|
Newsletter - Spring 2001, Volume
4, Number 1
Table of Contents
VIth Mediterranean Ophthalmological
Society Congress and VIth Michaelson Symposium
In Jerusalem, Israel, on May 21-26, 2000, the VIth
Mediterranean Ophthalmological Society Congress and
VIth Michaelson Symposium provided an advanced scientific
program and an exceptionally cordial cultural experience.
Organized by Congress President David BenEzra, Israel,
and Honorary Presidents Rosario Brancato, Italy, Gabriel
J. Coscas, France, and Bruno Lumbroso, Italy, the international
meeting united the Mediterranean Ophthalmological Society
led by President S. Ayed, Tunisia, and The Michaelson
Club directed by Presidents Gabriel J. Coscas, France,
and Masanobu Uyama, Japan. The Congress, under auspices
of the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities, was
conducted with participation of the Academia Ophthalmologica
Internationalis and the International Congress of Ophthalmology.
Opening Ceremony
The Congress commenced with an academic procession,
comments by President David BenEzra and a welcome by
Mr. S. Peres, Israel Minister for Regional Cooperation.
Welcome Addresses were presented by Dr. Arnall Patz,
Honorary President of The Michaelson Club, United States,
Dr. Bradley R. Straatsma, President of the Academia
Ophthalmologica Internationalis, United States, Dr.
Gottfried O. H. Naumann, President of the International
Council of Ophthalmology, Germany, Professor S. Ayed,
President of the Mediterranean Ophthalmological Society,
Tunisia, and Dr. Gabriel J. Coscas, President of The
Michaelson Club, France. In tribute to the cultural
millennia of the Middle East and the emerging role of
technology, Dr. Straatsma noted:
"In this historic center of culture and discovery,
we should recall that written language, perhaps man's
most important technology, first appeared at Mesopotamia
about 5,000 years ago as cuneiform markings on clay
tablets. Writing evolved through the Egyptian hieroglyphs,
the Semitic consonants and the Greek vowels to the
alpha beta of modern alphabets. With the discovery
of paper, the printing press and computers, today's
electronic language encompasses the details of molecular
biology and the instantaneous reach of the Internet.
A vast explosion of biomedical information and technological
progress is transforming the science and practice
of ophthalmology. Organizers of this Congress are
to be congratulated for arranging an outstanding scientific
program that features an array of topics and interactions
with the world's leading experts. With a meeting such
as this, ophthalmologists have an opportunity to learn
the recent advances and evaluate the latest technology.
Competence in the practice of ophthalmology requires
up-to-date knowledge and mastery of technological
paradigms. Succinctly stated by Carver Mead, a towering
sage of technology, 'The prime rule is: listen to
technology, find out what it is telling you. Individuals
and professions that observe this rule will be successful.'"
Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis Symposium
Immediately after the Opening Ceremony, the Academia
Ophthalmologica Internationalis Symposium entitled "Retina
Update for the 3rd Millennium" was chaired by Academicians
Rosario Brancato, Italy, and Michael Blumenthal, Israel.
This international symposium featured the Academia Ophthalmologica
Internationalis Lecture by Academician Gabriel J. Coscas,
France, and presentations by Academicians Juan Verdaguer
T., Chile, William S. Tasman, United States, Yasuo Tano,
Japan, Jean-Jacques C. De Laey, Belgium, and Koichi
Shimizu, Japan.
Scientific Program
Overall, the Congress encompassed 33 scientific sessions,
eight mini-symposia and 22 courses. Ophthalmologists
from 41 countries, including the neighboring Arab countries
and the Palestinian Authority, participated in the Congress.
