Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth inaugurated the AIOS-Armed Forces Ophthalmology Update 2026 in New Delhi on Saturday. The two-day conference is being jointly organised by the Department of Ophthalmology, Army Hospital, New Delhi, in collaboration with the All-India Ophthalmological Society. The event is bringing together military ophthalmologists and eminent civilian experts from India and abroad on a common academic platform dedicated to cutting-edge ophthalmic research, innovation and clinical excellence.

Addressing the gathering, Mr Seth lauded the dedicated efforts of the Armed Forces Medical Services, the Army Medical Corps and the All-India Ophthalmological Society for their unwavering commitment and selfless service towards the nation. Emphasising the spirit of ‘Nar Seva Narayan Seva’, he highlighted the noble role of doctors and healthcare professionals in nation building and humanitarian service. The Minister highlighted the conduct of advanced surgical eye camps in eight different remote and border areas of India over the past sixteen months as a shining example of the Armed Forces’ commitment to serving the most underserved communities of the nation.

He stated that these camps had brought the light of sight to thousands of citizens living in India’s most challenging geographies, and that such service embodied the true spirit of the Indian soldier. Mr Seth also complimented the recently inaugurated Advanced Centre of Ophthalmic and Visual Sciences at Army Hospital. He described it as a world-class facility that would serve as a beacon of excellence in military eye care and a catalyst for cutting-edge research in the years to come.