Overview

Mankind Pharma Ltd, in academic association with the All India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS) and the Eye Bank Association of India (EBAI), organized the Vision Continuum 2026 conference under the theme “Connecting Care. Preserving Sight. Across Generations.” The event targeted heightened public awareness of corneal health, eye donation and childhood myopia.

Key Initiatives

  • The collaboration introduced the Vision Growth Card, co‑developed with AIOS, designed to monitor children’s visual development and promote regular follow‑up visits between parents and eye‑care professionals.
  • The programme was attended by AIOS President Dr. J. S. Titiyal, AIOS Scientific Chairperson Dr. Namrata Sharma, Program Director Dr. Pravin K. Vaddavalli of the Universal Cornea Care Mission, and senior Mankind Pharma executive Mr. Sudipta Roy.

Statistical Highlights

  • Dr. Sudipta Roy cited a projection that the prevalence of myopia in children could reach 48.14 % by 2050.
  • Dr. J. S. Titiyal emphasized that corneal blindness remains a major cause of preventable vision loss in India and that transplantation can restore sight for severe cases.
  • Dr. Namrata Sharma reported that during FY 2025‑26, 54,048 corneas were collected nationwide and 28,323 corneal transplants were performed, whereas the country needs roughly 200,000 corneas each year, indicating a substantial shortfall.
  • She also noted that post‑COVID‑19 figures, while improved, remain below pre‑pandemic levels.

Mankind Pharma Profile (Context)

Mankind Pharma (BSE: 543904 | NSE: MANKIND) is one of India’s largest domestic pharmaceutical companies, operating across acute and chronic therapeutic areas such as anti‑infectives, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, antidiabetic, neuro/CNS, gynaecology, VMN and respiratory. The firm also has a consumer‑healthcare segment covering sexual‑wellness, pregnancy detection, emergency contraceptives, antacids, vitamins, minerals and anti‑acne products. Following the acquisition of BSV, it strengthened its position in women’s health. The company’s distribution network comprises over 18,500 field professionals reaching more than five lakh doctors. Manufacturing capacity includes 32 facilities producing tablets, capsules, syrups, vials, ampoules, blow‑fill‑seal containers, soft and hard gels, creams and contraceptives. R&D is supported by seven dedicated centres employing more than 740 scientists.

Outlook

The collaborative effort aims to bridge the gap between demand for donor corneas and availability, increase public participation in eye donation, and use tools such as the Vision Growth Card to ensure early detection and intervention for childhood myopia.