Retina diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and retinopathy of prematurity cause significant vision loss in India and globally. According to the The Lancet, Global health report, approximately 3 million people aged 40 years or older have vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy (VTDR) in India, with a higher prevalence in those with known diabetes residing in high and middle epidemiological transition level (ETL) and Socio-demographic Index (SDI) categories of states reflecting the widespread impact across populations. India has responded to this challenge with new training methods that include digital platforms, hybrid fellowships, and mentorship programs. These initiatives improve access to specialized retinal care by training skilled professionals who can manage complex cases in both urban and rural settings, raising the overall standard of care.
Among these initiatives, digital platforms have emerged as a particularly effective tool for expanding the reach and quality of training.
Expanding Reach Through Digital Training Platforms
Digital education in ophthalmology has grown quickly due to the pandemic and better internet access. Quality retina care is now accessible through e-learning platforms that offer courses on diagnostics, surgeries, and new treatments in various languages and skill levels.
AI-based simulators also allow practitioners to practice diagnosing diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity, and macular degeneration with real-world data. Several hybrid initiatives trained over large number of ophthalmologists, residents, nurses, and technicians across India, utilizing a blend of virtual simulations and live video-based surgical demonstrations. Regional webinars and in-country training sessions further support these programs, making specialty skills accessible beyond metropolitan hubs. his shows that digital tools and training can significantly enhance early detection and protect vision.
In parallel with structured digital learning, expert mentorship and peer collaboration are playing an equally important role in improving clinical decision-making.
The Power of Remote Consultation and Expert Mentorship
Peer-to-peer collaboration is becoming vital in improving retina care, especially where resources are limited.
By enhancing access to expert guidance and global standards, these tools help clinicians make better decisions and raise the overall quality of retina care.
Bridging Gaps With Hybrid Fellowships and Immersive Experiences.
Hybrid sandwich fellowships are reshaping retina care training in India by combining digital learning with hands-on experience at leading eye centers. A large number of trainees, including ophthalmologists, residents, nurses, and technicians, have benefited from structured mentorship, skill assessments, and ongoing digital support. These programs balance remote coursework with brief, intensive in-person training through virtual simulations and live surgical demonstrations. In addition, regional webinars and workshops extend high-quality education to practitioners beyond metropolitan areas. These fellowships build lasting confidence and consistency in retinal diagnosis, imaging, and surgical care. Live interaction also adds a dynamic layer to these training models.
Real-Time Collaboration: Live Lectures and Surgical Demonstrations
The pandemic underscored the importance of resilience and adaptability in healthcare. Retina specialists now benefit from live, interactive lectures led by international faculty, delivered simultaneously to thousands of participants from over 100 countries. Live surgical procedures broadcast in real-time allow rural and urban practitioners alike to witness new techniques, ask questions, and immediately clarify their doubts.
Further, COVID-era innovations, such as a “Virtual Flying Eye Hospital,” , setting a precedent for remote, intensive capacity building. Such initiatives have become not just stopgap solutions but permanent fixtures in continuous professional development.
Challenges and the Path Forward
Despite progress, challenges remain. Digital literacy among healthcare workers in rural settings is uneven. Internet connectivity and infrastructure can still limit access, especially for live surgical demos or high-resolution imaging uploads. Fellowship programs are resource-intensive: they require equipment, mentorship capacity, and support for trainees (often financial, logistical). Ensuring consistency in curriculum, assessment, and certification is also important.
Additionally, safe integration of AI tools into retina care demands rigorous validation, ethical oversight, and regulatory alignment. The rapid proliferation of AI-screening platforms needs to be matched by clinician training so they can interpret results accurately and avoid overreliance on automated systems without context. Addressing these challenges will be key to building a sustainable and competent workforce in retinal health.
Conclusion: Building Tomorrow’s Retinal Health Workforce
Retina care is evolving rapidly through improved training approaches that blend digital learning, hands-on experience, and expert mentorship. With the rising prevalence of retinal diseases, especially among older adults, there is a growing need for accessible, high-quality education. Programs such as hybrid fellowships and online platforms now connect clinicians to global expertise, real-time case consultations, and surgical demonstrations. These initiatives are helping standardize care, improve diagnostic accuracy, and expand access to underserved areas. As training models continue to advance, they play a vital role in strengthening clinical capacity, reducing outcome variation, and supporting the long-term goal of preserving and restoring vision.
-by Dr Rishi Raj Borah, Country Director, Orbis(India)
Reviewed by admin
on
October 13, 2025
Rating:
.jpg)
