HelpMeSee Expands MSICS Training in Northeast India with Guwahati Initiative

Event summary

  • HelpMeSee and HMS Vision Private Limited launched a cataract surgery simulation-based training initiative in Guwahati, India, in partnership with Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya (SSDN).
  • The program, which began in April 2026, aims to train 30 cataract surgeons in Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery (MSICS) over three to four months.
  • The initiative is designed as a time-bound effort to build immediate surgical capacity in Northeast India, addressing geographic and access barriers to advanced training.
  • SSDN, the largest ophthalmic training institute in Northeast India, is providing the clinical and educational environment for the training program.

The big picture

HelpMeSee's initiative in Guwahati aligns with its global mission to eradicate cataract blindness by expanding access to simulation-based training. The program addresses critical gaps in surgical education in Northeast India, where geographic barriers have limited access to advanced training. By leveraging local partnerships, HelpMeSee aims to strengthen the surgical workforce in underserved regions, contributing to the broader goal of eliminating avoidable blindness caused by cataracts.

What we're watching

Training Impact
The pace at which the trained surgeons can address the cataract backlog in Northeast India.
Scalability
Whether HelpMeSee can replicate this localized training model in other underserved regions.
Partnership Dynamics
How the collaboration between HelpMeSee, HMS Vision Private Limited, and SSDN evolves beyond this initiative.