- Over 2,000 ophthalmologists are attending the two-day event
- Inauguration by Shri. M. Venkiah Naidu, Hon’ble Vice President of India
- Awards presented to distinguished Ophthalmologists
CHENNAI, 7th July, 2018 – The country’s biggest annual conference on eye surgery, titled “Indian Intraocular Implant and Refractive Surgery Convention 2018,” was inaugurated today by the Hon’ble Vice President of India, Shri. M. Venkiah Naidu. Dr. C. Vijaya Baskar, Hon’ble Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of Tamil Nadu and Mr D Jayakumar, Hon’ble Minister for Fisheries were the Guest of Honour. Awards were presented to Ophthalmologists, honouring their substantial work.
Over 2,000 ophthalmologists from around the world are participating in the two-day event held by the Intraocular Implant and Refractive Society of India (IIRSI) to showcase their skills and present the latest advancements in the field of ophthalmology, especially cataract and refractive surgery. A book titled, “Pre Descemets Endothelial Keratoplasty” written byProf. Dr Amar Agarwal, Chairman, Dr Agarwal’s Group of Eye Hospitals was released by Hon’ble Vice President on the occasion
Addressing the distinguished gathering, Shri. M Venkiah Naidu, the Hon’ble Vice President of India, said: “It gives me immense pleasure to be a part of the IIRSI convention and see thousands of doctors gathered here from across the globe to update themselves with latest advancements in eye care. Yet it is significant to note that one-third of 45 million blind people in the world are from India. As the studies warn that the number of blind people is set to triple, it is time for Ophthalmologists to look in to the concept of artificial intelligence, which is not new but growing exponentially over past many years.”
Speaking on the occasion Dr. C Vijaya Baskar, Hon’ble Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of Tamil Nadu added: “The State Government has taken various measures that could prevent and control blindness with knowledge and timely intervention. We have initiated various programs to eradicate preventable blindness. The State had been already made as the hub of Healthcare. However, according to the premeditated strategy on health care created by former Chief Minister, ‘Amma’, more efforts are taken to meet the target of ‘Vision 2020 India’. “
Prof. Amar Agarwal, Secretary General, IIRSI, said, “Every year, IIRSI is taking great strides in the field of ophthalmology by showcasing and honouring ophthalmic talent and creating a talent pool among the peers. It provides a platform to meet and greet opportunity to share knowledge that helps to bridge the talent gap. The amount of information shared is enormous. The aim is to promote advancements in ophthalmology among the medical fraternity and make our country a sought-after destination for eye care in the world.”
Other highlights of the event include a live surgery, hands-on Wet Lab session in which participants will get to practically learn a novel surgical technique involving the implantation of IOL in an eye that lacks the lens capsule. Some of the other program include poster competition, Ophthalmic photography competition and Ophthalmic premier league.
There is also a Film Festival to bring the essence of ophthalmic education to viewers through dozens of videos of surgeries relating to several specialties.
About Intraocular Implant and Refractive Society of India (IIRSI)
IIRS India was established in 1982 to create a platform for ophthalmologists across India for discussing the latest advancements in the field of ophthalmology, sharing their experiences in IOL implantation and LASIK & Refractive Surgery, and contributing to the treatment of preventive blindness. It also provides a forum for upcoming surgeons to keep themselves abreast with tackling challenging cases of cataract surgery. IIRSI also works to create public awareness about eyecare.
The annual IIRSI Convention also began in 1982. It focuses on teaching ophthalmologists latest techniques in eye surgery and treatment. Doctors have opportunities to learn and practice procedures. Ophthalmologists from across the country and abroad attend the event which showcases live surgeries, didactic lectures, and wet lab. Doctors present videos of their surgeries. Companies making ophthalmic instruments showcase the latest products at the venue.
