Roche India, AIIMS Delhi Launch National Retina Skill Development Centre to Train Ophthalmologists

Developed in partnership with the Roche India Healthcare Institute (RIHI), the platform created brings together the clinical and academic expertise available at AIIMS with RIHI’s commitment to health-system strengthening to create a scalable model for hands-on training, research and innovation in retinal diseases.

At the core of the Program is a state-of-the-art Retina Skill Lab CORE (Comprehensive Retinal Education), equipped with high-resolution OCTs, fundus cameras and specialized microscopes to enable modular retina training programs. The National Retina Skill Development Centre will aim to train over a hundred ophthalmologists from public health ecosystems over the next three years. Ophthalmologists will experience a structured training program packaged in eight modules. The system is designed to provide training to enable efficient early detection, diagnosis and management of retinal diseases.

Dr. Radhika Tandon, Chief, Professor of Ophthalmology, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, AIIMS New Delhi, said:

“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. The Modulated Retina Training Program at the National Retina Skill Development Lab, RP Centre, AIIMS will provide ophthalmologists with access to structured, hands-on training and advanced infrastructure, helping strengthen the availability of trained human resource to ensure quality and consistency of retinal care across the country. Our vision is to expand the skilled pool beyond specialist centers and equipping general ophthalmologists, particularly within the public health system, with practical capabilities to identify, diagnose and manage retinal diseases. This will help strengthen our health system at the grassroot and contribute to reducing preventable vision loss in India.”

Retinal disorders are among the leading causes of irreversible vision loss in India. The growing burden of these conditions, coupled with gaps in availability of retina specialists and infrastructure, underscores the need for greater capacity building in retinal care.

According to Vitreo-Retina Society of India (VRSI) , the largest body of retinologists in the country, there are only around 1700 retinologists in the country, which is inadequate to tackle the burden of disease. Medical retina training for disorders like Diabetic Retinopathy and Age Related Macular Degeneration will greatly enhance ability of general ophthalmologists in managing patients suffering from these retinal diseases across the country. The initiative reflects AIIMS New Delhi’s commitment to advancing clinical excellence and capacity building, while leveraging strategic partnerships to expand India’s health care facilities.

Rajji Mehdwan, Director, 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 a trained retina specialist and skilled professional 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.”