Historical Enrichment
Personal interactions among the Congress participants
were enhanced by the extraordinary historic ambience
of the President's Reception at the Jaffa Gate to the
Old City of Jerusalem, the Michaelson Dinner at the
footsteps of Temple Mount in the Old City of Jerusalem,
and the Archeological Tour of the Dead Sea area. The
Congress enabled advances in the science of ophthalmology
to flourish alongside the collegiality that fosters
increased understanding. This is the tradition of international
ophthalmology.
back to top
Academia
Meetings in Buenos Aires
The Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis and the
International Council of Ophthalmology are meeting in
Buenos Aires, Argentina, in collaboration with the XXIII
Congress of the Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology
on July 21-26, 2001. Even before the Congress begins,
the AOI and ICO will convene on July 20 to advance the
International Ophthalmology Strategic Plan to Preserve
and Restore Vision - Vision for the Future. Discussion
will focus on implementation of Vision for the Future
in areas of ophthalmic education, ophthalmology continuing
education, eye care guidelines and recommendations,
advocacy for blindness prevention, and vision science
research.
On July 21, the AOI Meeting will include the Business
Meeting and a Special Scientific Session for AOI members
and guests. Highlights of the Special Session will be
the Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis Oration
by Dr. Enrique S. Malbran and Inaugural Lectures by
Dr. Balder R. P. Gloor and Dr. Anthony D. N. Murray.
AOI participation in the XXIII Pan-American Congress
will be headlined by Dr. Joaquín Barraquer's Academia
Ophthalmologica Internationalis Lecture on July 22.
On the following day, July 23, the AOI Symposium, presented
in cooperation with the Zimmerman Pathology Society,
is scheduled. The Symposium co-chairmen, Dr. Enrique
S. Malbran and Dr. Ramon L. Font, have arranged an excellent
program on corneal dystrophy and disease. All arrangements
for AOI Activities in Buenos Aires are being organized
by Dr. Enrique S. Malbran.
Throughout the XXIII Pan-American Congress of Ophthalmology,
Congress President Gustavo Piantoni and the Organizing
Committee have planned an exceptionally fine scientific
program that encompasses symposia, round table discussions,
free papers, poster sessions and instruction courses.
back to top
XXVIth Academia
Ophthalmologica Internationalis Meeting
Associated with the VIth Mediterranean Ophthalmological
Society Congress and VIth Michaelson Symposium, the
XXVIth Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis Meeting
convened in Jerusalem, Israel on May 21, 2000. During
the Business Meeting, Dr. Juan Verdaguer T., Chile,
Dr. Yasuo Tano, Japan, and Dr. William S. Tasman, United
States, were formally inducted into the AOI with certificates
and emblems of membership.
Responding to the number of distinguished ophthalmologists
nominated for membership in the AOI and the intent of
providing appropriate global participation, AOI members
approved an increase in the number of AOI members. By
unanimous action, the AOI Regulations were amended to
increase the AOI members from 50 plus emeritus members
to 60 members plus emeritus members. This represented
the first increase since the AOI was established in
1975.
In subsequent action, extensive consideration of highly
qualified nominees resulted in election of Dr. Balder
R. P. Gloor, Switzerland, and Dr. Anthony D. N. Murray,
South Africa, as new members of the AOI. Each of these
colleagues has made substantial contributions to national
and international ophthalmology.
The Special Scientific Session, attended by AOI members
and guests, featured the Academia Oration presented
by Dr. Michael Blumenthal, Israel, on "Cataract Surgery:
Training, Quality and Innovation." In a guest presentation,
Dr. Saul C. Merin, Israel, described "Ophthalmology
in Jerusalem in the Last Century." Presentations by
Academicians Noel S.C. Rice, England, Joaquín Barraquer,
Spain, Enrique Malbran, Argentina, Irene Maumenee, United
States, and Hanns-Jürgen Merté, Germany, provided the
perspective of history and the knowledge of recent scientific
advances.
AOI meeting arrangements in Jerusalem were coordinated
by Dr. Michael Blumenthal. From the cordial hospitality
of Dr. and Mrs. Michael Blumenthal at their home in
Tel Aviv on May 21 through the conclusion of the Mediterranean
Congress on May 26, AOI members benefited from the planning
of Dr. Blumenthal and the courtesy of the Mediterranean
Ophthalmological Congress Organizing Committee.
back to top
AOI Participation in the XVIII
Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology Congress and the
XIII Congress of the European Society of Ophthalmology
in 2001
During the XVIII Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology
Congress in Taipei, Taiwan, on March 10-14, 2001, the
Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis is privileged
to present the AOI Symposium and Academia Ophthalmologica
Internationalis Lecture. The AOI Symposium on March
13, 2001, entitled "Applications of Molecular Biology
to Clinical Ophthalmology" will be co-chaired by Dr.
