Academia, Industry, and Clinicians Unite to Accelerate Innovation in Eye Care
Mumbai, April 27, 2026: In a decisive move to address India’s growing burden of eye disorders, Vivekanand Education Society’s College of Pharmacy (VESCOP), ENTOD Pharmaceuticals, and APTI-MSB jointly hosted Vision 360, a landmark one-day National Symposium on “Translating Ophthalmic Innovations from Bench to Bedside.” Held at VES College of Pharmacy, Mumbai, the symposium brought together leading pharmacy experts, ophthalmologists, industry stakeholders, regulators, students, and research scholars.
The event served as a dynamic platform to foster collaboration and fast-track the conversion of laboratory discoveries into real-world treatments. Through keynote sessions, expert talks, e-poster presentations, and interdisciplinary discussions, Vision 360 emphasized the importance of translational research in advancing patient care.
India’s Growing Eye Health Crisis Demands Immediate Attention
India continues to face a significant eye health challenge, with nearly 75% of blindness cases considered preventable or curable. Glaucoma alone impacts over 12 million people, with nearly 90% of cases going undiagnosed. Additionally, conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and ocular infections affect millions, placing increased pressure on healthcare systems.
While advancements in pharmaceutical sciences, biotechnology, and clinical research have accelerated the development of new therapies, a critical gap remains between research and its clinical application. Vision 360 directly addressed this gap by highlighting strategies to translate innovations from pre-clinical stages to effective patient treatments.
Industry Leaders Emphasize Collaboration and Skill Development
Speaking at the event, Mr. Nikkhil K. Masurkar, CEO, ENTOD Pharmaceuticals, said:
“With growing advancements in ophthalmic research, it is essential to strengthen the translation of innovation from bench to bedside. Vision 360 serves as a vital platform for academia, clinicians, and industry to collaborate, exchange knowledge, and drive progress in ophthalmic therapeutics. It also provides students with valuable exposure to real-world applications, emerging technologies, and industry expectations—helping them build relevant skills and make informed career choices in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.”
VESCOP Reinforces Commitment to Research and Innovation
Prof. Supriya Shidhaye, Principal, VESCOP, added:
“As an institution dedicated to academic excellence and research, VESCOP strives to promote multidisciplinary learning and meaningful engagement. Vision 360 reflects our commitment to fostering knowledge exchange, advancing translational research, and strengthening collaboration across the pharmaceutical and healthcare ecosystem.”
Expert Sessions Highlight Emerging Trends and Technologies
The symposium featured insightful sessions by eminent speakers, including Mr. Nikkhil K. Masurkar, Prof. Thakur Raghu Raj Singh (Queen’s University, Belfast), Dr. Kasturi Bhadsavle (Founder, EyeVet), Dr. Sanjay Tamoli (Founder, TIMER), and Dr. Sadhana Sathaye (Professor, ICT).
Key discussions focused on:
- Innovations in ophthalmic research
- Translational approaches in drug development
- Regulatory and clinical perspectives
- Market trends in ophthalmic products
- Emerging experimental models such as zebrafish and Drosophila
Encouraging Young Researchers Through Innovation Platforms
A major highlight of Vision 360 was the research-based e-poster competition conducted in an online format. The initiative encouraged student participation and provided a platform to showcase cutting-edge research in ophthalmology within a structured presentation format.
The symposium aimed to deepen understanding of translational research, strengthen collaboration between academia and industry, and expose participants to emerging technologies and therapeutic strategies in ocular drug delivery.
About ENTOD Pharmaceuticals
ENTOD Pharmaceuticals is a global, research-driven pharmaceutical company with over 48 years of expertise in ophthalmology, ENT, and dermatology. With more than 300 formulations, a global workforce of over 2,000 professionals, and operations in 67 countries, the company adheres to the highest international GMP and European-certified quality standards.
About VESCOP
Founded in 2007, Vivekanand Education Society’s College of Pharmacy (VESCOP) is recognized for its strong focus on research, innovation, academic excellence, and social responsibility. Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP), the institution promotes multidisciplinary learning, critical thinking, and job readiness, preparing students to contribute meaningfully to the pharmaceutical industry and society.