Secretary Specialized Healthcare & Medical Education visits the College of Ophthalmology, Mayo hospital

Lahore:  Secretary Specialized Healthcare & Medical Education Punjab Najam Ahmad Shah has said that College of Ophthalmology and Allied Vision Sciences, King Edward Medical University, Mayo Hospital has rendered significant role in introducing latest technology and expertise in diagnostic and treatment facilities for eye diseases, training of eye specialists as well as up -gradation of eye units of all teaching and DHQ hospitals.

He stated this while visiting the College of Ophthalmology and Allied Vision Sciences (COAVS), Mayo hospital. Principal COAVS, Prof. Dr. Asad Aslam Khan presented a brief view regarding the success story of the college. He said that COAVS has played a pivotal role in up-gradation of eye units in all the teaching hospitals not only in Punjab but also in all the four provinces. He informed that up gradation of eye units in DHQ hospitals is also done by the college. He said that the college of ophthalmology has extended training to all District Ophthalmologists in laser application for eye surgery besides, training in Microsurgical to all district ophthalmologists. He further informed that 321 ophthalmic technicians have been trained from all over the country including AJK and Gilgit Bultistan.

Prof. Asad Aslam Khan further informed that COAVS has introduced Fellowship in Peadiatric Ophthalmology and so far 11 peadiatric ophthalmologists have been trained besides establishment of 13 Peadiatric ophthalmology departments in different hospitals of Pakistan. Moreover, Primary Eye Care Module for Lady Health Workers has developed and a chapter also included in the syllabus of LHWs.

It was informed that a Programme for Prevention of Avoidable Blindness has also been launched for Glaucoma, Retinopathy of Prematurity and Corneal blindness and Eye Health Information Systm (EHIS) by the collaboration of Fred Hallows Foundation, Australia which would be concluded in 2017. Moreover, an- other programme for Prevention of Diabetes related blindness with the support of Fred Hollows Foundation was also launched.

Prof. Asad Aslam Khan also informed the Secretary Health that Provincial Programme for Prevention of Blindness was also launched in 2015 under which 36 eye screening and service delivery centers in 36 Rural Health Centres and 36 low vision clinics and rehabilitation centers at DHQ hospitals are being setup and this programme would be completed in 2018.

Prof. Asad Aslam Khan said that International  NGOs from UK, Australia , Germany as well as WHO are providing full support in these development programs. Secretary SH&ME Punjab Najam Ahmad Shah expressed satisfaction over the achievements of the College of Ophthalmology and Allied  Vision Sciences and appreciated the Principal for his professional dedication and taking personal interest in up-gradation of eye departments of the hospitals, training of doctors, provision of equipment to the hospital and introduction of new technology and skills for the treatment of eye diseases.