#India #Coimbatore #Alcon #Aravind Eye #Retina Training

New Global Centre of Excellence for Retina Training in Coimbatore

On July 24, 2026, the Aravind Eye Care System collaborated with Alcon, a global leader in eye care, to establish the Aravind Alcon Global Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Vitreoretinal Surgery Training in Coimbatore, India. This center aims to address critical gaps in global eye care by expanding access to quality retinal training. It is significant because retina care has lagged behind other areas of eye care due to a shortage of trained professionals, particularly in regions such as Africa, Latin America, and parts of Asia.

Building on the success of their earlier initiative, the Global Cataract Centre of Excellence launched in 2024, this CoE seeks to enhance surgical capabilities by offering advanced training to ophthalmologists. Equipped with a state-of-the-art wet laboratory dedicated to vitreoretinal training, the centre will initially accommodate approximately 60 participants per year and will also offer virtual fellowship programs to extend its reach internationally.

Mr. Raj Narayanan, Senior Vice President and President of Alcon International, highlighted the longstanding partnership between Alcon and Aravind as a foundation for advancing surgical education globally. He stated, "The inauguration of this new Global Centre of Excellence in Retina marks an important step in our shared commitment to developing the next generation of eye care professionals through world-class training."

Dr. Narendran, Chief Medical Officer at Aravind Eye Care Hospital, emphasized the role of training in their mission to eliminate unnecessary blindness. He remarked, "This comes at a critical time as retinal disease is becoming increasingly common, and the need for skilled retinal surgeons continues to grow. The center provides the next generation of ophthalmologists with structured, hands-on pathways to master complex procedures."

The establishment of this centre is vital as retinal diseases are among the leading causes of vision loss worldwide. The hands-on training provided will ensure that ophthalmologists have the practical experience necessary to tackle increasingly complex cases. Moreover, by adopting a hybrid training model that includes both in-person workshops and virtual learning opportunities, the Centre aims to enhance the overall capacity of healthcare professionals and improve patient care.

Alcon’s dedication to eye care spans over 75 years and reaches more than 260 million people in over 140 countries. Enabling better vision and life quality through innovative products and partnerships with eye care professionals is at the core of their mission. The new CoE aligns with these objectives by offering comprehensive, state-of-the-art training designed to meet the growing demands for retinal specialists.

In conclusion, the launch of the Aravind Alcon Global Centre of Excellence marks a significant milestone in the push for improved eye care, particularly in underserved regions. By equipping ophthalmologists with advanced skills and knowledge, the partnership between Aravind and Alcon reinforces a commitment to better patient outcomes and increased accessibility to essential eye care services. This initiative not only strengthens healthcare capabilities but also sets a benchmark for global collaborations in medical education and training.