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Newsletter - Spring 2002, Volume
5, Number 1
Table of Contents
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| Dr. Demir Basar,
President of the XIII Congress of the European Society
of Ophthalmology (Center), AOI Treasurer Rosario
Brancato (Left) and AOI President Bradley R. Straatsma
(Right). |
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Dolmabahce
Palace on the Bosphorus was the site of the Welcome
Reception at the XIII European Society of Ophthalmology
Congress. |
XIIIth European Society of
Ophthalmology Congress
In the splendor of Istanbul - a city that fuses heritage
of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires with the
vitality of modern Turkey - the XIII Congress of the
European Society of Ophthalmology convened on June 3-7,
2001. The Congress was organized superbly by President
Demir Basar, Vice-President Ercan Öngör, Secretary-General
Ilknur Tugal-Tutkun and Scientific Committee Chairman
Murat Karaçorlu
The Congress gained great strength from the central
participation of the Societas Ophthalmologica Europaea
lead by President Bo T. Philipson, General Secretary
Zedenek J. Gregor and Treasurer Gabriël van Rij. These
officers presided over the SOE Council with members
representing more than 30 European nations.
Opening Ceremony
The Congress commenced with an academic procession
and Welcome Addresses by President Basar, President
Philipson, Past-President of the Societas Ophthalmologica
Europaea Luc Missotten and the Mayor of Istanbul Ali
Müfit Gürtuna. Following a musical interlude, greetings
were presented by the President of the International
Council of Ophthalmology, Dr. Gottfried O. H. Naumann;
President of the Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis,
Dr. Bradley R. Straatsma; and Executive Vice-President
of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Dr. Dunbar
Hoskins.
Calling attention to the extraordinary advances
of science in 2001, Dr. Straatsma noted:
"In February of this year, two publications presented
draft versions of the complete human genome. One of
these, produced by the International Human Genome
Consortium, referred to a 'vast trove of information
that … allows a global perspective of the human genome.'
The other, produced by Celera Genomics, anticipated
the contribution of the genome 'toward understanding
human evolution, the causation of disease, and the
interplay between the environment and heredity in
defining the human condition.' Both reports represent
extraordinary progress in mapping the nearly 3.0-billion
base pair sequence and decoding the approximately
35,000 protein-forming genes. Logically, the genome
focuses attention on the proteome, the full set of
about 400,000 proteins throughout the body.
Proteins form the structure of every cell, but with
magnetic resonance and other techniques, we now understand
that proteins also move, change shape, send signals,
and act as nanomachines. During vision, for example,
each human retina contains billions upon billions
of protein molecules that determine structure, react
to the photons of light, amplify the signal in transduction,
and literally dance in constant movement within the
cells. The progress of science is not an abstract
or irrelevant process. It is at the core of our function
as physicians. We must understand and find ways to
apply this new knowledge to the preservation and restoration
of vision. Change is an unrelenting challenge to ophthalmology
as a profession and to ophthalmologists as individuals.
We must commit to change as an energizing phenomenon
and the oxygen of progress.
The European Congress of Ophthalmology is an exciting
catalyst for change. It is an opportunity to acquire
new knowledge and explore advanced technology. Exhibits,
courses, papers, and symposia form a platform for
the advance of ophthalmology. As we begin several
days of learning together, the Academia Ophthalmologica
Internationalis extends warm congratulations to the
Organizing Committee, to the European Society of Ophthalmology,
and to all participants in this great international
congress."
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| Basilica of
St. Sophia, now the Ayasofya Museum, in Istanbul
was built by Constantine the Great and reconstructed
by Justinian in the 6th Century. |
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| The Sultan
Ahmet Mosque in Istanbul. Built between 1609 and
1616 by the architect Mehmet, the building is known
as the Blue Mosque |
AOI Lecture and Symposium
The Academia Ophthalmologica Internationlis Lecture
and Symposium were featured within the rich scientific
program of the Congress that included 77 symposia, 48
instruction courses and a large number of scientific
papers, exhibits and keynote lectures. The AOI Symposium
on "Optical Coherence Tomography in Retinal Diseases"
was chaired by Dr. Rosario Brancato and Dr. Gabriel
J. Coscas. The distinguished Academia Ophthalmologica
Internationalis Lecture that highlighted the Symposium
was delivered by Dr. Rosario Brancato, Chair of the
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Hospital
San Raffaele and Treasurer of the Academia Ophthalmologica
Internationalis. Other symposium participants were Dr.
Bradley R. Straatsma, United States; Dr. Gabriel J.
Coscas, France; Dr. Claudio Azzolini, Italy; Dr. Gisbert
Richard, Germany; Dr. Shoji Kishi, Japan; Dr. Florence
Coscas and Dr. Giséle Soubrane, France; Dr. Alain Gaudric,
France; Dr. Carmen Puliafito, United States, and Dr.
David Huang, United States.
St. Sophia and Topkapi Palace
Throughout the Congress, AOI members participated in
the gracious hospitality of the Congress. Special events
included the Societas Ophthalmologica Europaea Council
Dinner, Istanbul cultural highlights such as St. Sophia,
and Topkapi Palace (Imperial residence of the Ottoman
Sultans for almost 400 years) and a special excursion
on the Bosphorus, the waterway between the continents
of Europe and Asia. Of a particular nature, the Presidential
Dinner at Çiragan Palace at which President Demir Basar
and Mrs. Gönül Basar presided, and the numerous interactions
with ophthalmologists of Turkey and greater Europe provided
exceptionally cordial opportunities for professional
interactions.
