MC 2025-26 Secretary’s Annual Report

POONA OPHTHALMOLOGICAL SOCIETY
Secretary’s Annual Report (2025–2026)

It is my privilege to present the Annual Report of the Poona Ophthalmological Society for the tenure 2025–2026. The year has been marked by a rich blend of academic excellence, professional collaboration, and social engagement, reflecting the dynamic spirit of our society.

Pre-Term Social Initiatives
1. The academic calendar commenced with a Women’s Day Celebration on 8th March 2025 at Tarawade Clarks Inn, Pune, fostering camaraderie and celebrating the contributions of women in ophthalmology. A cultural treat to everyone from our POS members.

2. Annual General Body Meeting
The Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) was successfully conducted on 13th April 2025 at PYC Hindu Gymkhana, Pune, with active member participation and important administrative deliberations.

Subspecialty Academic Programs
3. A Glaucoma Skill Transfer Course was conducted on 26th April 2025 at YCM Hospital, Pune, focusing on hands-on training and skill enhancement. It was the first SSTC outside any conference. PGs took active participation in learning from our glaucoma experts of POS and YCM hospital.

4. The “Crossed Eyes – Straight Answers” CME was organized on 25th May 2025 at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, addressing key aspects of strabismus management. First Clinical meeting was conducted before CME. Major role from our MC Dr Prasad Walimbe

Community and Recreational Engagement
5. A unique initiative, the Padarmachi Fireflies Trail, was आयोजित on 7th June 2025, promoting bonding and well-being among members and their families. It was an unique experience of a night trail with amazing fireflies view a unique concept by our own President Dr Tejaswini Walimbe.

Health and Wellness Initiative
6. The society celebrated International Yoga Day on 22nd June 2025 at Rajiv Gandhi E-Learning School Auditorium, emphasizing holistic health. With demonstrations of yogasana by Yog gurus with special guidance on SURYANAMASKAR by Dr Milind Modak.

Continuing Medical Education (CME) Series
7. Cornea Simplified CME – 29th June 2025, Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune. With over 100 registrations and vast response this CME was a big HIT . Special thanks to our MC member Dr Sangeeta Wagh for taking special efforts for this CME.

8. Glaucoma Essentials Symposium – 10th August 2025, HV Desai Eye Hospital. With great speakers and good public interactions this CME simplified complicated Glaucoma. Co ordinated very well by  our MC Dr Vidya Chelerkar.

9. “Allergy Puzzles” CME – 14th September 2025, Ramee Grand, Deccan, Pune. It was done in association with Dr Vrushali Warad and Dr Vijay Warad’s Pune Allergy Centre.

10. “Infections of the Eye: Scenario, Cure & Prevention” CME – 12th October 2025, Hyatt Pune. An initiative by CIPLA for infectious disease control was also very successful program.

Conferences and Flagship Events
11. The Cataract Conclave was conducted on 26th October 2025 at Sheraton Grand Hotel. With special efforts by Dr jeevan Ladi it was a successful event in festive season.

12. The flagship annual conference, POS SPECTRUM 2025, was held on 13th–14th December 2025 at Hyatt Pune, witnessing excellent academic exchange and participation. One of a kind conference with a scientific as well as cultural treat with special efforts by our POS’s super enthusiastic managing committee members. A teamwork that truly paid significantly..

Cultural and Sports Activities
13. The POS Sports & Arts Carnival was organized on 4th January 2026 at Solaris Sports World and Metrocity Sports World, Kothrud ,Pune. Encouraging holistic engagement beyond academics. IN indoor and outdoor games POS family members participated efficiently, cherry on the top was the Arts workshop by Dr Suchismitha Behere.

Advanced Academic CMEs
14.  “Target Emmetropia – Cutting Edge Updates in Refractive & Cataract Surgery” CME – 1st February 2026, by Asian Eye Hospital under the aegis of POS.

15. “I and AI: Pixels to Precision” CME – 15th February 2026, IMA, Pune, highlighting advancements in artificial intelligence in ophthalmology. A latest grooming topic all over the world ie Artificial Intelligence , and how to incoperate it in ophthalmology practices from diagnostic to therapeutic to surgical. Unique concept CME with special efforts by Dr mandar Paranjpe.

16. Low Vision CME – 28th February 2026, Hotel Shree Panchratna, Pune. Under the aegis of POS , by Dr Parikshit Gogate .

 Outreach and Awareness Programs
17. A Glaucoma Awareness Program  with cycle rally And womens day celebration was conducted as a public outreach initiative by Aakash Eye clinic and LASER centre under the aegis of POS reinforcing the society’s commitment to community eye health.

Release of Audiobook of POS – VOICE IN VISION was done by the famous actress Sonali Kulkarni  .

Comprehensive Academic Initiative
18. The one-day CME program, “From Concepts to Confidence”, was conducted on 22nd March 2026 at HV Desai Eye Hospital, Pune, focusing on practical clinical learning. It was specially designed for post graduate students.

19. “In addition, a range of online programs were organized over the course of the year to facilitate ongoing learning and participation.”
“Among these, the pioneering POS Radio Series stood out, with an impressive 46 episodes conducted throughout the year.”

“Among our other noteworthy initiatives was the creation of an artbook by POS members, titled PANCHATATVA, which was presented as a token of honour to all past presidents and esteemed speakers at the POS SPECTRUM 2025 Conference.”

“The year also witnessed a series of lively and inclusive activities, ranging from virtual Ganpati decoration showcases and daily Yoga Week sessions led by our President and yoga gurus, to Navratri colour-themed celebrations and an online MasterChef competition, among many more.”
Culminating these efforts, we proudly launched the audiobook VOICE IN VISION, featuring a diverse array of innovative thoughts, stories, poetry, and stand-up comedy contributions from POS members.

Conclusion
The year 2025–2026 has been a testament to the society’s unwavering commitment to academic rigor, innovation, and member engagement. The diverse range of CMEs, conferences, and social initiatives reflects our collective pursuit of excellence in ophthalmology.

I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to our President, Dr. Tejaswini Walimbe, Treasurer, Dr. Sandhya Jamadagni, all office bearers, patrons, trustees, senior committee members, the ever-ready and dedicated Managing Committee members, and all society members for their constant support and enthusiastic involvement.

Dr. Nitika Tripathi,
Honorary Secretary 2025-26,
Poona Ophthalmological Society