Chennai: More than 2,000 ophthalmologists, eye surgeons, researchers and vision care experts from across the world gathered in Chennai on Saturday as the two-day Indian Intraocular Implant and Refractive Surgery Convention (IIRSI) 2026 began, highlighting India’s growing role in advancing ophthalmic surgery through innovation, research and global collaboration.The country’s premier scientific conference on eye surgery was inaugurated by the Tamil Nadu governor, Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar. The event was organised by the Intraocular Implant and Refractive Society of India (IIRSI), the convention features over 250 speakers, more than 500 scientific sessions and nine wet lab programmes, offering one of the largest platforms for knowledge exchange and hands-on surgical training in ophthalmology.The conference covers the latest developments in cataract, refractive surgery, cornea, retina, myopia and comprehensive ophthalmology through live surgical demonstrations, international faculty lectures and discussions on emerging technologies and complex clinical cases.Addressing the inaugural session, Governor Arlekar said India had established itself as a global hub for medical innovation, with Tamil Nadu playing a pivotal role in healthcare and medical education. “Bringing together leading experts from across the world, the convention provides an invaluable platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration and professional growth. The sharing of expertise at such gatherings will undoubtedly help advance ophthalmic care and benefit countless patients in India and beyond,” he said.Highlighting the significance of the event, IIRSI president Dr Jeewan Singh Titiyal said scientific collaboration was essential to improving eye care. The future of eye care lies in collaboration, innovation and continuous learning. He further added, “Bringing together distinguished experts and emerging professionals from across the globe, this convention serves as a powerful catalyst for scientific exchange and surgical excellence,”
