Cutting-Edge Simulation Facility Inaugurated to Strengthen Ophthalmic Education in South India
Bengaluru: Sankara Eye Foundation India has been recognised as an Orbis Digital Training Hub (DTH) for South India. An advanced digital simulation and ophthalmic training facility was inaugurated at Sankara Eye Hospital, Bengaluru, to enhance eye-care education and develop a skilled, connected, and continuously learning workforce across the region.
The facility was inaugurated by Dr. Prof. Sujatha Rathod, Director, Directorate of Medical Education, Government of Karnataka. The ceremony was attended by Dr. R. V. Ramani, Founder & Managing Trustee, Sankara Eye Foundation India; Mr. Vijay Bharadwaj, former Test Cricketer, Coach and Cricket Commentator; Dr. Rishi Raj Borah, Country Director, Orbis India; and Ms. Kathleen Sherwin, President and CEO, Orbis International.
India currently has only about 15 ophthalmologists per million people, with most specialists based in urban areas. This imbalance underscores the urgent need for wider access to quality training. Digital Training Hubs address this gap by combining simulation, tele-mentoring, telemedicine, tele-education, and hands-on training, enabling professionals to practise skills, receive expert guidance, and pursue continuous learning.
The new facility integrates advanced simulation and virtual reality technology with practical infrastructure. It includes simulators for cataract surgery, Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP), Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS), eye anatomy, and clinical skills, alongside a wet lab for surgical training. The controlled environment allows professionals to repeatedly practise procedures, receive structured feedback, and build clinical and surgical competencies progressively.
Through the Hub, Sankara Eye Foundation will offer structured training in Glaucoma, Medical Retina, and Uveitis. Programmes will combine simulation-based learning with clinical observation, consultant mentorship, and hands-on training, including short-term observerships, a three-month training course, and a one-year sandwich fellowship.
The Bengaluru Hub forms part of a national network of Orbis Digital Training Hubs. The four existing hubs have already delivered more than 2,200 training sessions, with women comprising 68% of participants. The model also trains the wider eye-care team, including nurses, optometrists, and technicians.
Learning extends beyond the physical facility through Cybersight, Orbis’s online training and mentorship platform. It provides access to courses, webinars, surgical demonstrations, virtual case discussions, and international experts, along with consultation services for complex cases. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Virtual Flying Eye Hospital programme connected 160 ophthalmologists, residents, nurses, biomedical engineers, and technicians from 15 partner hospitals across 10 states, demonstrating how technology can overcome geographical barriers.
This collaboration combines Orbis International’s expertise in technology-enabled ophthalmic education with Sankara Eye Foundation’s experience in clinical care, education, and capacity building. The initiative is expected to expand access to advanced training and strengthen the eye-care workforce across South India.
Dr. Sujatha Rathod said: “The real impact of technology comes when it is placed in the right hands and supported by the right training. This Hub enables young ophthalmologists to develop their skills in a controlled environment before performing procedures on patients, helping build confidence and improve surgical outcomes.”
Mr. Vijay Bharadwaj said: “Training is the foundation of excellence. The opportunity to develop skills through simulation before treating patients is extremely valuable. Sankara’s commitment to making quality eye care accessible is inspiring.”
Ms. Kathleen Sherwin said: “The Digital Training Hub reflects our belief that distance should never be a barrier to learning. Through simulation and Cybersight, the Hub can connect eye-care professionals with high-quality training and mentorship wherever they are.”
Dr. Rishi Raj Borah said: “This Hub represents a new approach to ophthalmic education, combining simulation, hands-on training, and digital mentorship to make quality learning more accessible and improve care for patients across South India.”
Dr. R. V. Ramani said: “Training is essential in ophthalmology, where technology and surgical techniques continue to evolve. We are delighted to collaborate with Orbis to provide intensive surgical training through simulation and mentorship. This Hub will be a significant boon for eye-care professionals across Bengaluru, Karnataka, and South India.”
