The launch marks the second phase of a long-standing partnership between the two organizations, following the 2024 opening of a cataract-focused center. While cataract procedures have seen significant scaling globally, access to specialized retina care remains restricted in parts of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The new center aims to address this disparity by training approximately 60 participants annually, utilizing a state-of-the-art wet laboratory to refine surgical precision.

Rajkumar Narayanan, President of Alcon International, emphasized that the initiative is part of a two-decade-long commitment to developing the next generation of eye care professionals. Dr. Narendran, Chief Medical Officer at Aravind Eye Care Hospital, noted that the facility arrives as retinal disease becomes a leading cause of vision loss. By providing a structured, practical pathway for mastering complex surgeries, the center seeks to build long-term capacity in underserved regions and improve patient outcomes through sustained medical education.