Diplomat Correspondent
Jammu,DD, The Department of Ophthalmology, AIIMS Jammu, successfully conducted the 26th Annual Conference of the Uveitis Society of India (USICON 2025) from 3rd to 5th October 2025. The three-day scientific event brought together eminent ophthalmologists, researchers, and delegates from across India and abroad, offering an excellent platform for the exchange of knowledge, research findings, and clinical experiences in the field of uveitis and immune-mediated eye diseases, which are rapidly increasing in prevalence worldwide.
The event was inaugurated by Lt. Gen. C. S. Narayanan, VSM***, President, AIIMS Jammu, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. In his inaugural address, Lt. Gen. Narayanan congratulated the organizers for successfully hosting such a prestigious academic event and emphasized the importance of scientific collaboration in advancing medical education and research. He highlighted how such conferences play a vital role in enhancing learning, sharing expertise, and fostering innovation in healthcare delivery.
In his inspiring keynote address, Prof. (Dr.) Shakti Kumar Gupta, Executive Director & CEO, AIIMS Jammu, expressed immense pride in hosting the 26th Annual Meeting of the Uveitis Society of India at one of the country’s youngest AIIMS. Reflecting on his long association with ophthalmology during his tenure at the RP Centre, AIIMS New Delhi, he shared his deep personal connect with the field and the transformative journey of Indian ophthalmology. He emphasized that AIIMS Jammu is not just a provider of care but a hub of innovation, training, and compassion, envisioning it as a center that bridges advanced science with community outreach. Prof. Gupta urged young ophthalmologists to embrace the complexity of uveitis and lead through innovation, collaboration, and compassion. Drawing a symbolic parallel with Dussehra and Diwali, he beautifully remarked that “the return of light to a patient’s eye is the truest form of illumination and victory of good over darkness.”
The conference featured a rich array of scientific sessions, panel discussions, symposia, and hands-on workshops, led by experts from the UK, USA, Nepal, PGIMER Chandigarh, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Sankara Nethralaya, SKIMS Srinagar, ASCOMS Jammu, GMC Udhampur and other leading institutions.
The local organizing committee, led by Dr. Bhavani Raina (Organising Chairperson), Dr. Nitin Kumar (Organising Secretary), Dr. Nazia Anjum, and Dr. Ridham Nanda (Executive Members), expressed heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Kalpana Babu Murthy, President, Uveitis Society of India, and the office bearers for their support and guidance. The conference concluded with a vote of thanks and a renewed commitment to advancing ophthalmic research and patient care.DD