Honorable Chief Guest Shri Bhajan lal Sharma ji, Chief Minister of Rajasthan.

Honorable Guest of Honors Prof. Tetsuro Oshika, President of the Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO)
And

Prof Peter McCluskey, President, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists
Dignitaries on the Dias-------------------

Office Bearers of AIOS, Members of AIOS Committees

Respected Past Presidents, Respected Seniors, Colleagues and My

Dear friends

It is both an honour and a privilege to stand before you today at the function of AIOC 2026. We gather here not only as professionals in ophthalmology, but as custodians of vision, of health, and of hope for millions across our nation. Each day, through our work we touch lives in ways that go far beyond medicine. When a patient regains sight, we are not just restoring vision. We are restoring dignity, independence, and possibilities.

“India is progressing at an extraordinary pace—not only in economic strength but also in the aspirations, confidence, and limitless possibilities of its people. As we look ahead to 2047, the centenary of our independence, the vision of Viksit Bharat inspires each one of us to strive for a stronger, more inclusive nation.

For me, the true realization of Viksit Bharat will come when every citizen—whether living in a bustling metro city or in the most remote village—has access to excellent healthcare, delivered with the highest standards of expertise, compassion, and world-class infrastructure.” Only then can we claim that we have achieved the promise of a developed nation.

The All India Ophthalmological Society, one of the largest life-member societies in the world, carries a profound responsibility. Our mission is clear: to improve the quality of vision and thereby the quality of life for our people. This is not a task for tomorrow—it is a journey we must begin today, step by step, five years at a time: 2030, 2035, 2040, and finally 2047. Think of it as a relay race, where every generation of ophthalmologists carries the baton further. The work we do today lays the foundation for a healthier, brighter India for decades to come. When India gained independence in 1947, life expectancy was barely in the thirties. Today, it has crossed 70 years. This remarkable progress brings new challenges to all of us. We now face two extremes of ages first. A growing elderly population with age-related diseases and increasing survival of premature infants with unique healthcare needs.

We are going to face massive Future Challenges in Ophthalmology Practice & Care Among the elderly, conditions like diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and post-cataract surgery complications are rising sharply. Even after successful cataract surgeries, we encounter new syndromes such as the so-called “dead bag syndrome”, reminding us that innovation in surgical techniques must never stop. We must ask ourselves: is in the bag implantation is the only answer, or do we need new paradigms for the future?

At the other end of the spectrum, premature infants—surviving as early as 26 to 32 weeks—present enormous challenges. Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), if not screened and treated in time, can lead to lifelong blindness. The sheer scale of this issue demands infrastructure, trained manpower, and national-level coordination. Children, too, face a growing epidemic of myopia, driven by screen exposure and lifestyle changes. Dry eye dis- ease, once rare, is now one of the most common lifestyle-related conditions. These are not isolated medical problems they are public health challenges that require policy, awareness, and collective action what would by Pathways Forward yes, We are already taking steps in the right direction. Screening programs for refractive errors, glaucoma, diabetes, and cataract are being conducted by our members across the country.

But screening alone is not enough. We need: Reliable, standardized guidelines, Accurate implementation Strong public-private partnerships Consider this: for presbyopia alone, India may require 4 to 10 crore spectacles, repeatedly supplied over decades. The scale is immense, meeting his demand it will require manpower, finances, and technical innovation at scale. We must work hand-in-hand with government agencies, NGOs, and international bodies such as WHO and IAPB. Together, we can conduct surveys, screening programs, and treatment initiatives that will reduce blindness and improve vision across all age groups.

Let me speak about briefly on My journey
My journey within AIOS has been that of a committed member, participating in scientific deliberations and contributing to academic discourse and educational initiatives. In that context, it may appear somewhat unusual that I have come to occupy the position of President. Many of my respected predecessors progressed through the traditional ranks of society work, serving on scientific and academic committees or holding offices such as Joint Secretary, Secretary Treasurer, or Editor before assuming this role. In comparison, my entry into this position may be seen as lateral; however, my engagement with the society has been sincere and my contributions meaningful. While my involvement in the administrative structure of AIOS may not have been extensive but I had the opportunity to serve as Chairperson of the Local Organizing Committee for AIOC Delhi 2015, and DOS representative to AIOS for three years an experience that provided valuable exposure to organizational leadership and was executed successfully. Also served Delhi Ophthalmological Society as secretary and President in the past, along with this, I bring experience in governance, academics, and research, working at the premier Institute of our country, AIIMS New Delhi. It is my intention to serve AIOS with dedication and humility, working collectively to strengthen its scientific standing and its service to the ophthalmology community and the nation.

