The 20th Annual VISION 2020 India Conference was successfully held by Sankara Eye Hospitals in partnership with VISION 2020 India. The event took place between 10 and 12 July in Bengaluru, bringing together prominent figures in the field of ophthalmology, including ophthalmologists, optometrists, public health experts, and policymakers. The conference served as a major platform for discussing the future of eye care in India.

Themed “Innovation, Collaboration and Impact in Eye Care – VISION for Viksit Bharat 2047,” the three-day gathering provided opportunities for knowledge exchange. It aimed to showcase innovative practices and collaborative efforts to eliminate avoidable blindness while ensuring equitable access to high-quality eye care across the nation.

Focus on Thematic Discussions and Leadership

The scientific programme included five thematic tracks, addressing key issues in eye care such as technological advancements, universal eye health collaboration, and quality improvement initiatives. These sessions highlighted emerging solutions, digital health innovations, and strategies for workforce development that are crucial for enhancing India’s eye care ecosystem.

A notable leadership session, chaired by Dr. Rajesh Saini, featured key speakers like Dr. R. V. Ramani, Peter Holland, and Heidi Chase. Former Indian cricket captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth also delivered a compelling session on leadership lessons drawn from sports, illustrating how teamwork and self-belief are crucial in both cricket and healthcare.

Significance of the Sankara Movement’s Milestone

This conference coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Sankara movement, marking an important milestone in community eye care in India. It recognised the five decades of dedicated service by the Sankara Eye Foundation India, which has focused on providing quality eye care to underserved populations through innovation and outreach.

Peter Holland, CEO of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, noted the evolution of eye health as a pivotal global concern, influencing various aspects of community participation and economic development. He cited the need for a unified effort in the eye care sector to eliminate avoidable blindness and improve access.

Dr. R.V. Ramani, a prominent figure in the movement, stated that achieving health goals requires collective leadership across various sectors, including healthcare and civil society. As Sankara marks its golden jubilee with over 3.3 million free eye surgeries, the focus will be on demonstrating what can be accomplished through collaboration and compassion.

Collective Commitments for the Future

The conference concluded with renewed commitments from the participants to foster innovation and collaboration within India’s eye care ecosystem. This involved discussions on artificial intelligence, digital health, and public-private partnerships aimed at strengthening eye care services across the country.

Mr. Gokul V Subramaniam, President of Intel India, remarked on the need for collective action and empathy to bridge gaps in essential services such as healthcare. Recognising the transformative potential of sustainable and purpose-driven leadership, he highlighted the role of organisations like Sankara Eye Foundation in this endeavour.

Founded in 1977 by Dr. R.V. Ramani and Dr. Radha Ramani, Sankara Eye Foundation India has evolved from a small primary healthcare centre into a significant entity with 14 speciality hospitals. Committed to enhancing the eye care delivery structure, the foundation continues to support various initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes across different demographic groups.

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