Alcon and Aravind: Expanding Access Through Education
October 1, 2026
time to read 5 minutes
Expanded access to quality eye care for patients starts with expanded access to quality surgical training and education for doctors. For more than 20 years, Alcon and Aravind Eye Care System have worked together to advance ophthalmic education and support the development of Eye Care Professionals. Together, Alcon and Aravind share a belief that strengthening clinical skills and expanding access to training can help build the capacity needed to meet growing patient needs today and in the future.
That commitment reached a new milestone in July 2026 with the launch of the Aravind Retina Centre of Excellence in Coimbatore, India, a dedicated training facility designed to expand retina education, facilitate knowledge exchange and provide hands-on learning opportunities for Eye Care Professionals in India and beyond.
As retinal diseases affect an estimated 11 million people in India,1 the need for specialized retinal care continues to grow. Addressing that need requires more than technology alone — it requires investing in the people who deliver care. Through advanced training programs, peer-to-peer learning and access to modern surgical techniques, the Retina Centre of Excellence is designed to help physicians strengthen their skills and bring high-quality retinal care to more patients and communities.
This focus on education builds on the success of a longstanding collaboration. In 2024, Alcon and Aravind launched the Global Centre of Excellence for advanced cataract surgery training, helping equip surgeons with the skills and technologies needed to deliver high-quality care. Since its launch, more than 580 doctors from 42 countries have participated in training opportunities designed to advance clinical expertise and improve patient outcomes.
The need for continued investment in workforce development remains significant. While demand for retinal services continues to increase, only an estimated 5% with many concentrated in major metropolitan areas.2 By expanding opportunities for education and hands-on learning, Alcon and Aravind are helping strengthen the clinical workforce needed to support more patients in more places.
"Training has always been one of the most powerful ways to create lasting impact in eye care. By combining Aravind's expertise in education with Alcon's innovation, we have an opportunity to strengthen clinical capabilities, expand access to specialized care and ultimately help more people preserve and restore their sight."
Dr. S. Aravind, Chief Medical Officer, Aravind Eye Care System
“As we approach World Sight Day, we celebrate the power of partnership, education and shared expertise to create a lasting impact. Through collaborations like Aravind, we continue to invest in the training, technology and knowledge exchange to build our vision for the world — one where eye care is accessible to all.”
Raj Narayanan, Alcon Senior Vice President, International
References
- BW Online Bureau, “Growing Threat Of Retinal Disorders: India Faces Alarming Rise In Vision Loss,” BW Healthcare World, September 25, 2024, https://www.bwhealthcareworld.com/article/growing-threat-of-retinal-disorders-india-faces-alarming-rise-in-vision-loss-534336.
- BW Online Bureau. “Growing Threat of Retinal Disorders: India Faces Alarming Rise in Vision Loss.” BW Healthcare World, September 25, 2024. https://www.bwhealthcareworld.com/article/growing-threat-of-retinal-disorders-india-faces-alarming-rise-in-vision-loss-534336.
