|
Newsletter - Fall 1998, Volume 1, Number 1
Table of Contents
AOI Meeting with the Pan-Arab African
Council of Ophthalmology (PAACO) and the Egyptian Ophthalmological
Society (EOS)
The Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis, International
Council of Ophthalmology and Advisory Committee of the
International Council of Ophthalmology are scheduled
to meet with the Pan-Arab African Council of Ophthalmology
(PAACO) and the Egyptian Ophthalmological Society (EOS)
Congress in Cairo, Egypt. Dr. Akef El-Maghraby, President
of PAACO, has arranged an outstanding Nile Meeting to
precede the PAACO and EOS meetings in Cairo. The Nile
Meeting will provide for coordinated sessions of the
Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis, International
Council of Ophthalmology and the Advisory Committee
of the International Council of
Ophthalmology. The Nile Meeting is scheduled from February
23 through February 28, 1999. The combined PAACO-EOS
Congress extends from March 1 through March 5, 1999.
back to top
Academia Meetings in Amsterdam
Preceding the XXVIIIth International Congress of Ophthalmology,
the Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis (ICO) Meeting
took place in Amsterdam on June 21, 1998. Meetings were
directed by President Benjamin F. Boyd, Vice-President
Maurice Luntz, Vice-President Arthur Lim, Secretary-General
Gabriel Coscas and Treasurer Jean-François Cuendet.
Prof. Rubens Belfort, Jr. and Prof. Alfred Sommer were
formally inducted into the AOI and received certificates
of membership from Prof. Boyd. The Business Meeting
included extensive consideration of the highly qualified
nominees for membership and resulted in election of
Prof. Robert Machemer and Prof. Gullapalli N. Rao as
new members of the AOI. These colleagues bring substantial
distinction and prominence to the organization.
By unanimous action, the Academia members elected as
officers for 1998-2002, Prof. Bradley R. Straatsma,
President; Prof. Enrique S. Malbran, First Vice-President;
Prof. Koichi Shimizu, Second Vice-President; Prof. Gabriel
Coscas, Secretary-General and Prof. Rosario Brancato,
Treasurer. Symbolizing continuity of the organization,
Prof. Boyd presented the President's Medal to Dr. Straatsma.
On behalf of the newly elected officers, Dr. Straatsma
thanked Academia members for their expression of confidence
and praised Prof. Boyd and the other current officers
for outstanding service to the AOI throughout 1994-1998.
 |
Academia Ophthalmologica
Internationalis Members gathered for an informal
photograph during the meeting on June 21, 1998.
Among members who were present are: (First row,
left to right) Profs. Wessing, Cuendet, Coscas,
Boyd, Luntz and Straatsma; (Second row, left to
right) Profs. Amalric, Merté, Nakajima and
Lichter; (Third row, left to right) Belfort, Ribeiro-Da-Silva,
Barraquer, Rodriguez, Murube and Cunha-Vaz; (Fourth
row, left to right) Profs. Saraux, Pouliquen, Contreras,
Spivey, Fanta and Freyler, (Last row, left to right)
Profs. De Laey, Billson, Tarkkanen, Kupfer, Tengroth,
Ryan, Naumann, Blumenthal and Sommer.
(Photograph
courtesy of Prof. Rubens Belfort, Jr.) |
The AOI Scientific Session commenced after a brief
intermission. Attended by AOI members and invited guests,
presentations were very well received. Prof. Rubens
Belfort, Jr., spoke on "Toxoplasmosis in Ophthalmology
from 1908 to 1998"; Prof. Alfred Sommer delivered a
presentation entitled "Vitamin A Deficiency and Xerophthamia:
Past, Present and Future"; and Prof. Gisele Soubrane
described "Experimental Models of Choroidal Neovascularization:
Past, Present and Future." Combining science and culture
of The Netherlands, Prof. August Deutman, President
of the XXVIII International Congress of Ophthalmology,
delivered the Academia Oration entitled "Dutch Masters
and The Macula." At the conclusion of the Oration, President
Boyd presented a commemorative plaque to Dr. Deutman.