Let me express some important thing which is very close to my heart and practice the Corneal Blindness in India: The Unmet Need

Dear friends for more than three decades, I have been deeply involved in eye banking and keratoplasty. Over these years, I have witnessed tremendous progress, but also an immense unmet need that continues to trouble us as a community of ophthalmologists. If you recall, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in collaboration with the RP Centre, published a survey in 2019. This survey highlighted a sobering reality: corneal blindness is second only to cataract blindness in our country, especially among people above 50 years of age. But when we look at the population under 50, the situation becomes even more alarming. Corneal blindness is the number one cause of blindness and visual impairment in this age group. Think about that for a moment. The people affected are not only older adults—they include young adults, professionals, and children who could otherwise lead productive lives. This is a challenge we cannot ignore. It motivates us to think: how can we change this reality?

What are the Challenges in Corneal Transplantation

The questions that have driven my work for decades are straightforward yet critical: How do we increase the number of corneal transplants in India? How do we ensure the optimal utilization of donor tissue for patients already waiting for surgery? Many of our patients face long waits while precious donor tissue is either unavailable, delayed, or sometimes not used efficiently. This is not a failure of intention—it is a systemic challenge. We also need a nationwide assessment of patients suffering from corneal disorders. This will help us identify who is suitable for a transplant in one eye, who requires both eyes, and who may benefit from modern customized procedures. Some corneal conditions like Fuchs endothelial dystrophy, keratoconus, or inherited dystrophies are bilateral and progressive for these patients, timely intervention is critical. Modern techniques, such as DALK, DMEK, or DSAEK, a customised component surgery to provide superior outcomes if performed at the right time. A delay may result in patients missing the opportunity for the best surgical option.

Today we need Integration and System Strengthening

To overcome these challenges, we need to focus on integration and system building. First, we need a national registry of patients awaiting corneal transplant. This registry must be linked with donor tissue availability so that allocation is transparent, fair, and efficient.

Such integration will ensure that patients who need surgery urgently those at risk of permanent vision loss receive timely care. Second, we need to strengthen eye banking infrastructure and human resources. This includes Training more eye bank technicians, training more counsellors,  and Expanding the number of trained surgeons. Better tissue quality leads to better surgical outcomes. Infrastructure and human resources go hand-in hand. With these improvements, every transplant will maximize the benefit to the patient, and we will honour the generosity of the donor families. I am encouraged to see that the number of trained corneal surgeons in India is steadily increasing, as reflected in the growing membership of the Corneal Society of India. This growth gives me confidence that we are moving in the right direction.

What about Postoperative Care and Tele-Ophthalmology Surgery is only one part of the solution. Postoperative care is equally vital. Many patients travel long distances from rural or remote areas to undergo corneal transplant surgery. They cannot always return for regular follow-up, which is critical in the first days and weeks after surgery. Even a few hours or days can make the difference between a successful graft and graft rejection, infection, or vision loss. This is why I strongly advocate for tele-medicine, tele-consultation, and tele-ophthalmology. A national integrated tele-ophthalmology network can help monitor patients before and after surgery, guide local ophthalmologists, and allow timely intervention when problems arise. In today’s world, tele-ophthalmology is not a luxury—it is a necessity to improve outcomes and ensure equitable care for patients across the country.

Friends, I am confident that together we can eliminate corneal blindness or significantly reduce the backlog, improve transplant outcomes, and create a robust, integrated system for patients across India.
Few Words on Future Vision: Innovation and Leadership

Dear friends, I belong to an era that has witnessed remarkable evolution in ophthalmology.

I have seen: Intracapsular cataract extraction, Extracapsular surgery with intraocular lens implantation, Phacoemulsification, and Laser-assisted surgeries. Today, we are in a digital age, where diagnostic tools and surgical machines are transforming patient care. Information technology has revolutionized record-keeping, follow-up, and outcomes monitoring. Those of us who have experienced these changes understand the importance of adaptability. But more importantly, we know that progress does not stop. Senior ophthalmologists and leaders must guide the next generation—not only by sharing experience, but by envisioning the future. Innovations are not only technological they involve thinking, planning, and collaboration. My message to all members is simple:
• Be together.
• Be innovative.
• Be competitive but always ethical.
• Work for the benefit of patients and society.

When individual excellence aligns with collective responsibility, progress becomes inevitable Thank you very much for your patience, your dedication, and your commitment to restoring sight and hope to millions.

Role of Trade in AIOC Success:
Dear friends, trade has been a major partner in the success of All India Ophthalmological Society conferences (AIOCs) for decades. Their support allows us to host such a mega event in our country. It is a mutual understanding and benefit for both clinicians and trade. Trade carries the responsibility of attracting generations of ophthalmologists to their stalls, exhibition which happens only if they remain up-to-date with the newest technologies, share their experiences, recent advances, and provide our members the opportunity to interact with their technical and R&D teams as well as international faculty. I see that in the coming years, trade will change dramatically, with the rapid input of AI and other emerging technologies. Adaptation must be equally fast, complete, and forward-looking. Comparing it with my own era from intracapsular surgery to modern day femtosecond laser assisted surgeries, the pace of adaptation today needs to be faster. Trade will play a huge role in advancing ophthalmology in our country, ensuring that we stay aligned with global innovations.

