Sanjay Seth inaugurates India's first International Ophthalmology Research Conference in Delhi
Synopsis
India's Armed Forces Medical Services crossed a historic milestone as Defence MoS Sanjay Seth inaugurated the country's first International Ophthalmology Research Conference, AIOS-AFOU 2026, at Delhi Cantonment — uniting over 200 civil and military eye specialists, two globally acclaimed researchers, and all three Service Chiefs on a single academic platform.
Key Takeaways
Defence MoS Sanjay Seth inaugurated AIOS-AFOU 2026 — India's first International Ophthalmology Research Conference — on 10 May 2026 at Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantonment .
Nearly 200 ophthalmologists from civil and military institutions are participating in the two-day event, concluding 11 May 2026 .
The three Service Chiefs and the Defence Secretary are in attendance, reflecting the event's national and tri-service significance.
International experts Professor Harminder Singh Dua (University of Nottingham, UK) and Dr Colin Siang Hui Tan (Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore) were felicitated at the conference.
Over 100 faculty from institutions including AIIMS , PGI Chandigarh , LV Prasad Eye Institute , and Aravind Eye Care System are participating.
Vice Admiral Arti Sarin , Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services, said the event would set a new benchmark for ophthalmology conferences in India.
Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth on Saturday, 10 May 2026, inaugurated India's first International Ophthalmology Research Conference at Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantonment, co-hosted by the Department of Ophthalmology at Army Hospital (Research & Referral), Delhi. The two-day event, named AIOS-AFOU 2026, brings together nearly 200 renowned ophthalmologists from across the country alongside top military eye specialists to advance civil-military cooperation in ophthalmology.
What AIOS-AFOU 2026 Is About
The conference is being organised in collaboration with the All-India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS) and is scheduled to conclude on Sunday, 11 May 2026. It marks a historic first for the Armed Forces Medical Services, creating a shared academic platform for military ophthalmologists and civilian experts focused on cutting-edge ophthalmic research, innovation, and clinical excellence.
The event carries significant institutional weight, with the three Service Chiefs and the Defence Secretary in attendance, underscoring its national importance and tri-service character.
What the Minister Said
Addressing the gathering, Seth commended the Armed Forces Medical Services, the Army Medical Corps, and the All-India Ophthalmological Society for their commitment and service to the nation. Invoking the spirit of 'Nar Seva Narayan Seva', he emphasised the role of doctors and healthcare professionals in nation-building and humanitarian service.
Distinguished Faculty and International Experts
More than 100 faculty members from premier institutions — including AIIMS, New Delhi; PGI, Chandigarh; LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad; Sankara Netralaya, Chennai; and Aravind Eye Care System — are participating in the conference.
Two internationally acclaimed ophthalmologists are also in attendance. Professor Harminder Singh Dua, Chair and Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Nottingham, UK, is globally recognised for his pioneering research in chemical ocular injuries and his landmark discovery of Dua's Layer, a paradigm-shifting contribution to corneal anatomy. Dr Colin Siang Hui Tan, Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist and Clinician Researcher at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, 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. Seth felicitated both experts at the event.
Armed Forces Medical Leadership Speaks
Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services, highlighted the pivotal role of research and academic collaboration in elevating standards of military medicine. She expressed confidence that AIOS-AFOU 2026 would set a new benchmark for ophthalmology conferences in India.
What the Conference Covers
The two-day programme comprehensively covers ophthalmology, including the latest advances across all major subspecialties. With civil and military expertise converging under one roof, the conference is expected to generate research collaborations that could strengthen eye care delivery for both defence personnel and the wider population. Outcomes and recommendations from the meet are likely to inform future policy within the Armed Forces Medical Services.
Point of View
Civil and military medical expertise have operated in parallel silos; a platform that brings AIIMS faculty alongside Army ophthalmologists and international researchers has genuine potential to accelerate knowledge transfer. The presence of all three Service Chiefs is a strong institutional endorsement, but the real measure of success will be whether the collaborations forged here translate into improved eye care protocols for defence personnel and veterans. India's military healthcare system has historically been under-studied in public discourse; events like this, if they generate published research, could change that.
NationPress
8 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AIOS-AFOU 2026?
AIOS-AFOU 2026 (All-India Ophthalmological Society – Armed Forces Ophthalmology Update 2026) is India's first International Ophthalmology Research Conference, held on 10–11 May 2026 at Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantonment. It is co-organised by the Department of Ophthalmology at Army Hospital (Research & Referral) and the All-India Ophthalmological Society.
Who inaugurated the ophthalmology conference in Delhi?
Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth inaugurated the conference on 10 May 2026. The event also saw the three Service Chiefs and the Defence Secretary in attendance.
Who is Professor Harminder Singh Dua and why is he significant?
Professor Harminder Singh Dua is Chair and Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Nottingham, UK. He is globally renowned for discovering Dua's Layer, a previously unknown layer in the human cornea, which is considered a landmark contribution to corneal anatomy.
What topics does the conference cover?
The two-day conference comprehensively covers all major ophthalmology subspecialties, including the latest advances in retinal imaging, diabetic retinopathy, AI-driven ophthalmic diagnostics, and corneal research, with faculty drawn from leading Indian and international institutions.
What role does Vice Admiral Arti Sarin play in this event?
Vice Admiral Arti Sarin is the Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services. She addressed the conference and expressed confidence that AIOS-AFOU 2026 would set a new benchmark for ophthalmology conferences in India, emphasising the importance of research and academic collaboration in military medicine.
