Diplomat Correspondent
New Delhi, DD, Eminent figure in the global ophthalmic fraternity, Dr Harminder Singh Dua visited Army Hospital (Research & Referral), New Delhi on August 02, 2025. He is presently the Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Nottingham, UK, and is celebrated worldwide for his groundbreaking contributions to corneal science, including the discovery of Dua’s Layer of cornea.
During his visit to the Department of Ophthalmology, Dr Dua expressed appreciation for the cutting-edge infrastructure, state-of-the-art equipment, clean & immaculate environment and the disciplined yet compassionate work culture at the hospital. “The facilities and standards at Army Hospital (R&R) match, and in some aspects even surpass, some of the best centres globally,” he said.
Prof Dua delivered a lecture on ‘Steering the Ship: From Studentship to Leadership’ to a diverse audience comprising senior faculty, postgraduate students, and healthcare professionals. His address explored the nuanced evolution from academic pursuit to visionary leadership, with insights drawn from his illustrious journey in medicine.
Dr Dua was impressed by the upcoming Advanced Centre for Ophthalmic Visual Sciences, Joint Replacement Centre and Oncology Centre at AHRR. These centres are visionary projects being implemented under the guidance of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh who has been a driving force in equipping the Armed Forces and making them future-ready. Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi has been instrumental in driving these initiatives.
Prof Dua described the Armed Forces Medical Services and its healthcare system spearheaded by DG Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin as a unique model of excellence, underpinned by integrity, service, innovation and clinical acumen.
Dr Dua has been a beacon of clinical excellence, academic mentorship, and surgical innovation for decades. His work has transformed the landscape of modern ophthalmology, and he continues to inspire generations of clinicians and researchers across the world. He was felicitated by the Commandant Army Hospital (R&R) Lt Gen Shankar Narayan during the visit.DD