Established by Aravind in partnership with Alcon, the new center will advance simulation-based learning and hands-on retinal surgical training

Coimbatore, 17th July 2026: Aravind Eye Hospital, Coimbatore, has inaugurated India’s first Global Center of Excellence in Retina at ARCORE – the Aravind Center for Advanced Ophthalmic Resources and Education.

Established and led by Aravind Eye Care System, ARCORE is dedicated to advancing ophthalmic education through structured surgical training, simulation-based learning and hands-on skill development. The new Global Center of Excellence in Retina builds on Aravind’s longstanding commitment to developing highly skilled eye-care professionals and supporting its mission to eliminate needless blindness.

The center has been developed in partnership with Alcon, extending a collaboration with Aravind that spans more than two decades. Through this partnership, ophthalmology residents and practising clinicians will have access to advanced dry-lab and wet-lab training designed to improve surgical readiness, precision and confidence.

The dry-lab facility will allow trainees to practise essential microsurgical skills in a safe and controlled environment using virtual-reality simulators, synthetic models, 3D-printed eyes and realistic surgical scenarios. These technologies closely replicate operating-room conditions and help participants strengthen hand-eye coordination, instrument handling and tissue manipulation before progressing to live surgery.

Dr. Narendran, Chief Medical Officer, Aravind Eye Hospital, Coimbatore, said : “Training has been central to Aravind Eye Care System’s mission of eliminating needless blindness from the very beginning. The opening of India’s first Global Center of Excellence in Retina at Aravind Eye Hospital, Coimbatore, is an important milestone in that journey.

“As retinal disease becomes a growing cause of vision loss in India and across the world, the need for skilled retinal surgeons has never been greater. This center will give the next generation of ophthalmologists a structured, hands-on pathway to master complex procedures with precision and confidence. Together with our partners, we will continue to strengthen eye care, improve patient outcomes and expand access to quality treatment.”

Mr. Raj Narayanan, Senior Vice President and President, International, Alcon, said : “For more than two decades, Alcon and Aravind have worked together to advance surgical education and strengthen eye care. The inauguration of the Global Center of Excellence in Retina marks an important step in our shared commitment to preparing the next generation of eye-care professionals through world-class training and capability building.

“We are proud to support Aravind in this initiative, which will help improve patient outcomes and expand access to high-quality eye care.”

The Chief Guest for the inauguration was Dr. (Prof.) S. Raja Sabapathy, Chairman, Ganga Hospital, Coimbatore.

The event was also attended by Dr. R. Kim, Director, Information Technology, and Chief Medical Officer, Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai; Dr. Aravind Srinivasan, Director, Projects, and Chief Medical Officer, Aravind Eye Hospital, Chennai; Dr. Venkatesh Prajna, Director, Residency Training, and Director, Fiances , Aravind Eye Care System, Chennai Dr. Narendran, Chief Medical Officer, Aravind Eye Hospital, Coimbatore; Dr. Kalpana Narendran, Chief of Cataract and Paediatric Services and Regional HR Director, Aravind Eye Hospital, Coimbatore; and Mr. Raj Narayanan, Senior Vice President and President, International, Alcon.

About ARCORE

ARCORE — the Aravind Center for Advanced Ophthalmic Resources and Education — is an Aravind Eye Care System initiative focused on advanced ophthalmic education and surgical skill development. Through simulation-based learning, dry-lab training, wet-lab practice and structured clinical education, ARCORE helps ophthalmologists develop the knowledge, precision and confidence required to deliver high-quality eye care.