "AIOS-Armed Forces Ophthalmology Update 2026" in New Delhi. This historic collaboration between the Armed Forces Medical Services and the All-India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS) establishes a shared academic platform for military and civilian experts to advance ophthalmic research and clinical excellence. The event underscores India's commitment to humanitarian service and its ambition to become a global leader in advanced healthcare.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Event Collaboration and Purpose**
* The conference is a joint initiative by the Department of Ophthalmology, Army Hospital (Research & Referral) and the All-India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS).
* It serves as the first academic platform to bring together military ophthalmologists and eminent civilian experts from India and abroad.
* The focus is on cutting-edge research, innovation, and setting new benchmarks for military medicine.
**Technological Advancements**
* Indian military medical establishments are equipped with world-class diagnostic and surgical technologies that align with global standards.
* The recently inaugurated "Advanced Centre of Ophthalmic and Visual Sciences" at Army Hospital (R&R) is designated as a beacon of excellence for military eye care and research.
**Humanitarian Initiatives**
* Advanced surgical eye camps were successfully conducted in eight remote and border areas over the past 16 months.
* These initiatives have restored sight to thousands of citizens in the nation’s most underserved and challenging geographies.
**International Recognition and Leadership**
* The event featured the felicitation of international experts, including Prof. Harminder Singh Dua (UK) for corneal sciences and Dr. Colin Siang Hui Tan (Singapore) for retinal imaging and AI-driven diagnostics.
* The conference was attended by high-ranking officials including the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chiefs of the Army, Naval, and Air Staff.
**Impact Analysis**
**Military and Civilian Ophthalmologists**
**Impact**
They gain access to a unified platform for sharing expertise, pioneering research, and discussing innovations like AI-driven diagnostics.
**Action Required**
Participate in collaborative academic exchanges and apply advanced clinical findings to elevate the standard of eye care.
**Citizens in Remote and Border Areas**
**Impact**
Underserved communities benefit from specialized medical interventions and sight-restoration procedures through military-led surgical camps.
**Action Required**
Continue to engage with and utilize the humanitarian healthcare services provided by the Armed Forces Medical Services.
**Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS)**
**Impact**
The organization is positioned as a visionary leader in futuristic medicine, integrating world-class equipment and research facilities.
**Action Required**
Maintain the operational excellence of the newly inaugurated Advanced Centre of Ophthalmic and Visual Sciences and continue the rollout of remote surgical eye camps.
Key Entities Referenced
AIOS–Armed Forces Ophthalmology Update 2026: A collaborative academic conference bringing together military and civilian experts to focus on ophthalmic research, innovation, and clinical excellence.
Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS): The medical wing of the Indian military responsible for providing advanced healthcare and organizing specialized medical updates like the AIOS-AFOU.
All-India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS): The primary civilian professional organization collaborating with the military to advance ophthalmic sciences in India.
Army Hospital (Research & Referral), New Delhi: The premier military medical institution hosting the conference and housing specialized ophthalmic research facilities.
Advanced Centre of Ophthalmic and Visual Sciences: A recently inaugurated facility dedicated to military eye care and serving as a catalyst for cutting-edge ophthalmic research.
Ministry of Defence
RRM inaugurates AIOS - Armed Forces
Ophthalmology Update 2026 at New Delhi
Posted On: 09 MAY 2026 5:59PM by PIB Delhi
Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay inaugurated the AIOS–Armed Forces Ophthalmology Update 2026 at
New Delhi on May 09, 2026. The 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 a historic first for the Armed Forces Medical
Services, bringing together military ophthalmologists and eminent civilian experts from India and abroad
on a common academic platform dedicated to cutting-edge ophthalmic research, innovation and clinical
excellence.
Addressing the gathering, RRM lauded the dedicated efforts of the Armed Forces Medical Services, the
Army Medical Corps and the All-India Ophthalmological Society for their unwavering commitment and
selfless service towards the nation. Emphasising the spirit of ‘Nar Seva Narayan Seva’. He highlighted the
noble role of doctors and healthcare professionals in nation building and humanitarian service.
“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. 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” said Shri
Sanjay Seth. He also praised the world-class ophthalmic equipment installed across Armed Forces
hospitals, noting that the Indian military medical establishment was equipped with some of the most
advanced diagnostic and surgical technologies available anywhere in the world. He commended the
futuristic approach of military medicine as visionary, adaptive, and deeply aligned with the nation’s
ambition of becoming a global leader in healthcare.RRM highlighted the conduct of advanced surgical eye camps in eight different remote and border areas
of India over the past sixteen months as a shining example of the Armed Forces’ commitment to serving
the most underserved communities of the nation. He stated that these camps had brought the light of sight
to thousands of citizens living in India’s most challenging geographies, and that such service embodied the
true spirit of the Indian soldier.The Raksha Rajya Mantri also complimented the recently inaugurated
Advanced Centre of Ophthalmic and Visual Sciences at Army Hospital (Research & Referral), describing
it as a world-class facility that would serve as a beacon of excellence in military eye care and a catalyst for
cutting-edge research in the years to come.
During the event, RRM also felicitated internationally acclaimed ophthalmologists Prof Harminder Singh
Dua, Professor of Ophthalmology, University of Nottingham, United Kingdom, renowned for his
pioneering work in corneal sciences and the discovery of Dua’s Layer, and Dr Colin Siang Hui Tan, an
expert in retinal imaging and AI-driven ophthalmic diagnostics, from Singapore.
In her address, Director General Armed Forces Medical Services, Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, highlighted the
pivotal role of research and academic collaboration in elevating the standards of military medicine, and
expressed confidence that AIOS-AFOU 2026 would set a new benchmark for ophthalmology conferences
in the country.
The inauguration was graced by 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, and Shri Rajesh Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Defence.
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