Koichi Shimizu, Japan, and Dr. Yasuo Tano, Japan. During
this Symposium, the Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis
Lecture by Dr. Mark O. M. Tso, United States, will be
accompanied by ophthalmologic presentations from Australia,
Japan and Singapore. The XVIII Congress of the Asia-Pacific
Ophthalmology Society is being organized by the Congress
President, Dr. Por T. Hung, and the Asia-Pacific Academy
of Ophthalmology President, Dr. Mohammad D. Khan, to
ensure a broad exchange of scientific information and
appealing personal experiences.
The AOI is also honored by participation in the XIII
Congress of the European Society of Ophthalmology in
Istanbul, Turkey, on June 3-7, 2001. The AOI Symposium
on "Optical Coherence Tomography" will be co-chaired
by Dr. Rosario Brancato, Italy, and Dr. Gabriel J. Coscas,
France. This Symposium will feature the Academia Ophthalmologica
Internationalis Lecture by Dr. Rosario Brancato and
include presentations from several nations. The tradition
of major biennial S.O.E. Congresses is being sustained
by the Congress President, Dr. Demir Basar, and European
Society of Ophthalmology President, Dr. Luc Missotten.
Combined with the AOI participation in the XXIII Pan-American
Congress of Ophthalmology in Buenos Aires, the Academia
Ophthalmologica Internationalis will participate in
major multinational meetings in Asia, Europe and South
America during 2001.
back to top
Professor Balder R.
P. Gloor Elected to the AOI
Professor Balder R. P. Gloor was elected to Chair LI
in the Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis on May
21, 2000. A citizen of Switzerland, Dr. Gloor received
the M.D. degree following medical studies at the Universities
of Bern and Paris. He completed residency in internal
medicine, residency in ophthalmology, and research fellowship
in Switzerland in addition to research fellowship in
the United States before appointment as Head of the
Department of Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmopathology
at the University of Bern in 1973. The following year,
he accepted appointment as Professor and Chairman of
the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of
Basel and served as Dean of the Faculty of Medicine
at the University of Basel. In 1985, Dr. Gloor was appointed
Professor and Chairman, Department of Ophthalmology
at the University of Zurich. He served as Dean of the
Faculty of Medicine at the University of Zurich and
maintained his position as Professor and Chairman of
the Department of Ophthalmology until assuming Emeritus
Appointment.
Extensive academic publications of articles, chapters
and texts in ophthalmology were associated with his
appointment to the Editorial Board of Klinische Monatsblätter
für Augenheilkunde and his role as Editor of Bücherei
des Augenarztes.
Dr. Gloor's additional positions have included service
as Member of the Senate of the Swiss Academy of Medical
Sciences, President of the Swiss Ophthalmological Society,
and since 1994, Treasurer of the International Council
of Ophthalmology.
With particular expertise in retinal diseases and glaucoma,
Dr. Gloor has participated in and organized numerous
regional, national and international congresses, research
programs and teaching seminars.
Dr. Gloor and his wife, Dr. Marie-Louise Gloor, bring
honor and distinction to the Academia Ophthalmologica
Internationalis.
back to top
Professor Anthony D. N. Murray
Elected to the AOI
Professor Anthony D. N. Murray was elected to Chair
IV in the Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis on
May 21, 2000. Prof. Murray was born in Pretoria, South
Africa, and educated at the University of the Witwatersrand,
Johannesburg, South Africa; the State University of
New York, New York City, United States; and the Smith-Kettlewell
Institute of Visual Sciences, San Francisco, United
States. Following appointment as Consultant in Ophthalmology
at Pretoria University and the University of the Witwatersrand
in 1973, Prof. Murray accepted his present academic
position as Professor and Head of the Department of
Ophthalmology at the University of Cape Town in 1985.