The Academia Special Memorial Session, following a
luncheon for AOI members and guests, paid tribute to
Academia members who passed away during the previous
year: Prof. Jose I. Barraquer, Prof. Ronald Lowe and
Prof. A. Edward Maumenee. Prof. Jose I. Barraquer was
honored for his pioneering contributions to refractive
surgery and ophthalmology in gracious comments by his
brother, Prof. Joaquin Barraquer, Prof. G. Scuderi,
Prof. J. Murube and Prof. G. Coscas. Aspects of his
life and career were presented with particularly considerate
statements and a video tribute by his daughter, Dr.
Carmen Barraquer.
Recognizing the passing of Prof. Ronald Lowe, Prof.
Frank Billson spoke in laudatory terms of his contributions
to ophthalmology in Australia. Dr. Billson also noted
the extensive outreach activities of Dr. Lowe to enhance
ophthalmic education and training throughout several
parts of Asia.
The epochal career of Prof. A. Edward Maumenee was
presented in a tribute organized and led by Prof. Steven
J. Ryan. Prof. Bruce Spivey and Prof. Ronald Smith emphasized
Dr. Maumenee's contributions to American ophthalmology,
Prof. Akira Nakajima and Prof. G. O. H. Naumann commented
on his contributions to international ophthalmology
and Prof. Enrique Malbran related his work to raise
standards of ophthalmology in Latin America. Thereafter,
Prof. Carl Kupfer and Prof. Alfred Sommer presented
comments on Dr. Maumenee's work on prevention of blindness
and Prof. Bradley Straatsma spoke on the contributions
of Dr. Maumenee to the science of ophthalmology.
Representing all AOI members, President Benjamin F.
Boyd closed the Special Memorial Session with thoughtful
comments regarding the fine personal qualities and illustrious
careers of Prof. Jose I. Barraquer, Prof. Ronald Lowe
and Prof. A. Edward Maumenee.
back to top
 |
| Prof. Alfred
Sommer (left) received the Duke-Elder Medal from
Prof. Akira Nakajima (right) at the Closing Session
of the International Congress. (Photograph
courtesy of Prof. Alfred Sommer.) |
XXVIIIth International Congress of
Ophthalmology
The XXVIIIth International Congress of Ophthalmology
in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, on June 21-25, 1998,
was an outstanding scientific and cultural event. Dr.
August Deutman, President of the Congress, and the Congress
Organizing Committees prepared an excellent scientific
program that included distinguished lectures such as
the Academia Special Guest Lecture by Prof. Michal Schwartz
and the Waardenburg Lecture by Prof.. Thaddeus Dryja;
special symposia on topics of particular scientific
interest; sessions arranged in collaboration with ophthalmology
specialty societies; and free scientific papers. A large
number of scientific posters were also presented and
the exhibits by sponsors and commercial organizations
were particularly well received by Congress participants.
Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis (AOI) members
participated in the academic procession at the Opening
Session of the Congress on June 21 and Prof. Benjamin
Boyd, AOI President, presented greetings on behalf of
the Academia. As a highlight of the session, Prof. Akira
Nakajima, President of the International Council of
Ophthalmology (ICO), presented the prestigious Jules
Gonin Medal to Prof. Robert Machemer. The AOI scientific
session, on June 22, featured presentations on uveitis
and was particularly well attended. Later, on the same
day, the Academia Special Guest Lecture was presented
to Prof. Michal Schwartz. Her comments regarding neuroprotection
and neuroregeneration were particularly timely and scientifically
informative.
 |
| Members of
the Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis participated
in the procession at the Opening Session of the
Congress. Shown prior to the procession are (left
to right) Secretary-General Gabriel Coscas, President
Benjamin F. Boyd, Vice-President Maurice Luntz and
Vice-President Arthur Lim. (Photograph courtesy
of Prof. Arthur Lim) |
The Closing Ceremony of the Congress on June 25 was
very auspicious. At this session, Prof. Akira Nakajima,
President of the ICO, presented the acclaimed Duke-Elder
Medal to Prof. Alfred Sommer. Prof. Pierre Amalric received
the François Medal for his outstanding contributions
to international ophthalmology.
