BENGALURU, January 17, 2026 – Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital, under the prestigious aegis of the Karnataka Ophthalmology Society (KOS) and the Bangalore Ophthalmology Society (BOS), has officially commenced the 10th edition of the Phaco Festival. This landmark international conference, held at the Hilton Conrad from January 16–18, 2026, serves as a premier global platform for showcasing the latest breakthroughs in cataract and refractive eye surgery.
The milestone event was inaugurated by Dr. C. N. Manjunath, Member of Parliament (Bengaluru Rural) and Former Director of the Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research. In his keynote address, Dr. Manjunath emphasized India’s burgeoning role as a leader in medical innovation and the necessity of such collaborative forums.
“There is a strong need for platforms like Phaco Festival that enable continuous learning and meaningful collaboration with global experts,” Dr. Manjunath stated. “As India strengthens its healthcare ecosystem, these initiatives are critical in positioning our country as a global hub for medical education and high-quality patient care.”
The Art and Science of Ophthalmic Practice
Under the theme “The Art and Science of Ophthalmic Practice,” the three-day festival has drawn thousands of delegates, including senior clinicians, academicians, and young ophthalmologists from over 10 countries. The conference balances clinical expertise with technological integration, aiming to improve surgical precision and patient safety through evidence-based learning.
Prof. Dr. Sri Ganesh, Founder and CMD of Nethradhama and Organizing Chairman of the festival, highlighted the event’s evolution: “Phaco Festival focuses on the safe adoption of new technologies. It has become a global platform where ophthalmologists learn from one another to raise the quality of surgical outcomes, directly translating into more reliable care for patients.”
Technological Frontiers and Global Recognition
The 2026 edition features an impressive technology showcase, marking the launch of several state-of-the-art tools designed to redefine the future of eye care:
- ZEISS ARTEVO 850: A digital 3D microscope providing high-definition visualization for complex surgeries.
- EVA Nexus: An integrated system for seamless phaco-vitrectomy procedures.
- VisuMax 800: The latest advancement for high-precision SMILE surgeries.
- Ziemer Neo Z8 & Naturo Toric EDOF Lenses: Cutting-edge laser platforms and intraocular lenses designed for enhanced visual outcomes.
In addition to technological displays, the festival honored global leaders for their contributions to the field. Prof. Dr. Michael Knorz (Germany) was conferred the KR Murthy Oration Award, while Dr. Ruth Lapid-Gortzak (Amsterdam) received the Gold Medal for her significant impact on global ophthalmic practice.
A core focus of the 10th Phaco Festival is the empowerment of young surgeons through immersive hands-on training, surgical demonstrations, and panel discussions on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in ophthalmology.
Dr. Supriya Sri Ganesh, Executive Director of Nethradhama and Organizing Secretary, noted the importance of this bridge between innovation and practice: “Our aim is to ensure that emerging technologies are effectively integrated into clinical practice, ensuring safer procedures and better vision care for patients across India.”
As Phaco Festival 2026 continues through January 18, it reinforces Bengaluru’s status as a center of excellence, fostering a culture of surgical mastery and collaborative innovation that will shape eye care standards for years to come.
