Today, ophthalmology students are in the midst of an extraordinary era: one filled with sophisticated technology and rapid innovation. However, these innovations should be within the economic reach of the people who need them, and should be accessible to all patients, B.L. Sujatha Rathod, Director of Medical Education, Government of Karnataka, said on Saturday.Dr. Rathod was speaking at the inauguration of the 19th national annual continuing medical education programme, Kalpavriksha ‘26, conducted by Dr. Agarwals Eye Hospitals in association with its Eye Research Centre Foundation.Highlighting the importance of serving the community, she said there was an enormous burden of visual impairment and preventable blindness, predominantly in low- and middle-income countries.Highlighting developments in the field of ophthalmology, including the use of AI, she said these could never replace a clinician who understands a patient’s history and social circumstances, and treats them with empathy. She urged students to be the kind of doctor that a patient could trust with their vision.More than 460 young ophthalmologists from over 40 institutions are participating in the two-day programme, which consists of expert-led sessions and hands-on workshops conducted by faculty from premier institutions.Soosan Jacob, director and chief, Dr. Agarwals Refractive and Cornea Foundation; S. Soundari, regional head, clinical services; and Dhivya Ashok Kumar and Preethi Naveen, organising secretaries, were among those present. A number of awards were presented on the occasion. Published - September 06, 2026 12:58 am IST