Cultural events included the Opening Session on June
21, which featured contemporary music and dance in addition
to a Reception for all Congress attendees, a Reception
under courtesy of the Mayor of Amsterdam at the Rijksmuseum
on June 22, a special Concert at the renowned Amsterdam
Concertgebouw on June 23, and a gala dinner for Congress
participants on June 24th.
Hospitality extended by Congress Officers, the Organizing
Committee, colleagues from The Netherlands and the people
of Amsterdam was warm and gracious. A number of special
receptions and events added substantially to the personal
enjoyment as well as the opportunities for direct interaction
between AOI members and Congress participants from countries
throughout the world. Captions for photographs: Photograph
1 - Prof. August Deutman, President of the XXVIIIth
International Congress of Ophthlamology, presided at
the Opening Session and at numerous events throughout
the Congress. (Photograph courtesy of Prof. Rubens Belfort,
Jr.)
back to top
International Council of Ophthalmology
and International Federation of Ophthalmological Societies
Bruce E. Spivey, M.D. Secretary-General, International
Council of Ophthalmology
Meetings of the Advisory Committee of the International
Council of Ophthalmology on June 19, 1998, the International
Council of Ophthalmology on June 20, and the General
Assembly of the International Council of Ophthalmology
and International Federation of Ophthalmological Societies
on June 23 were coordinated with the XXVIII International
Congress of Ophthalmology in Amsterdam.
Among major activities, the Advisory Committee of the
International Council of Ophthalmology and the International
Council of Ophthalmology enthusiastically endorsed the
Ophthalmology Basic Science Examination given annually
in recent years at locations throughout the world. Developed
by Prof. Peter Watson and members of the Education,
this examination provides an opportunity for ophthalmologists
in training to complete an objective assessment of personal
knowledge. This assessment enables ophthalmologists
in training to compare their knowledge with ophthalmologists
who concurrently complete the assessment process at
a number of locations throughout the world. Indicative
of this activity, the most recent Basic Science Assessment
was completed in 1998 by 877 registrants who completed
the procedure in nine countries. In collaboration with
Prof. Watson and his colleagues, arrangements were made
for continuation of this program for knowledge assessment
in representative countries that elect to participate
during the coming years. A Clinical Science Assessment
Examination was given on a trial basis in 1998 and will
be given for at least several more years to see if it
will be of assistance to participants. Neither exam
is to be used for certification.
The Council reviewed plans for the XXIX International
Congress of Ophthalmology in Sydney, Australia in 2002.
Excellent arrangements for the International Congress
have been made by Prof. Peter Hardy-Smith, President;
Prof. Frank A. Billson, Honorary President; Prof. Frank
S. Martin, Secretary-General; and the Congress Organizing
Committee.
Enthusiastically, the Council accepted the invitation
of ophthalmologists in Brazil and agreed to conduct
the XXX International Congress of Ophthalmology during
2006. Prof. Rubens Belfort, Jr., Congress President,
and the Organizing Committee will determine the location
for the 2006 Congress in Brazil. Both Rio de Janeiro
and São Paulo have expressed strong interest
in being the host city for the 2006 meeting in Brazil.
Culminating several years of activity and the
particular efforts of Prof. Balder Gloor and Prof. Bradley
Straatsma, the General Assembly of the International
Council of Ophthalmology and the International Federation
of Ophthalmological Societies unanimously approved the
General Revision of the International Federation of
Ophthalmological Societies Statutes, Regulations of
the International Council of Ophthalmology, Regulations
of the International Congress of Ophthalmology and Regulations
of Awards. The revised Statutes and Regulations promote
the aim of the Council and Federation, coordinate activities
and are in full accordance with the laws of Switzerland.
All steps have been taken by Prof. Gloor to complete
registration of the Statutes and Regulations in Zurich,
Switzerland.
