Sankara Eye Hospital Launches Orbis Digital Training Hub in Bengaluru

Sankara Eye Hospital Launches State-of-the-Art Orbis Digital Training Hub in Bengaluru

BENGALURU, INDIA — Sankara Eye Foundation India has unveiled a state-of-the-art Digital Training Hub (DTH) and simulation-based ophthalmic training facility at its hospital in Bengaluru, in partnership with Orbis International. Recognized as the primary Orbis Digital Training Hub for South India, the unit aims to strengthen eye care education, enhance surgical skill sets, and address the acute shortage of trained ophthalmologists across the region.

The facility was officially inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Sujatha Rathod, Director of Medical Education, Government of Karnataka. Key dignitaries present at the ceremony included Dr. R.V. Ramani, Founder and Managing Trustee of Sankara Eye Foundation India; Vijay Bharadwaj, former Indian test cricketer and commentator; and Dr. Rishi Raj Borah, Country Director of Orbis India. India currently faces a significant deficit in specialized eye care, with approximately 15 ophthalmologists per million people—the vast majority of whom are concentrated in urban centers. This geographical disparity leaves rural and semi-urban populations with limited access to high-quality care. The new Digital Training Hub aims to bridge this gap by offering a hybrid learning environment that integrates:

• 1 Advanced Simulation & VR: Real-time surgical practice in a zero-risk, controlled environment.
• 2 Tele-Mentoring & Tele-Education: Remote guidance from senior specialists and global faculty.
• 3 Wet-Lab Surgical Training: Hands-on experience with surgical tools and specialized anatomical models.

Comprehensive Curriculum & Specialized Tracks The center features specialized simulation modules covering critical and complex procedures, including:

• 1 Cataract Surgery
• 2 Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)
• 3 Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)
• 4 Ocular Anatomy & Clinical Skills Training

To cater to various levels of professional expertise, Sankara Eye Foundation and Orbis have structured a multi-tier educational framework:

• 1 Short-Term Observerships: Intensive refresher modules for practicing doctors.
• 2 3-Month Training Programs: Focused clinical and surgical skill-building courses.
• 3 1-Year Sandwich Fellowships: Comprehensive sub-speciality training in Glaucoma, Medical Retina, and Uveitis.

A Strategic Vision for South India

Speaking at the event, Dr. R.V. Ramani emphasized the role of continuous learning in modern healthcare: "Ophthalmology is rapidly evolving with technological advancement. Our collaboration with Orbis International creates a robust training ecosystem that will benefit medical professionals across Karnataka and South India." Echoing these sentiments, Dr. Rishi Raj Borah noted that scaling quality education beyond tier-1 metros is crucial for long-term public health outcomes. Former cricketer Vijay Bharadwaj commended the initiative, comparing medical preparation to sports training: "Simulated practice builds confidence. Providing doctors with high-tech simulation before they treat patients is a transformative step in medical education."

About the Organizations

• 1 Sankara Eye Foundation India: A non-profit health organization delivering comprehensive eye care through its 80:20 model—where revenues from 20% paying patients subsidize free treatment for 80% underprivileged individuals.
• 2 Orbis International: A global non-governmental organization dedicated to preserving sight and preventing avoidable blindness through hands-on training, public health initiatives, and its renowned Flying Eye Hospital.