India to Host First International Ophthalmology Research Conference in New Delhi

Sanjay Seth will inaugurate India’s first International Ophthalmology Research Conference in New Delhi on May 9 and 10, 2026.

The conference, titled All-India Ophthalmological Society – Armed Forces Ophthalmology Update (AIOS-AFOU 2026), will be organised by the Department of Ophthalmology at Army Hospital (Research & Referral) in collaboration with the All India Ophthalmological Society.

Why in News?

India is hosting its first international ophthalmology research conference focused on advanced eye care, medical research, military ophthalmology, and AI-driven diagnostics.

The event is significant because it brings together leading national and international eye specialists, researchers, defence medical experts, and healthcare institutions on a single platform.

Key Highlights of AIOS-AFOU 2026

Event Details

• Event Name: AIOS-AFOU 2026
• Venue: Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantonment
• Dates: May 9–10, 2026
• Organisers:
  • Army Hospital (Research & Referral)
  • All India Ophthalmological Society

High-Level Attendance

The conference will witness the presence of:

• Chief of Defence Staff
• Three Service Chiefs
• Defence Secretary
• Senior defence and medical officials

The participation highlights the tri-service and national importance of the event.

Focus Areas of the Conference

The conference will cover major advancements across various ophthalmology subspecialties.

Major Topics Expected to be Discussed

• Eye research and innovation
• Retinal imaging
• Artificial Intelligence in ophthalmology
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Corneal diseases
• Ocular injuries
• Advanced diagnostics
• Military ophthalmology

The event will also encourage knowledge exchange between civil and military healthcare experts.

Renowned Institutions Participating

More than 100 distinguished faculty members from top healthcare and medical institutions are expected to attend.

Key Participating Institutes

• AIIMS New Delhi
• Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research
• LV Prasad Eye Institute
• Sankara Nethralaya
• Aravind Eye Care System

Nearly 200 ophthalmologists from across India will participate in the event.

International Experts Joining the Conference

Two globally recognised ophthalmology experts will also participate.

Prof Harminder Singh Dua

Harminder Singh Dua is Chair and Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Nottingham, United Kingdom.

He is internationally known for:

• Research on chemical ocular injuries
• Discovery of “Dua’s Layer” in corneal anatomy

His work is considered a major contribution to eye science.

Dr Colin Siang Hui Tan

Colin Siang Hui Tan is Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore.

He is known for expertise in:

• Retinal imaging
• Diabetic retinopathy
• AI-driven ophthalmic diagnostics

Importance of the Conference

The event is expected to strengthen ophthalmology research and collaboration in India.

Key Objectives

• Promote medical innovation
• Encourage young ophthalmologists
• Improve military-civil healthcare cooperation
• Share global best practices in eye care
• Expand research and academic collaboration

The conference will also provide a learning platform for serving ophthalmologists from the Armed Forces.

Role of Artificial Intelligence in Eye Care

One of the major themes of the conference is the growing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in ophthalmology.

AI tools are increasingly helping doctors in:

• Early disease detection
• Retinal scanning
• Diabetic eye disease diagnosis
• Image analysis
• Faster screening processes

Experts believe AI can improve accessibility and efficiency in eye healthcare services.