_Nethradhama Under the Aegis of the Karnataka Ophthalmology Society (KOS) and Bangalore Ophthalmology Society (BOS) Hosts Phaco Festival 2026, Showcases India’s Next-Gen Eye Surgery Innovations
Bengaluru, Jan 17: Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital, under the aegis of leading ophthalmology bodies – the Karnataka Ophthalmology Society (KOS) and the Bangalore Ophthalmology Society (BOS), hosted the 10th edition of Phaco Festival, one of the leading international conferences on ophthalmology, in Bengaluru. The event was inaugurated by the Member of Parliament, Bengaluru Rural, and the Former Director, Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, Bengaluru, at the Hilton Conrad, who highlighted India’s growing role in advancing eye care and medical innovation.
The three-day conference, being held from January 16 to 18, 2026, is bringing together leading ophthalmologists, surgeons, and medical technology experts from India and across the world to discuss advances in cataract and refractive eye surgery through scientific sessions, expert interactions, and technology showcases. This year, Phaco Festival 2026 is being held under the theme, “The Art and Science of Ophthalmic Practice,” focusing on blending clinical expertise, technological innovation, and evidence-based learning to advance safe and high-quality eye care.
The event witnessed expert participation from over 10 countries, spotlighting the latest ophthalmic innovations through immersive hands-on sessions and interactive presentations. A dedicated technology showcase will feature device manufacturers, IOL developers, laser technology providers, and AI-driven tools that enhance surgical precision, improve patient safety, and elevate standards of care.
The conference will also honour excellence in ophthalmology by recognising distinguished clinicians for their outstanding contributions to the field. As part of the awards ceremony, Prof. Dr. Michael Knorz from Germany will be conferred the prestigious KR Murthy Oration Award, while Dr. Ruth Lapid-Gortzak from Amsterdam will be presented with the Gold Medal, acknowledging their significant global impact and leadership in advancing ophthalmic practice.
Phaco Festival 2026 will feature the launch of several state-of-the-art ophthalmology technologies, including the ZEISS ARTEVO 850 Digital 3D Microscope for high-definition visualization, the EVA Nexus Phaco-Vitrectomy System for seamless cataract and retinal procedures, and the VisuMax 800 for SMILE surgeries. Femtosecond laser platforms such as the Ziemer Neo Z8 with Supra CLEAR premium intraocular lenses like the Naturo Toric Introcular EDOF Lens will also be showcased. Together, these innovations demonstrate how data-driven precision and intelligent surgical technologies are transforming outcomes, enhancing patient safety, and redefining the future of eye care in India.
Speaking at the inauguration, Dr. C. N. Manjunath said, “There is a strong need for more platforms like Phaco Festival that enable continuous learning and meaningful collaboration with global experts. Such forums help clinicians stay aligned with international best practices and emerging technologies. As India continues to strengthen its healthcare ecosystem, initiatives like these will play a critical role in positioning the country as a global hub for medical education, innovation, and high-quality patient care.”
Commenting on the Phaco Festival, Prof. Dr. Sri Ganesh, Founder and Chairman & Managing Director, Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital, and Organising Chairman of Phaco Festival, said, “Phaco Festival focuses on strengthening standards of eye care through evidence-based learning, continuous skill development, and the safe adoption of new technologies. Over the years, it has evolved into a global platform where ophthalmologists learn from one another and continuously raise the quality and safety of surgical outcomes. This edition carries that commitment forward, with a strong focus on practical learning that directly translates into better, more reliable care for patients.”
The conference features surgical demonstrations, expert lectures, panel discussions, and hands-on training sessions. Key areas of discussion include advanced cataract surgery techniques, artificial intelligence in ophthalmology, new intraocular lenses, and technology-driven improvements in patient care.
Dr. Supriya Sri Ganesh, Executive Director, Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital and Organising Secretary of Phaco Festival, said, “It is encouraging to see such strong participation from ophthalmologists across India and international faculty at Phaco Festival 2026. The conference provides an excellent opportunity to learn from global experts and understand how emerging technologies can be effectively integrated into clinical practice. Our aim is to ensure that innovation ultimately translates into safer procedures and better vision care for patients.”
With over thousands of delegates, including senior clinicians, young ophthalmologists, academicians, and industry leaders, Phaco Festival 2026 continues to reinforce its role as India’s premier platform for fostering collaboration, surgical excellence, and the next generation of ophthalmic innovation.