In coordinated actions, the International Council of
Ophthalmology and the General Assembly of the Council
and Federation conferred distinctions on distinguished
officers and members of the Council. Receiving special
recognition, Prof. Akira Nakajima was elected Honorary
Life President of the International Council of Ophthalmology,
Prof. Pierre Amalric was confirmed as Honorary Life
Member of the International Council of Ophthalmology
and Prof. Benjamin Boyd was elected Honorary Life Member
of the International Council of Ophthalmology.
Officers of the International Council of Ophthalmology
for 1998-2002 are Prof. Gottfried O. H. Naumann, President;
Prof. Mark O. M. Tso, Vice-President; Prof. Bruce E.
Spivey, Secretary-General; and Prof. Balder Gloor, Treasurer.
Additional elected, ex-officio and honorary members
of the International Council of Ophthalmology for 1998-2002
are Prof. Adenike Aboise, Prof. Pierre Amalric, Prof.
Rubens Belfort, Jr., Prof. Benjamin F. Boyd, Prof. Jean-Jacques
De Laey, Prof. August F. Deutman, Prof. Akef El Maghraby,
Prof. Peter Hardy-Smith, Prof. Paul R. Lichter, Prof.
Arthur S.M. Lim, Prof. Frank J. Martin, Prof. L. Missotten,
Prof. P.N. Nagpal, Prof. Akira Nakajima, Prof. Ramachandra
Pararajasegaram, Prof. Yves Pouliquen, Prof. Alvaro
Rodriguez, Prof. S. Selvarajah, Prof. Abdel Latif Siam,
Prof. Bradley R. Straatsma, Prof. Björn M. Tengroth,
Prof. Peter G. Watson, and Sir John Wilson.
Members of the Advisory Committee to the International
Council of Ophthalmology for 1998-2002 are Prof. Frank
Billson, Prof. Rosario Brancato, Prof. Francisco Contreras,
Prof. Jean-Jacques De Laey, Prof. Timothy J. ffytche,
Prof. Dehabia Hartani, Prof. H. Dunbar Hoskins, Jr.,
Prof. Zi-liang Li, Prof. Alfred Sommer, Prof. Yasuo
Tano, Prof. Bjorn Thylefors, Prof. Georges Yaya, Prof.
Zbigniew Zagorski and Mr. David Noonan.
back to top
Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis and
International Council of Ophthalmology Officers Honored
at the Academia-Council Dinner
Members of the Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis,
International Council of Ophthalmology and Advisory
Committee of the International Council of Ophthalmology,
accompanied by spouses and special guests, were invited
by the XXVIII International Congress of Ophthalmology
Officers to attend an elegant Reception and Dinner on
June 20, 1998 at historically important Muiderslot Castle.
With classic walls, broad courtyard and a fully restored
main structure, Muiderslot Castle, a few miles outside
of Amsterdam was the setting for a gracious evening
and a highlight for the collegiality that is a pillar
of international ophthalmology.
Prof. Benjamin Boyd, AOI President; Prof. Maurice Luntz,
Vice-President; Prof. Arthur Lim, Vice-President; Prof.
Gabriel Coscas, Secretary-General; and Prof. Jean-François
Cuendet, Treasurer, were praised for leadership of the
Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis during the
four years between the 1994 International Congress of
Ophthalmology in Toronto, Canada and the 1998 International
Congress of Ophthalmology in Amsterdam. Prof. Luntz
commented on the highly successful program of Academia
Special Guest Lectures inaugurated during the past four
years. This distinguished series of presentations at
major international ophthalmology meetings enhances
the visibility of the AOI and adds to the scientific
quality of major meetings. Prof. Straatsma complimented
Prof.. Boyd and other officers for restructuring the
process of nomination and election for AOI members.
This process assured that every nominee received full
consideration and that AOI members were well informed
regarding the credentials of nominees prior to voting
on AOI membership.
