Executive Summary
The EVIDENTIA | World Sight Day 2025 Virtual Symposium, hosted by the Vision Science Academy (VSA), was successfully conducted on October 9, 2025. The virtual event, held on World Sight Day, brought together a global audience of vision science students, professionals, and enthusiasts under the theme, “The Importance of Vision Research in Enhancing Eye Care. “The symposium achieved its primary goal of exchanging specialised knowledge and fostering innovation, featuring insightful talks from leading experts, a practical panel discussion on life in research, and the culmination of the Vision Science Innovation Challenge. The event saw a significant number of attendees, with registrations tallied from 24 different countries.
Event Overview and Objectives
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Name | EVIDENTIA | World Sight Day 2025 Virtual Symposium |
| Host | Vision Science Academy (VSA) |
| Date & Time | October 9, 2025 (10:30 AM BST / 3:00 PM IST) |
| Format | Virtual Symposium (Zoom) |
| Theme | Advancing Vision Through Evidence and Innovation |
| Central Topic | The Importance of Vision Research in Enhancing Eye Care |
| Target Audience | Vision Science Students, Professionals, and Enthusiasts worldwide |
| Primary Goal | To exchange knowledge, inspire new research, and discuss the transformative power of scientific inquiry in eye care. |
The event successfully positioned vision research as the cornerstone of progress in the vision sciences, moving beyond epidemiological explorations to groundbreaking clinical trials and innovative diagnostic tools.
Key Highlights and Speaker Sessions
The symposium featured a meticulously planned agenda, expertly hosted by Kristi Sharma, Education Engagement Manager at VSA. The program was anchored by three main presentations and a keynote address:
1. Keynote Address on Neuroscience
- Speaker: Prof. Emeritus Dr. J (Hans) van der Steen (Erasmus MC, The Netherlands)
- Topic: Vision: More than Meets the Eye
- Summary: Dr. van der Steen delivered a powerful keynote address, emphasising the complex neuroscientific and perceptual dimensions of vision that extend beyond simple ocular function. The talk set an intellectual foundation for the day by highlighting how advanced vision research is crucial for understanding the entirety of the visual process.
2. Public Health Research
- Speaker: Dr. Lynette Delali Amematekpor (Vision Spring, Ghana)
- Topic: Public Health Research for Universal Health Coverage
- Summary: Dr. Amematekpor provided a vital public health perspective, discussing the role of evidence-based public health research in developing scalable, equitable eye care models. The session focused on strategies for achieving Universal Health Coverage and translating research findings into actionable community programs.
3. Eye Care and Technology
- Speaker: Prof Dr. Veshal Madan (Dr. D.Y. Patil Institute of Optometry and Visual Sciences, India)
- Topic: Eye Care with Advancements in AI
- Summary: Prof. Madan explored the intersection of cutting-edge technology and clinical practice, detailing how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising eye care. The session showcased the application of AI in innovative diagnostic tools, patient management, and predicting disease progression.
4. A Successful Research Journey
- Storyteller: Sepideh Heydar Zadeh (Training Manager, VSA, USA)
- Summary: This segment offered practical and motivational insights into the realities of academic and professional research. Sepideh shared personal experiences and best practices, inspiring students and early-career professionals in the audience.
Interactive Sessions and Outcomes
Panel Discussion: FAQs on Life in Research
Following the individual presentations, all three main speakers joined a panel moderated by Kristi Sharma. The discussion focused on “Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Life in Research,” offering the global audience an opportunity to directly engage with the experts. Topics covered included navigating academic pressure, securing research funding, balancing clinical practice with research, and career advancement in vision science. This segment was highly successful in providing tangible guidance and mentorship
Image: A Clip from the Panel Discussion
Vision Science Innovation Challenge Winners
A major initiative concluded during the symposium was the Vision Science Innovation Challenge. This global competition was designed to foster innovative thinking among students and professionals. Prof. Dr. Veshal Madan announced the winners, who were selected for their ideas that hold the capacity to transform the vision care domain. The winners were awarded cash prizes, mentorship opportunities, and access to grants from VSA to help develop their concepts.
The Winners of the Vision Science Innovation Challenge are:
| Category | Winner | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|
| Student | Gopi Krishnan G. | Varsha Singh |
| Professional | Sharmila A. G. | Dr. Eisuke Shimizu |
| Special Mention | Siddiqua Fathima | |
Reflections from the Leadership
A Message from the Host
Kristi Sharma, Education Engagement Manager, VSA
“Hosting EVIDENTIA was a truly inspiring experience. Seeing the global vision science community gather virtually,actively engaging with our esteemed speakers, and discussing complex topics like AI in eye care and public health was the highlight of the day. The energy during the Panel Discussion was incredible, showing a real thirst for practical advice on a career in research. I am immensely proud of our team and the speakers for making this a platform for genuine knowledge exchange and community building. Thank you to everyone who participated.”
A Message from the Founder
Dr. Abhishek Mandal, Founder and CEO, VSA
“EVIDENTIA is more than just a symposium; it is a statement of the Vision Science Academy’s core mission: to advance vision care through evidence. On World Sight Day, it was fitting to celebrate the transformative power of research. The launch and successful conclusion of the Vision Science Innovation Challenge are particularly close to my heart, as they embody our commitment to mentoring the next generation of innovators. The insights shared today by global experts will undoubtedly fuel new research initiatives worldwide, bringing us closer to a future where high-quality eye care is universal. We look forward to seeing the impact of the ideas generated here.”
Conclusion and Future Outlook
The EVIDENTIA Virtual Symposium successfully celebrated World Sight Day 2025 by reinforcing the critical role of research and innovation in global eye health. The positive feedback and high level of audience engagement underscore the demand for such focused, high-level educational content.
Vision Science Academy remains committed to advancing the field and looks forward to hosting future events that will continue to build upon the themes of evidence and innovation discussed in the EVIDENTIA series. This being said, we proudly introduce ‘Research and Beyond’, a 5-series virtual workshop on research, starting January 2025. If this event inspired you to learn more and advance in vision research, join us in this special workshop and get certified in vision research.
Research and Beyond
A Career Advancement Workshop Series in Vision Research
The early-bird registration for Research and Beyond is now open.
Secure your slot in this global workshop by registering today and availing exclusive early-bird benefits.
Click below on the tab to read more about the workshop and register.
WORKSHOP
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