KOACON 2026 is a state-level optometry conference and workshop jointly organized by the Karnataka Optometry Association (KOA) and Acharya Institute of Allied Health Sciences (AIAHS). The program aims to promote knowledge exchange, clinical learning, innovation, professional development, and collaboration among optometry students, educators, clinicians, and experts.
Director, Padmashree Group, President, KAHPA, NCAHP Member, Chief Guest & Panel Member
KOA President & Faculty, Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital
HOD, Vittala College of Optometry, Panel Member
Myopia Management Lead, Zeiss Vision Care India, Panel Member
Proprietor, Ambika Opticals
HOD, Allied Health Sciences, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences
Assistant Professor, Acharya Institute of Allied Health Sciences
Assistant Professor, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences
Dept.of Ophthalmology, Ramaiah Medical College
Co-founder & HOD, Shailaja Eye Hospital
Assistant Professor, Sankara College of Optometry
Regional Ocularist, Sankara Eye Hospital
Director, Silverline laboratories
Senior Optometrist with LVA Speciality, SDM Hubli
Assistant Professor, Sri Siddhartha Medical College and Hospital
Regional Trainer, Essilor Luxottica India
Essilor India
Essilor India
| Timing | Topic | Speaker(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 – 8:30 AM | Registration | - |
| 8:30 – 9:30 AM | Inauguration Ceremony – KOACON-2026 | - |
| 9:30 – 10:00 AM | Panel Discussion on NCAHP and Career Opportunities in Optometry |
Panelists: Prof. Rajesh Shenoy – Member, Karnataka State Allied & Healthcare Council Optom Avinash Prabhu – HOD, Allied Health Sciences, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences Optom Diwakar Rao – HOD, Vittala College of Optometry Optom Rupam Sinha – Myopia Management Lead, Zeiss Vision Care India Optom Ambika G Nayak – Proprietor, Ambika Opticals Moderator: Optom Prateeksha G Hegde – Assistant Professor, Sankara College of Optometry |
| 10:00 – 10:20 AM | Scientific Session 1: Contact Lens Success: From Patient Selection to Retention Strategies |
Optom Sushant Kumar Shah Assistant Professor, Acharya Institute of Allied Health Sciences |
| 10:20 – 10:30 AM | Sponsor Talk 1:Innovation in Focus: Exploring the Latest ZEISS Vision Care Solutions in eye care | Optom Sree Raksha Training Consultant Carl Zeiss India |
| 10:30 – 10:45 AM | Tea Break & Stall Visit | - |
| 10:45 – 11:15 AM | Scientific Session 2: Beyond the Eye: From Visual Input to Visual Processing for the Primary Care Optometrist – Neuro-Optometry Guide |
Optom Sri Vidhya L. Assistant Professor, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences |
| 11:15 – 11:35 AM | Sponsor Talk 2:Pin hole pupillplasty: Turning Optical Chaos into ClarityZylus product range | Dr. Sanjana Vatsa ,Cornea and Refractive surgeon Dr. Agarwal’s eye hospital, Bangalore Optom Ume Misba MD Group product manager Transe Vision Care Private Limited |
| 11:35 – 12:05 PM | Scientific Session 3: From Detection to Direction: Ocular Diagnosis and Evidence-Based Referral Pathways in Retinal Imaging |
Dr. Arun Bhatti Dept. of Ophthalmology Ramaiah Medical College |
| 12:05 – 12:20 PM | Sponsor Talk 3: Redefining Optical Myopia Control: Clinical Evidence and the next evolution with H.A.L.T lenses |
Optom Akash Education professional Services Essilor India |
| 12:20 – 12:50 PM | Scientific Session 4: Beyond Dispensing: Building Excellence in Optical Retail Management |
Optom GS Raghavendra Co-founder & HOD, Shailaja Eye Hospital |
| 12:50 – 1:00 PM | Sponsor Talk 4: A Comprehensive Visual Assessment, Rehabilitation & Assistive Device Ecosystem for Managing Visual Impairment | Ms Apoorva Shittole, Low Vision Specialist, SHG Technologies.
Dr Ganesh, Chief Product & Innovation Officer, SHG Technologies Pvt. Ltd |
| 1:00 – 1:10 PM | Sponsor Talk 5: Ocular Surface and Visual Rehabilitation with Rigid Scleral Lenses | Mr Gagan Sahni Founder Silverline laboratories,New Delhi |
| 1:10 – 1:30 PM | Valedictory Ceremony | - |
| 1:30 – 2:30 PM | Lunch, Networking & Trade Exhibition Visit | - |
| Workshop Topic | Speakers Details |
|---|---|
|
Masterclass 1: Oculoplasty Essentials for Optometrists |
Optom Sukanya Suresh and Team Regional Ocularist, Sankara Eye Hospital |
|
Masterclass 2: Mastering Specialty Contact Lens Practice: Scleral & Ortho-K Lenses |
Mr. Gagan Sahni and Team Silverline Laboratories |
|
Masterclass 3: Precision Dispensing for Myopia Control & Progressive Addition Lenses (PALs) |
Optom Akash, Optom Sanu & Optom Naveen Essilor India |
|
Masterclass 4: Transforming Vision, Transforming Lives: Hands-on Low Vision Assessment and Rehabilitation |
Optom A P Nishad Begum Assistant Professor, Sri Siddhartha Medical College and Hospital Optom Deepa G K KOA President, Faculty, Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital Optom Basavaraj Gejji Senior Optometrist with LVA Speciality, SDM Hubli |
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