Kolkata Emerges as Hub for Optometry Excellence at National Scientific Session Honoring Late Visionary Dr. S.S. Badrinath
MOLLA JASIMUDDIN, KOLKATA,
Reinforcing its commitment to advancing academic eye care, the Sankara Nethralaya Elite School of Optometry (SNESO), Kolkata, hosted the second annual Dr. S.S. Badrinath Memorial Optometry Scientific Session on February 8, 2026. Held at Sankara Nethralaya’s Rajarhat campus, the event served as a tribute to the legendary founder of Sankara Nethralaya and a pioneer of structured optometry education in India.
Since its establishment in August 2024 as an extension of the prestigious Elite School of Optometry in Chennai, SNESO Kolkata has rapidly evolved into a premier center for research and education in Eastern India. Under the leadership of Principal Dr. Anuradha Narayanan, the institution continues to bridge the gap between academic theory and community-focused clinical practice.
Innovations in Vision: Contact Lens Chronicles
This year’s session centered on the theme “Contact Lens Chronicles: From Pediatrics to Presbyopes,” addressing the full spectrum of modern contact lens applications.
The curriculum focused on:
• Myopia Management: Advanced strategies for pediatric vision care.
• Presbyopic Correction: New technologies for aging eyes.
• Evidence-Based Practice: Bridging the gap between research and clinical application.
A National Gathering of Vision Experts
The session drew a diverse crowd of 200 delegates, including 117 students and 83 seasoned practitioners, researchers, and vision scientists. The event saw representation from 18 academic institutions and 8 eye hospitals spanning West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh.
The program was inaugurated by a distinguished panel including:
• Dr. Anuradha Narayanan, Principal, SNESO Kolkata
• Ms. Lakshmi Shinde, CEO, Optometry Confederation of India
• Col. Dr. Tapas Saha Roy, Medical Superintendent, Sankara Nethralaya, Kolkata
• Dr. Suchetana Mukherjee, Deputy Director, Sankara Nethralaya, Kolkata
Program Highlights
The day featured a rigorous academic schedule designed to foster professional growth and competitive spirit:
• Keynote Lectures: Ms. Lakshmi Shinde presented on pediatric fitting, while Mr. Yeshwant Saoji discussed contemporary presbyopic management.
• Interactive Learning: Hands-on workshops and panel discussions led by industry experts.
• Competitions: Scientific paper presentations and the highly anticipated National Inter-College Optometry Quiz Competition.
“This session is more than an academic meeting; it is a continuation of Dr. S.S. Badrinath’s enduring legacy of ethical, patient-centric eye care,” said Dr. Anuradha Narayanan. “By gathering the brightest minds in the field, we are ensuring that his vision for excellence in optometry continues to thrive in Kolkata and beyond.”
The success of the event further solidifies SNESO Kolkata’s status as a burgeoning hub for optometry research and training in India.
