World Optometry Day 2026
World Optometry Day was celebrated at Apollo University, Murakambattu, on March 25, 2026, with great enthusiasm and active participation from students and faculty. The event was organized by the Optometry Department of the Division of Allied Health Sciences, School of Health Sciences and with the aim of spreading awareness about eye health and the importance of proper vision care.
The celebration began with an inaugural session that attracted a host of dignitaries. The Vice Chancellor, Dr. Vinod Bhat, delivered an address emphasizing the pivotal role of ophthalmologist and optometrists in modern hospital care. He also appreciated the Medical School and the Department of Ophthalmology at AIMSR, acknowledging the significant development of the hospital driven by the dedicated efforts of the Head of the Department. He elucidated how advancements in modern technology have significantly enhanced the accessibility and quality of eye care. Additionally, he outlined future initiatives that the department can take lead, including the introduction of tele-ophthalmology and eye transplantation services at the Government General Hospital in Chittoor, in collaboration with AIMSR, which aims to benefit the economically disadvantaged populations.
The keynote speaker for the day, Dr. Kumar Amruth, Head of Ophthalmology, gave a thoughtful speech emphasizing the cooperative efforts between the Department of Ophthalmology and the Allied Health Sciences (AHS) Optometry students and faculty. He underlined how their well-coordinated efforts in the hospital setting greatly aid in providing high-quality patient care. He pointed out that optometry instructors and students help physicians manage patients more effectively and efficiently in addition to supporting clinical processes. Their involvement eventually improves the overall healthcare experience by nurturing a positive, patient-friendly atmosphere in the hospital.
Notable attendees included Mr. S. Anil Kumar, Additional Registrar; Dr. Alfred J. Augustine, Dean of AIMS; Prof. K. Bhaskar Reddy, Dean of the School of Health Sciences and AIPS; Dr. Sucharitha P., Head of Allied Health Sciences; and Mr. Rakesh Kumar Yadav, Program and event Coordinator; and Mr. Akhil J., Assistant Professor. Their participation lent significant weight to the proceedings and fostered greater engagement among students.
A dedicated session was led by Dr. Kumar Amruth, who discussed recent advancements in the field of eye care. He addressed prevalent ocular conditions such as glaucoma and retinal disorders, underscoring the necessity for early detection and routine eye examinations. His presentation was instrumental in helping students grasp the practical dimensions of vision care and the critical importance of awareness in mitigating severe eye ailments.
Ms. D. Raga Trisha Chowdary from the 2021–22 batch was honored as the Best Outgoing Student in recognition of her exceptional academic performance and overall achievements. In her response speech, she expressed heartfelt gratitude to the department, division head, teachers and hospital faculty, acknowledging their constant guidance, support, and mentorship. She highlighted how their teaching, clinical training, and encouragement played a crucial role in shaping her skills and helping her achieve this recognition. The program also contained a variety of enjoyable and interactive activities, including cake cutting, poster presentations, and competitions aimed at raising awareness of eye health. Student involvement was full-bodied, showcasing their creativity and enthusiasm. Awards were presented to the winners, contributing to the overall excitement of the event. It served to enhance awareness regarding eye health, promote student engagement, and underscore the vital role of optometry within the healthcare system of today.