With 48 researchers, including young faculty and members-in-training—the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology Annual Meeting 2025 was a great academic event for LVPEI! Our scientists and clinicians presented over 12 papers and 30 posters, across vision sciences—spanning basic and clinical research, optometry and public health. Nearly half of our delegation received coveted travel grants from ARVO and federal agencies such as the DBT, ANRF, DST and ICMR this year.
There was much to offer and learn from the ARVO annual meeting held in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Distinguished pathologist and scientist, Dr Geeta K Vemuganti was awarded the Mildred Weisenfeld Award for Excellence in Ophthalmology. With over three decades in ocular pathology and research, and over 250 publications, Dr Vemuganti has mentored generations of researchers in Hyderabad. She has also contributed to the ARVO community over the years, holding many leadership positions, and has contributed extensively to the advancement of eye research.
Dr Mudit Tyagi received the esteemed Kreissig Award for Excellence in Retinal Surgery for his groundbreaking contributions to the understanding of retinal surgeries or for developing innovative surgical techniques. Dr Tyagi’s award recognizes his pioneering work on ‘Fibrin Glue in Vitreoretinal Surgeries and Retinal Detachments’. He is the first to receive this award from India.
Dr Swathi Kaliki, a distinguished ocular oncologist, received the 2025 Ludwig von Sallmann Clinician-Scientist Award. This award honors individuals who have advanced the understanding of vision science and applied their research to improve patient care. Dr Kaliki is the first to receive this award from India and is recognized for her exceptional work bridging clinical practice and scientific discovery.
Dr Vishal Raval was one of three to receive the 2025 ARVO Foundation Early Career Clinician-Scientist Research Award, which supports researchers who are committed to careers as clinician-scientists. This award highlights Dr Raval’s work on novel drug delivery devices for targeted anti-cancer therapies, as part of his ongoing PhD research.
'It was great meeting some of the keenest minds in the vision sciences. We also got to strengthen the bonds of science as we push for new technologies and solutions to one of humanity's fundamental senses, our vision,' said Dr Sayan Basu, the Prof D Balasubramanian Chair of Eye Research and Network Director of Research at LVPEI.
[Excerpts] From the Chairman’s Desk | Dr Prashant Garg
'Several sessions brought key LVPEI themes to the forefront. Dr Vijaya Gothwal led a global plenary on managing cognitive and motor decline in aging populations, especially when these coincide with vision impairment. As populations age, understanding these connections – how vision loss may serve as a harbinger, or marker, of dementias and cognitive decline in older adults - is crucial.
Dr Sayan Basu moderated a session on the ‘ocular surface, tear film, and the lacrimal gland’ bringing together global insights into various aspects of human tears and the ocular surface.
Our papers and posters covered a range of clinical and scientific interests: from 3D bioprinting, infections, inflammation and other diseases, innovative drug delivery systems, refractive errors and myopia, and new surgical techniques—the sort of themes you would expect from a top-notch eye institute. But, beyond clinical breakthroughs, our researchers also explored social and systemic themes.
Dr Deeksha Thorat’s survey examined safety practices in industrial setting revealing major gaps in preventive measures for ocular chemical injuries.
Dr Ponnari Gottipati’s poster discussed the ‘Leaky pipeline’—the global trend of declining numbers of women as they advance into leadership roles in an organization. At an institute like LVPEI, where women form a significant part of our workforce, recognizing and addressing these barriers is vital.
This scale and diversity underscore the strength and interdisciplinary nature of LVPEI’s research ecosystem. These global gatherings are vital – not just to share our work but to forge new partnerships and tap into the vibrant pulse of global vision science. In a world teeming with research ideas and opportunities, there is much to offer and much to learn from.
These achievements reflect decades of thoughtful investment in research at LVPEI. Few of us have the pleasure of watching decades-long dreams mature through the tireless and committed efforts of our colleagues and friends….We are also deeply grateful to our partners and research collaborators from around the world for their role in this success.'
LVPEI returns from ARVO 2025 with recognition, insight, and momentum for the road ahead. As always, rooted in science and driven by impact.