With specialization in strabismus and cataract surgery,
Dr. Murray is the author of numerous articles in national
and international publications. Principal activities
have been related to educational, scientific and blindness
prevention programs. Amongst his positions are appointment
to the Executive Committee and Medical Committee, Bureau
for the Prevention of Blindness; Co-Chairman, Sub-Saharan
African Region, International Agency for the Prevention
of Blindness; Vice-President, International Strabismological
Association; and Past-President, Ophthalmological Society
of South Africa.
Extensive international travel by Dr. Murray for participation
in national, regional and international meetings has
been associated with his presentation of distinguished
lectures, such as the Annual Guest Lecture of the Royal
College of Ophthalmologists, England (1992); D. J. Wood
Lecture of the Ophthalmological Society of South Africa,
South Africa (1994); Annual Guest Lecture of the Scottish
Ophthalmological Club, Scotland (1997); Phillip Knapp
Lecture, American Association of Pediatric Ophthalmology
and Strabismus, United States (1998); the Angeline M.
Parks Memorial Lecture of the Costenbader Society, United
States (2000); and the Annual Guest Lectures of the
Royal Australian College of Ophthalmologists Squint
Club, Australia (2001).
Dr. Murray and his wife, Fiona Murray, bring honor
and distinction to the Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis
back to top
Dr. Carl Kupfer Honored as
Founding Director of the National Eye Institute
With a distinguished record of achievements, Dr. Carl
Kupfer, AOI member and the first Director of the National
Eye Institute, stepped down as NEI Director on July
15, 2000. Shortly after the United States Congress established
the National Eye Institute in 1968, Dr. Kupfer was appointed
as the first Director in 1970. He led the NEI to formulate
a series of 5-year plans for vision research, encouraged
high-quality basic science investigation, vigorously
promoted randomized clinical trials, established the
importance of ophthalmic biometry and epidemiology,
and commenced the National Eye Health Education Program.
Representative of Dr. Kupfer's leadership, during 2000
the NEI supported vision research grants and training
programs involving more than 1600 investigators at universities,
medical centers, and other institutions.
In recognition of his accomplishments, Dr. Kupfer has
received many prestigious awards including the American
Academy of Ophthalmology Public Service Award (1977),
the World Health Organization Health For All Award (1988)
and the Prevent Blindness America Person of Vision Award
(1995). Indicative of his stature in ophthalmology and
vision science, Dr. Kupfer served as President of the
International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness
and the annual Carl Kupfer Award has been established
in his honor by the Association for Research in Vision
and Ophthalmology.
Dr. Kupfer will be honored by the National Alliance
for Eye and Vision Research on Capitol Hill, Washington,
D.C., on March 7, 2001. As further recognition, he will
be the honored guest at the Randomized Clinical Trials
Symposium sponsored by Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore,
on April 2, 2001. Following these and other celebrations,
Dr. Kupfer will continue his career in support of vision
science at the NEI and throughout international ophthalmology.
back to top
Dr. Frank Billson Awarded
the College Medal
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists
awarded the College Medal to Dr. Frank Billson. This
eminent recognition was extended to Dr. Billson, at
the Opening Ceremony of the RANZCO Congress on November
19, 2000.
back to top
Dr. Joaquin Barraquer Honored
Dr. Joaquín Barraquer, Honorary Member of the Institute
Médicofarmacèutico de Catalunya and AOI member, was
honored by the Institut Medicofarmacèutic during a special
ceremony at the Casal del Médico, Barcelona, Spain,
on June 26, 2000. Following Dr. Barraquer's lecture
on "Precision and Security in Surgery of Cataract and
Myopia," honors were presented by Institute President,
Dr. Anna M. Carmona, the Honorable Sr. Eduard Rius and
other dignitaries.
back to top
Dr. Arthur S. M. Lim, International
Ophthalmologist, Artist and Playwright
At the 51st Anniversary National Day celebrations of
the People's Republic of China in Beijing, Dr. Arthur
S. M. Lim, participated as a Special Guest of the Central
Government of China. As a further distinction, Dr. Lim,
President of the World Eye Surgeons Society and AOI
member, presented the Winifred Mao Memorial Lecture
at the celebration of the founding of the Republic of
China by Dr. Sun Yat-Sen in Guangzhou, China.
