The Dr Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences (RPC), AIIMS New Delhi, has launched the Modulated Retina Training Program at the newly inaugurated National Retina Skill Development Centre, marking a significant step towards strengthening clinical capabilities in retinal healthcare across India.

Developed in partnership with the Roche India Healthcare Institute (RIHI), the initiative brings together the clinical and academic expertise of AIIMS with RIHI’s focus on health-system strengthening. The centre is designed to create a scalable platform for hands-on training, research and innovation in retinal diseases.

At the heart of the programme is the Retina Skill Lab CORE (Comprehensive Retinal Education), a state-of-the-art facility equipped with high-resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems, fundus cameras and specialised microscopes. 

The National Retina Skill Development Centre aims to train more than 100 ophthalmologists from public health systems over the next three years. The structured programme will comprise eight modules covering key aspects of retinal care, with a focus on translating clinical knowledge into practical capabilities.

Dr Radhika Tandon, Chief and Professor of Ophthalmology, Dr Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, AIIMS New Delhi, said strengthening retinal care requires not only medical expertise but also practical clinical skills and infrastructure.

“The need for strengthening retinal care capabilities is underscored by gaps in the availability of specialized expertise. Strengthening retinal care requires building clinical skills and practical capabilities alongside medical expertise. It requires skilled professionals who can identify disease early, diagnose accurately and deliver appropriate care,” she said.

Retinal disorders are among the leading causes of irreversible vision loss in India. The increasing burden of conditions such as diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration, combined with limited access to retina specialists and specialised infrastructure, has created a growing need for capacity building across the healthcare system.

According to the Vitreo-Retina Society of India (VRSI), there are around 1,700 retinologists in the country, a number that remains inadequate given the scale of retinal disease. 

Rajji Mehdwan, Director, Roche India Healthcare Institute (RIHI), and MD and CEO, Roche Pharma India, said, “Retinal diseases represent an invisible crisis for the country. Yet, India continues to face a significant gap in the availability of trained retina specialists and skilled professionals who can enable early detection and timely management. This is precisely where partnerships such as this with AIIMS can make a meaningful difference."

“As a trusted healthcare partner, RIHI is proud to collaborate with AIIMS to strengthen capabilities and elevate patient care across India. The National Retina Skill Development Centre is an important initiative to translate clinical excellence into skills at scale. We are proud to support an initiative that can strengthen India’s retinal care ecosystem and reduce the burden of preventable blindness,” Mehdwan added.