FAQs

LEAP-Ophthalmology is a unique problem solving and learning engagement program designed by country’s top Retinologists at Vitreoretinal Society of India (VRSI), supported by Roche to inspire innovation among medical and surgical retina fellows on the cusp of entering clinical practice.

Designed to foster innovation among the next generation of retina specialists, LEAP-Ophthalmology aims to inspire innovative thinking by challenging participants to solve real-world problems in patient care across different retinal diseases.

Through structured learning, mentorship, and peer collaboration, LEAP provides fellows an opportunity to develop practical, scalable solutions to real-world problems that can become the new standard of retina care in the future. The most impactful and practical solutions will get mentored by industry experts and will be recognised with LEAP scholarships and potential real-world implementation.

For more information/ clarification, write to us at [email protected]

Applicants must meet the following criteria to participate in LEAP–Ophthalmology:

• Be a Medical or Surgical Retina Fellow who will be in training as of 30th June 2026, duly certified by the Fellowship Director

• Be proposed/recommended by an Institute Faculty member who is a member of the Vitreoretinal Society of India (VRSI)

• Be willing and able to travel and actively participate in all stages and engagements of the program

The program aims to :

• Empower young minds in retina care to ideate and develop disruptive, innovative, yet practical solutions to address pressing challenges in retinal care in India

• Provide Retina Fellows (Medical & Surgical) with a dynamic platform for learning, collaboration and innovation

• The program brings together emerging specialists, seasoned mentors and leading experts to foster a rich ecosystem of knowledge exchange and cross-disciplinary engagement

The program is divided into six phases:

Phase 1 (Apr-Jun): Registration and Submission of Solutions

Medical and Surgical Retina Fellows register for the program. They can then submit their innovative solutions to various real-world challenges related to retinal care in India on the LEAP portal by 30 June 2026

Phase 2 (July): Screening and Shortlisting

Top 20-25 solutions are shortlisted by the Advisory Board and presented to the Jury

Phase 3 (July) Evaluation

The competition intensifies as the Jury narrows down the most promising solutions to the Top 10 National Finalists.

Phase 4 (August) Mentorship

Each of the 10 finalists is paired with an esteemed expert from our VRSI Mentor Panel, ensuring your project is refined by the best minds in the field.

Phase 5 (September) Presentation

Top 10 finalists present their evolved solution to the distinguished Jury in a virtual session. Top 5 solutions are selected

Phase 6 (Dec): Final Round at The Grand Stage and recognition

The Top 5 Solutions earn an exclusive invitation to the VRSI Annual Conference for a face-to-face presentation before the grand Jury. To honor this achievement, the Fellows and their Mentors will receive complimentary registration to the conference, providing unparalleled networking opportunities with the country’s leading retina specialists

The journey culminates in a prestigious Felicitation Ceremony at the VRSI Annual Conference. Final Winners will be recognized and awarded LEAP Scholarships worth up to Rs 3 Lakh* each.

No, this is an educational initiative and participation is free.

Typically, submissions are individual unless otherwise specified.

You can register through the LEAP Ophthalmology microsite once registrations open. After registering, you will be able to explore the available challenge themes and select the one you wish to participate in.

Retina fellows are invited to reimagine retinal care through solutions that are innovative, impactful and implementable in real-world settings. Synergize advanced systems-level thinking with cutting- edge technological integration to develop transformative solutions that can redefine excellence in patient care. This is a call to transcend traditional boundaries and confront the most pressing challenges across the retinal landscape with bold, disruptive thinking.

Challenge Statements are organized into three Buckets, each targeting critical intervention points in the patient journey

• Awareness and Screening

• Clinical/ Treatment

• Knowledge Dissemination

The program seeks practical, innovative, and scalable solutions that address real-world gaps in retinal care in India and contribute to improving patient outcomes.

The program offers hands-on experience in solving real-world challenges in retinal care, helping you go beyond classroom learning. You will have the opportunity to learn from and interact with leading experts, mentors, and peers while showcasing your ideas on a national platform. It also helps strengthen your clinical and problem-solving skills, enhances your professional profile, and provides recognition along with meaningful rewards for impactful solutions.

Final Winners (the ones with the most innovative, impactful solutions) will win LEAP scholarships worth up to Rs 3 lakhs* each

Solution submission Deadline: 30 June 2026

For any queries or clarifications, you can reach out to us at [email protected]