COIMBATORE, India, July 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Aravind Eye Care System and Alcon, Global Leader in Eye Care today announced the launch of the Aravind Alcon Global Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Vitreoretinal Surgery Training in Coimbatore. Building on the successful launch of the Global Cataract Centre of Excellence in 2024, the new Centre marks the second phase of Aravind & Alcon's Partnership to address one of the most critical gaps in global eye care – access to retina training. The dedicated Vitreoretinal Centre of Excellence will strengthen surgical capability by equipping ophthalmologists with advanced retina training and expanding access to quality eye care in underserved regions.
While cataract care has scaled effectively, retina care remains limited due to a shortage of trained specialists, particularly across Africa, Latin America and parts of Asia. Established within Aravind Eye Care System, the Centre is designed as a global training hub that combines hands-on surgical training with scalable virtual education, focusing on practical surgical capability and long-term capacity building. The Centre also features a state-of-the-art wet laboratory for vitreoretinal training and will initially train approximately 60 participants annually, while also extending its reach through virtual fellowship programmes.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Raj Narayanan, Senior Vice President and President International, Alcon said,
Dr. Narendran, Chief Medical Officer, Aravind Eye Care Hospital, Coimbatore, said:
Aravind Eye Care System is recognised globally for delivering high-quality eye care alongside world-class medical education and knowledge transfer. The new Centre will advance vitreoretinal training by helping strengthen surgical capabilities and improve access to retina care across regions where specialist retina services remain scarce. By combining hands-on training with scalable virtual education, the initiative aims to build long-term healthcare capacity and support better patient outcomes worldwide.
Alcon helps people see brilliantly. As the global leader in eye care with a heritage spanning over 75 years, we offer the broadest portfolio of products to enhance sight and improve people's lives. Our Surgical and Vision Care products touch the lives of more than 260 million people in over 140 countries each year living with conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases and refractive errors. Our more than 25,000 associates are enhancing the quality of life through innovative products, partnerships with Eye Care Professionals and programs that advance access to quality eye care. Learn more at .
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