Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth inaugurated the AIOS–Armed Forces Ophthalmology Update 2026 at New Delhi on May 09, 2026. The two-day conference is being jointly organised by the Department of Ophthalmology, Army Hospital (Research & Referral), New Delhi, in collaboration with the All-India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS).
The event marks a historic first for the Armed Forces Medical Services, bringing together military ophthalmologists and eminent civilian experts from India and abroad on a common academic platform dedicated to cutting-edge ophthalmic research, innovation and clinical excellence.
Addressing the gathering, RRM lauded the dedicated efforts of the Armed Forces Medical Services, the Army Medical Corps and the All-India Ophthalmological Society for their unwavering commitment and selfless service towards the nation. Emphasising the spirit of ‘Nar Seva Narayan Seva’.
He highlighted the noble role of doctors and healthcare professionals in nation building and humanitarian service. “Indian ophthalmologists stand among the finest in the world. Their skill, dedication, and compassion have restored the gift of sight to millions - in our cities, our villages, and on our most challenging frontlines.
The men and women of our Armed Forces medical services carry that tradition forward with extraordinary commitment. This conference is a proud testament to what our doctors in uniform are capable of, and I have no doubt that Indian ophthalmology will continue to lead the world” said Shri Sanjay Seth.
He also praised the world-class ophthalmic equipment installed across Armed Forces hospitals, noting that the Indian military medical establishment was equipped with some of the most advanced diagnostic and surgical technologies available anywhere in the world.
He commended the futuristic approach of military medicine as visionary, adaptive, and deeply aligned with the nation’s ambition of becoming a global leader in healthcare. RRM highlighted the conduct of advanced surgical eye camps in eight different remote and border areas of India over the past sixteen months as a shining example of the Armed Forces’ commitment to serving the most underserved communities of the nation.
He stated that these camps had brought the light of sight to thousands of citizens living in India’s most challenging geographies, and that such service embodied the true spirit of the Indian soldier.The Raksha Rajya Mantri also complimented the recently inaugurated Advanced Centre of Ophthalmic and Visual Sciences at Army Hospital (Research & Referral), describing it as a world-class facility that would serve as a beacon of excellence in military eye care and a catalyst for cutting-edge research in the years to come.
During the event, RRM also felicitated internationally acclaimed ophthalmologists Prof Harminder Singh Dua, Professor of Ophthalmology, University of Nottingham, United Kingdom, renowned for his pioneering work in corneal sciences and the discovery of Dua’s Layer, and Dr Colin Siang Hui Tan, an expert in retinal imaging and AI-driven ophthalmic diagnostics, from Singapore.
In her address, Director General Armed Forces Medical Services, Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, highlighted the pivotal role of research and academic collaboration in elevating the standards of military medicine, and expressed confidence that AIOS-AFOU 2026 would set a new benchmark for ophthalmology conferences in the country.
The inauguration was graced by General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, and Shri Rajesh Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Defence.