President’s message
Dear Colleagues, Members, and Esteemed Partners,
It is both an honour and a privilege to address you as the President of the College of Ophthalmologists of Sri Lanka for the year 2026.
I am pleased to announce that the theme for our Annual Congress this year is “Innovation through Precision and Respect.” This theme reflects not only the direction in which modern ophthalmology is evolving, but also the values we must uphold as we advance in an increasingly complex and technology-driven era.
Ophthalmology today stands at the forefront of medical innovation. From advanced microsurgical techniques to rapidly evolving diagnostic modalities, our field continues to redefine what is possible in restoring and preserving vision. However, innovation alone is not sufficient. It must be guided by precision in execution and, equally importantly, by deep respect—respect for the delicate ocular tissues we handle, respect for our patients, and respect for every member of the healthcare team.
Our collective goal remains clear: to ensure accessible, equitable, and high-quality ophthalmic care for every citizen of Sri Lanka. Achieving this requires more than individual excellence. It calls for meaningful collaboration across all levels of healthcare delivery. Ophthalmologists, nurses, optometrists, technicians, and allied health professionals must work together in a spirit of mutual respect, recognising the unique contributions and boundaries of each role.
At the same time, we must look beyond our borders. Strengthening partnerships at both regional and international levels is essential to foster knowledge exchange, encourage innovation, and develop sustainable solutions for the growing burden of eye diseases. Collaboration within our region, in particular, offers immense potential to address shared challenges and improve outcomes for our populations.
As we move forward, let us remain committed to delivering care that is not only innovative, but also precise, compassionate, and inclusive. Let us strive to ensure that the benefits of modern ophthalmology reach all those in need, especially the most vulnerable among us.
I warmly invite all of you—our members, colleagues, and partners from around the world—to join us in this journey, and to contribute to making this vision a reality.
Thank you.
Yours sincerely,
Dr. K. R. Dayawansa
President 2026