The Institutional Ethical Committee of the Debapriya Mukhopadhyay Vision Research Institute and Foundation (DMVRIF) serves as the cornerstone of its commitment to responsible and ethical research in vision science and allied fields.

DMVRIF, founded and directed by Prof. Dr. Debapriya Mukhopadhyay, is dedicated to advancing multidisciplinary research in optometry, optics, and vision science. To ensure that all studies uphold the highest standards of integrity, safety, and respect for participants, the Institutional Ethical Committee (IEC) was established as an independent body within the foundation.

The committee’s role is to review, monitor, and approve research proposals involving human participants, ensuring compliance with national and international ethical guidelines. It safeguards the rights, dignity, and welfare of participants while promoting transparency and accountability in scientific inquiry. By fostering a culture of ethical responsibility, the IEC strengthens DMVRIF’s mission of contributing meaningful knowledge to the field of vision research and community eye health.

In essence, the DMVRIF Institutional Ethical Committee reflects the foundation’s values of scientific excellence, human-centered research, and social responsibility, making it a trusted guardian of ethical standards in vision science.

Our Purpose

At the Debapriya Mukhopadhyay Vision Research Institute and Foundation (DMVRIF), the Institutional Ethical Committee exists to uphold the highest standards of integrity in research. Our purpose is to:

• Protect human dignity and welfare by ensuring that all research involving participants is conducted with respect, fairness, and compassion.

• Safeguard ethical values by reviewing and monitoring studies to guarantee compliance with national and international guidelines.

• Promote responsible innovation in vision science and allied fields, balancing scientific progress with social responsibility.

• Foster trust and transparency between researchers, participants, and the wider community.

• Encourage accountability so that every project reflects DMVRIF’s commitment to ethical excellence and meaningful impact.

What Makes Us Unique

• Vision-Centered Ethics: Unlike many committees that serve broad scientific domains, our focus is dedicated to vision science and allied fields. This specialization allows us to address the unique ethical challenges of optometry, ophthalmology, and visual research with precision.

• Multidisciplinary Expertise: Our committee brings together professionals from diverse backgrounds—optometry, biomedical sciences, ethics, law, and community health—ensuring that every decision is balanced, comprehensive, and socially responsible.

• Global Standards, Local Sensitivity: We align with international ethical guidelines while remaining deeply attuned to the cultural and social contexts of the communities we serve.

• Commitment to Transparency: Every review process is conducted with openness and accountability, fostering trust among researchers, participants, and stakeholders.

• Human-Centered Approach: Beyond compliance, we emphasize compassion, dignity, and respect for participants, making ethics not just a requirement but a value embedded in our research culture.

How We Work

• Independent Review: Every research proposal submitted to DMVRIF undergoes a thorough and impartial evaluation by our committee members.

• Ethical Screening: We assess studies against established national and international ethical guidelines, ensuring participant safety, informed consent, and respect for human dignity.

• Collaborative Dialogue: Researchers are encouraged to engage with the committee, clarifying protocols and strengthening ethical safeguards through constructive feedback.

• Continuous Monitoring: Approved projects are not left unchecked—we monitor progress to ensure ongoing compliance and address any emerging ethical concerns.

• Transparency and Accountability: Decisions are documented and communicated clearly, fostering trust between researchers, participants, and the wider community.

• Capacity Building: Beyond oversight, we support researchers by promoting awareness of ethical practices and nurturing a culture of responsibility in vision science.

Our Favorite Tools

• Ethical Guidelines: We rely on internationally recognized frameworks such as the Declaration of Helsinki and ICMR guidelines to ensure our decisions are grounded in global best practices.

• Multidisciplinary Expertise: Our committee draws on the knowledge of professionals in optometry, biomedical sciences, ethics, law, and community health, making our reviews holistic and balanced.

• Transparent Processes: Structured review protocols, clear documentation, and open communication channels help us maintain fairness and accountability.

• Continuous Monitoring Systems: We use regular reporting and follow-up mechanisms to ensure that approved projects remain ethically sound throughout their lifecycle.

• Capacity Building Resources: Workshops, training sessions, and awareness programs are tools we use to empower researchers with ethical knowledge and practical guidance.

• Community Engagement: Listening to participants and stakeholders is one of our most valuable tools for building trust and ensuring research benefits society.

Welcome

At the Debapriya Mukhopadhyay Vision Research Institute and Foundation (DMVRIF), we believe that groundbreaking research must always walk hand in hand with compassion, responsibility, and respect for human dignity. Our Institutional Ethical Committee is here to ensure that every study we undertake reflects these values.

Our Purpose

Our purpose is simple yet profound: to protect the rights and welfare of participants, to uphold the highest ethical standards in vision science, and to foster trust between researchers and the communities we serve. We see ethics not as a barrier, but as the foundation for meaningful and impactful discovery.

What Makes Us Unique

• Vision-Centered Ethics: We specialize in the ethical dimensions of vision science, giving us a unique perspective.

• Multidisciplinary Expertise: Our committee blends knowledge from optometry, biomedical sciences, ethics, law, and community health.

• Global Standards, Local Sensitivity: We follow international guidelines while staying rooted in the needs of our local communities.

• Transparency and Trust: Every decision we make is open, accountable, and designed to build confidence.

• Human-Centered Approach: We go beyond compliance, placing compassion and dignity at the heart of our work.

How We Work

We review research proposals with care, ensuring they meet ethical standards before approval. Our process is collaborative—we work with researchers to strengthen protocols and safeguard participants. Once projects are underway, we continue monitoring to ensure ongoing compliance. Transparency, dialogue, and accountability guide every step.

Our Favorite Tools

• Ethical Guidelines: International frameworks like the Declaration of Helsinki and ICMR guidelines.

• Expert Voices: Insights from diverse professionals across science, ethics, and law.

• Monitoring Systems: Regular reporting and follow-up to keep research on track.

• Capacity Building: Workshops and training to empower researchers with ethical knowledge.

• Community Engagement: Listening to participants and stakeholders to ensure research benefits society.

Join Us in Our Mission

Ethics is not just about rules—it’s about people. By embedding integrity and compassion into every study, we ensure that vision research at DMVRIF is not only innovative but also responsible. Together, we can advance science while honoring the trust of those who make it possible.