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Orbis International president & CEO Kathleen Sherwin virtually inaugurated the new Digital Training Hub (DTH) at Sankara Eye Hospital, Bengaluru, strengthening the access to high-quality ophthalmic training and enhance the competencies and skills of the eye care workforce across Karnataka and south India.
The new hub is designed to strengthen training capacity by creating a connected learning environment that extends beyond the physical facility. It brings together in-person simulation and clinical training with technology-enabled learning, global expertise and ongoing virtual mentorship. The model combines simulation-based learning, virtual reality-enabled training and hands-on clinical experience with Cybersight, Orbis's telemedicine and e-learning platform, and Orbis's global network of Volunteer Faculty.
Through this integrated approach, eye care professionals can participate in structured, hands-on training while continuing to access online courses, clinical resources, case discussions, remote surgical mentorship and expert guidance beyond the physical training environment. This enables learning and mentorship to continue over time, creating a scalable model for strengthening skills through strong local institutions supported by technology and global expertise.
The DTH will support ophthalmologists, ophthalmologists-in-training, ophthalmic nurses and other eye health professionals through hospital-based training, observerships, fellowships and remote surgical mentorship. It is expected to support approximately 200 eye health professionals annually across Karnataka and South India, with a focus on training in medical retina for ophthalmologists.
Speaking during the inauguration, Kathleen Sherwin, president and CEO, Orbis Interntional, said, “The most powerful investment we can make in eye care is an investment in people. This Digital Training Hub brings together technology, simulation and global mentorship with Sankara's clinical expertise, making specialist training more accessible and helping ensure that eye care professionals can take new skills back to the communities they serve.”
Rishi Raj Borah, country director, Orbis India, said, “This partnership allows us to leverage Sankara's clinical expertise and create a multiplier effect through training, technology and mentorship. The goal is to train more professionals, strengthen institutions and ultimately bring better eye care closer to the communities that need it most.”
Dr B. L. Sujatha Rathod, director, Directorate of Medical Education, Karnataka, said, “As medical practice continues to evolve, healthcare professionals need opportunities to continually develop and refine their skills. Simulation-based learning provides a valuable environment for practitioners to practise procedures and build confidence before applying their skills in real-world settings. The Digital Training Hub at Sankara Eye Hospital will add an important resource for eye care professionals in Karnataka, supporting skill development through structured, technology-enabled training.”
Dr R V Ramani, founder of Sankara Eye Foundation, said, “The Digital Training Hub will help create a more connected and sustained learning environment, enabling eye care professionals to continue building their skills while remaining closely linked to expert guidance and new knowledge.”
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