Enhancing Scientific Content and Youth Participation:

Another key factor in AIOC’s success has always been the scientific content. Past and present scientific committees have worked to enhance its value, giving space to the younger generation to present and share ideas. The emergence of YOSI in the last decade has been remarkable; young ophthalmologists are contributing significant scientific work and engaging in society activities, which is truly heart-warming. The scientific program should continue to benefit all ophthalmologists, with a mix of super-specialized sessions alongside broader content. We should ensures every sector gains value while attracting international faculty and delicate.

My Vision for Global Recognition:
I would like to see a day when AIOC is marked as a major global conference—where faculty, trade, and ophthalmologists worldwide plan their calendars around it. Achieving this
would be a success not only for AIOS but for our country. The current scientific committees, members now double in number, have a huge role in shaping sessions to attract members from neighbouring countries & Asia, Europe, and the Americas. This vision can become reality if we continue working strategically in this direction.

Strengthening Academic Research Initiatives:
One growing area in our society is the Academic and Research Committee (ARC). They have successfully engaged young minds and extended scientific programs to the district level, connecting emerging ophthalmologists to the mainstream. However, there is potential to further enhance research thinking, application, and innovation, especially for those in fellowships or institutional research projects. Supporting innovative ideas and helping young researchers achieve their goals is critical. I pledge my full support to both the scientific committees and ARC to make their programs successful for decades, benefiting our society members and the entire country.

Indian Journal of Ophthalmology (IJO) is our pride, its success reflects the society scientific and research aptitude and academic excellence. I am happy IJO is doing excellent work. I would like to improve its impact factor with high quality original research paper.

Current Ophthalmology Training in India:
Today, ophthalmology training in India is mainly through MD/MS courses and DNB in government and private institutions. Super-specialization is achieved through MCh programs in a few institutions or more commonly through fellowship programs offered by private institutions. DNB training is provided through the National Board. This diverse system provides opportunities, but it also comes with variability in teaching and training quality.

There is a Need for Uniformity and Competence:
I would like to see uniformity in teaching, patient care, clinical and surgical training, research, and overall preparation of competent ophthalmologists. Graduates should be able to super-specialize in various sub-specialties while remaining authentic and ethical practitioners. Standardization will ensure that every ophthalmologist is well-prepared to serve the country and maintain high professional standards.

Role of Mentorship and Private Sector Excellence:
Currently, more than 90% of super-specialization occurs in the private sector, where institutions provide excellent training and mentorship. This creates a cycle of learning, as students trained today become mentors for the next generation. Each generation updates itself from the previous one. Ensuring high-quality teaching will allow institutions to build strong reputations and attract international professionals for training in India.

Strengthening Government Institutions:
While some government institutions provide excellent training, many lack adequate infrastructure or faculty strength. It is the duty of our society to enhance training in these setups through webinars, journal clubs, case discussions, wet lab hands-on programs, and SSTC. Programs can be held at our headquarters or in partnering institutions, allowing young ophthalmologists to gain practical experience and confidence.

Collaboration for Balanced Training:
I strongly believe in government-private partnerships for student training. Allowing students to observe and train in well-equipped centres, including wet labs, dry labs, or volunteer institutions, will create balance and improve the overall quality of graduating ophthalmologists. With such collaboration, we can ensure that every student has access to the skills and experience needed to provide excellent patient care across India.

Towards the end I would like to express that, I have no personal agenda, no individual projects, and no private ambitions. What I do have, is a sincere desire to see our society All India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS) grow and reach a stature where the entire world looks toward it for leadership in science, education, and service to the community of ophthalmologists and to the country. The society is doing remarkably well, and we shall all work together to complete all running projects started by my predecessors.

Friends, I conclude by reaffirming my commitment to serve the All India Ophthalmological Society with sincerity, transparency, and humility. Together, let us strengthen our society, advance science, nurture the next generation, and ensure that quality eye care reaches every corner of our nation. With unity of purpose and integrity in action, I am confident that AIOS will continue to be a beacon of excellence for India and the world. I thank you all for your trust, support, and dedication.

“Towards the end, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the members of AIOS for reposing their faith in me and entrusting me with the honour and responsibility of serving as President. I remain deeply grateful to my teachers, colleagues, students, and friends for their constant encouragement, goodwill, and unwavering support.

I can never forget the pillar of strength behind my journey—my family, especially my wife and children—whose constant support and understanding have been invaluable.

I would also like to warmly congratulate the entire team of the Local Organizing Committee for their tremendous efforts in creating and delivering world-class facilities for this event.”

Jaihind!!

Long Live AIOS

Dr. J. S. Titiyal

President, AIOS