Special Correspondent
Imphal, September 18:
Prof. Rajkumari Vidyarani, Professor and Head of the Department of Ophthalmology at Jawaharlal Institute of Medical Sciences (JIMS), Imphal, has been selected for the “ACOIN National Lady of the Year 2025” award in recognition of her dedicated and lifelong contribution to community eye-health care.
The national honour will be conferred during the ACOIN Silver Jubilee 2026, the 25th International Assembly of Community Ophthalmologists and the 16th Annual Conference of the Association of Community Ophthalmologists of India (ACOIN), to be held at Biswa Bangla Convention Centre, New Town, Kolkata, from September 24 to 27.
The award recognises Prof. Vidyarani’s work in taking eye-care services beyond hospital settings and closer to underserved communities. Her contribution is particularly significant for Manipur, where people in remote and difficult-to-reach areas often face challenges in accessing specialised healthcare.
ACOIN, with more than 1,600 members in India and abroad, promotes community-based eye care through outreach programmes, surveys, awareness initiatives and continuing medical education.
Prof. Vidyarani is also the wife of Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah. However, the award is based on her professional contribution to community ophthalmology.
Her recognition brings national attention to the role of medical professionals who combine clinical expertise with sustained community service.