The Asia Pacific Intraocular Implant Association with
members from 29 countries, honored Dr. Lim, Founding
President of the APIIA, with the 10th Lim Lecture, presented
by Dr. Stephen Obstbaum, United States, at the 2000
Annual Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Adding to these scientific and educational recognitions,
Dr. Lim, an acclaimed artist, celebrated performance
of his play, "To Freedom with Love," to a full house
audience of 1,600 at the Singapore University Cultural
Center, Singapore, on October 7 and 8, 2000.
back to top
Emperor Honors Dr. Akira
Nakajima
Dr. Akira Nakajima, Past President of the AOI and Past
President of the International Council of Ophthalmology,
was awarded the Third Order Middle Rising Sun by the
Emperor of Japan on November 3, 2000. His Majesty bestowed
this prestigious honor on Dr. Nakajima in recognition
of his contributions to medical education and blindness
prevention.
back to top
Fight for Sight Award to Dr.
Stephen J. Ryan
The Fight for Sight/Mildred Weisenfeld Award for Lifetime
Achievement in Vision Research was awarded to Dr. Stephen
J. Ryan, Dean of the Keck School of Medicine at the
University of Southern California and AOI member. As
Founding President of the Alliance for Eye and Vision
Research, Dr. Ryan received this recognition from friends
and colleagues during a special reception in Dallas,
Texas, on October 24, 2000.
back to top
Eugene Chan Lecture Presented
by Dr. Bruce E. Spivey
During the 12th Afro-Asian Congress of Ophthalmology
in Guangzhou, China, on November 12, 2000, Dr. Bruce
E. Spivey, Secretary-General of the International Council
of Ophthalmology and AOI member, presented the Eugene
Chan Lecture. This international lectureship honors
the memory of Dr. Eugene Chan for his achievements on
behalf of ophthalmology in China.
back to top
University of California
Establishes the Bradley R. Straatsma Professorship
The University of California established the Bradley
R. Straatsma Professorship as the Executive Chair of
the Jules Stein Eye Institute and the Department of
Ophthalmology at UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles.
Honoring Dr. Straatsma, Founding Director of the Jules
Stein Eye Institute, Founding Chairman of the Department
of Ophthalmology and AOI member, this Executive Chair
will be held by all future Directors of the Jules Stein
Eye Institute and Chairs of the Department of Ophthalmology.
The position was inaugurated by award of this multimillion
dollar endowed professorship to Dr. Bartly J. Mondino,
the distinguished Director of the Jules Stein Eye Institute
and Chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology at UCLA
in July 2000.
back to top
Vision for the Future
Worldwide, about 45 million persons are blind and 135
million persons are severely visually impaired. Much
of this visual loss is avoidable with current knowledge
and technology. The International Ophthalmology Strategic
Plan to Preserve and Restore Vision - Vision
for the Future is designed to encourage and
coordinate activities of the approximately 150,000 ophthalmologists
and the many additional thousands of others in a sustained
program to decrease the toll of blindness and visual
impairment throughout the world.
Vision for the Future stems from planning sessions
organized by the International Council of Ophthalmology
and the Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis in
1999 and 2000. The multiyear strategic plan focuses
on Ophthalmic Education and Training, Ophthalmology
Continuing Education, Eye Care Guidelines and Recommendations,
Advocacy for the Preservation and Restoration of Vision,
and Research in Ophthalmology and Vision. The next meeting
of the ICO, AOI and consultants is in conjunction with
the XXIII Pan-American Congress of Ophthalmology in
Buenos Aires on July 20, 2001. This meeting will address
the worldwide implementation of Vision for the Future.
back to top
|
