Overview
Sankara Eye Foundation India has been recognised as an ORBIS Digital Training Hub (DTH) for South India, and an advanced digital simulation and ophthalmic training facility was inaugurated at Sankara Eye Hospital in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The inauguration was led by Dr. Prof. Sujatha Rathod, Director of the Directorate of Medical Education, Government of Karnataka, and 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).
Rationale for the Hub
India has approximately 15 ophthalmologists per million people, with specialists largely concentrated in urban centres, creating a need to expand access to quality training and specialist expertise. Digital Training Hubs combine simulation, tele‑mentoring, tele‑medicine, tele‑education and hands‑on training to enable eye‑care professionals to practise skills, receive expert guidance and continue learning over time.
Facility Features
The Bengaluru hub integrates advanced simulation and virtual‑reality technology with hands‑on infrastructure. It includes simulators for cataract surgery, Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP), Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS), eye anatomy and clinical skills, as well as wet‑lab‑based surgical training. The controlled environment allows repeated practice of procedures, structured feedback and progressive development of clinical and surgical competencies.
Training Programs
Through the hub, Sankara Eye Foundation will deliver structured training in Glaucoma, Medical Retina and Uveitis. Programme formats include short‑term observerships, a three‑month training programme and a one‑year sandwich fellowship. The hub also supports training of the broader eye‑care team, including ophthalmic nurses, optometrists and technicians.
Digital Extension
Learning extends beyond the physical hub via Cybersight, ORBIS’s online training and mentorship platform, which offers courses, webinars, surgical demonstrations, virtual case discussions and access to international experts. The platform also provides consultation services for complex case guidance.
Prior Impact of the DTH Network
Four Digital Training Hubs have been established in India so far, collectively facilitating more than 2,200 trainings for ophthalmic professionals. Women accounted for 68% of all participants, underscoring gender‑inclusive outreach.
COVID‑19 Virtual Initiative
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 the ability of technology to deliver remote mentorship and education.
Stakeholder Statements
Dr. Sujatha Rathod emphasized that technology placed in the right hands enhances confidence and surgical skill, leading to safer patient outcomes. Mr. Vijay Bharadwaj highlighted training as the foundation of excellence and praised the initiative’s social impact. Ms. Kathleen Sherwin noted that distance should never be a barrier to learning, and the hub will link professionals with high‑quality training wherever they are. Dr. Rishi Raj Borah described the hub as a new approach combining simulation, hands‑on training and digital mentorship to build a continuously learning eye‑care workforce. Dr. R. V. Ramani called the hub a significant boon for eye‑care professionals across Bengaluru, Karnataka and South India, strengthening quality of eye care and creating lasting social impact.
Anticipated Outcomes
The collaboration between ORBIS International and Sankara Eye Foundation India is expected to expand access to advanced ophthalmic training for professionals across South India and contribute to a stronger, more skilled eye‑care workforce.