Prof. Akira Nakajima, President of the International
Council of Ophthalmology for the 8-year period, 1990-1998;
Prof. Pierre Amalric, ICO Vice-President for 1994-1998;
Prof. Bruce E. Spivey, ICO Secretary-General for 1994-1998,
and Prof. Balder Gloor, Treasurer for 1994-1998 were
commended for leadership of the International Council
of Ophthalmology during the important programmatic advances
in recent years. Prof. Pierre Amalric and Prof. Bruce
E. Spivey expressed particular praise to Prof. Nakajima
and the Council for supporting the major International
Ophthalmology Basic Science Examination directed by
Prof. Peter Watson. Prof. Watson and his colleagues
are responsible for the annual Basic Science Assessment
presented most recently in 1998 to more than 877 ophthalmologists
in nine countries. This examination, enhanced by major
efforts by Prof. H. Dunbar Hoskins and the American
Academy of Ophthalmology, offers an opportunity for
ophthalmologists in training to evaluate personal knowledge
in comparison with an international standard. The International
Council of Ophthalmology also received favorable comment
for completing a general revision of the Statutes of
the International Federation of Ophthalmological Societies
and Regulations for the International Council of Ophthalmology,
International Congress of Ophthalmology and awards.
Prof. Boyd and Prof. Nakajima were presented with individual
symbols of their leadership on behalf of world ophthalmology.
Each symbol was in the form of a crystal globe mounted
on a personalized, engraved base. In gracious responses,
Prof. Nakajima and Prof. Boyd presented personal comments,
expressed appreciation to members of the international
organizations and thanked the XXVIII International Congress
of Ophthalmology Officers and Organizing Committees
for leadership of the Congress and the exceptionally
cordial hospitality extended to the international ophthalmology
community.
back to top
The Academia Special Guest Lecture
Presented by Prof. Michal Schwartz
The Academia Special Guest Lecture was presented on
June 22, 1998 as a special feature of the XXVIIIth International
Congress of Ophthalmology by Prof. Michal Schwartz.
A world-recognized neuroscientist from the Weizmann
Institute in Tel-Aviv, Israel, Prof. Schwartz lectured
on "New Horizons in Optic Neuropathy: Neuroprotection
and Neuroregeneration." Utilizing fundamental concepts
applicable to the neurons and the central nervous system,
Prof. Schwartz summarized present knowledge regarding
the protection of neuronal cells from adverse effects
and outlined research on neuroregeneration. This work
has broad applications to glaucoma, ischemic abnormalities
of the optic nerve and a number of additional abnormalities
and diseases affecting the retina and optic nerve.
With this presentation of the Academia Special Guest
Lecture, Prof. Schwartz extended the series of distinguished
Lectures inaugurated in 1995 by Prof. Raymond Lund and
extended in 1996 by Prof. G.O.H. Naumann of Erlangen,
Germany.
back to top
AOI Officers for 1998-2002
Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis Officers for
1998-2002 were elected at the AOI Business Meeting on
June 21, 1998. Selected to lead the organization were
Prof. Bradley R. Straatsma, President; Prof. Enrique
S. Malbran, First Vice-President; Prof. Koichi Shimizu,
Second Vice-President; Prof. Gabriel Coscas, continuing
his post as Secretary-General; and Prof. Rosario Brancato,
Treasurer.
To facilitate transition and the continuity of ongoing
programs, the AOI Officers for 1998-2002 met with President
Benjamin F. Boyd and other AOI Officers who served during
1994-1998 on June 22. The meeting provided an opportunity
to commend the officers who have served the AOI in 1994-1998
for extraordinary contributions to the organization
and to ensure an uninterrupted continuity of continuing
programs and arrangements.
Extending the planning process, the AOI Officers for
1998-2002 met on June 23. Broadly, the incoming officers
will maintain the pattern of annual meetings and the
current policies regarding nomination and election of
AOI members. To continue development of the organization,
AOI Officers for 1998-2002 propose to emphasize communication
among members by producing a Directory of AOI members
and inaugurating an AOI newsletter. Additionally, to
enhance the presence and visibility of the AOI, an augmented
program of Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis
Lectures at selected international meetings is planned.
back to top
|