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AOI Meetings in Australia
The Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis and the
International Council of Ophthalmology are meeting in
Sydney, Australia, in collaboration with the XXIX International
Congress of Ophthalmology on April 21-25, 2002. Prior
to the Congress, the ICO committees are meeting on April
19 and the entire ICO is meeting on April 20.
On April 21, 2002, the XXVIII Academia Ophthalmologica
Internationalis Meeting includes a Business Session
and a Special Scientific Session for AOI members and
guests. Highlights of the Special Scientific Session
are the Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis Oration
by Prof. Maxwell R. Bennett, Australia; and Inaugural
Academician Lectures by Dr. Morton F. Goldberg, United
States; Dr. Pran Nagpal, India; and Dr. Hugh R. Taylor,
Australia.
Featured as a part of the XXIX International Congress
of Ophthalmology is the AOI Symposium on "The Choroid
and Related Macular Disease," co-chaired by Dr. Koichi
Shimizu, Dr. Gabriel J. Coscas and Dr. Bradley R. Straatsma.
Prominent in the Symposium is the Academia Ophthalmologica
Internationalis Lecture on "Pulseless Disease" by Dr.
Koichi Shimizu, Japan.
Throughout the XXIX International Congress of Ophthalmology,
Congress President Peter Hardy-Smith, Secretary-General
Frank J. Martin and the Organizing Committee have planned
a superb scientific program and extraordinary social
events. The informal activities are certain to contribute
to the cordial interactions among ophthalmologists from
the continents and countries of the world.
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| XXIII Pan-American
Congress of Ophthalmology in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
AOI Lecturer, Dr. Joaquín Barraquer, receiving congratulations.
(Left to right) AOI President Bradley R. Straatsma,
Pan-American Congress of Ophthalmology President
Gustavo Piantoni, AOI Lecturer Joaquín Barraquer
and Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology President
Paul R. Lichter. |
XXIII Pan-American Congress of
Ophthalmology
The majestic city of Buenos Aires, Argentina, was location
for the XXIII Pan-American Congress of Ophthalmology
on July 21-26, 2001. With Congress President Gustavo
Piantoni, Executive Director Mario Perez é Genovese
and efficient Organizing Committees, the Congress attracted
ophthalmologists from all nations of the Americas and
distinguished colleagues from other continents. The
Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology provided core
support in planning and added substantially through
the leadership of Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology
President Paul R. Lichter, Vice-President Miguel N.
Burnier, Jr., Executive Director Francisco Martinez
Castro, and the PAAO Board of Directors representing
nations of South, Central and North America.
AOI Lecture
Attracting an overflow audience, the Academia Ophthalmologica
Internationalis Lecture was presented by Dr. Joaquín
Barraquer. The Lecture recognized Dr. Barraquer, Professor
of Ophthalmology at the Autonomous University of Barcelona
and AOI member, for his scholarly authorship of 12 books
and more than 350 scientific publications, his production
of more than 200 surgical films and instructional videotapes
and his mastery of ophthalmic surgery. The Lecture entitled
"Management of Allograft Rejection in Large Penetrating
Keratoplasties " drew upon Dr. Barraquer's surgical
experience with complex corneal disease and trauma to
focus attention on both surgical technique and the need
for meticulous follow-up care of the patient.
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| XXIII Pan-American
Congress of Ophthalmology, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Dr. Enrique S. Malbran receiving congratulations
following his Academia Oration. (Left to right)
American Academy of Ophthalmology Executive Vice
President Dunbar S. Hoskins, Mrs. Bruce E. (Amanda)
Spivey, Mrs. Rosario (Laura) Brancato, AOI Vice
President Enrique S. Malbran, and AOI Treasurer
Rosario Brancato. |
AOI Symposium
Conducted in collaboration with the Lorenz Zimmerman
Ocular Pathology Society, the Academia Ophthalmologica
Internationalis Symposium was co-chaired by Dr. Enrique
S. Malbran, Vice President of the AOI, and Dr. Ramon
L. Font, President of the Zimmerman Ocular Pathology
Society. The program on corneal diseases and surgery
featured the Ramon L. Font Lecture by Dr. Gordon K.
Klintworth entitled, "Update on Molecular Genetics of
Corneal Dystrophies." Additional participants were Drs.
Miguel N. Burnier, Jr., Canada; Ramon L. Font, United
States; Denise D. Freitas, Brazil; Enrique S. Malbran
and Jorge Malbran, Argentina; Gottfried O. H. Naumann,
Germany; Hugh Schlotzer Schrehardt, Germany; Ronald
E. Smith, United States; Bradley R. Straatsma, United
States; and Jose Avendano Valdez, Peru.
The Pan-American Congress of Ophthalmology in Buenos
Aires provided an extensive scientific program. This
included the Pan-American Lecture by Dr. Juan Verdaguer
T., PAAO Past President and AOI member, and the Gradle
Lecture by Dr. Francisco Contreras, PAAO Past President
and AOI member. The professional program was augmented
by an exceptional social program. Highlights of the
informal events during the Congress included an evening
at the internationally recognized Colon Theatre, a special
evening of cordiality at the Jockey Club, tango lessons
for Congress registrants and the exuberance of Latin-American
hospitality.
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| Prior to the
AOI Meeting, Officers shared an informal moment.
(Left to right) Drs. Gabriel J. Coscas, Rosario
Brancato, Bradley R. Straatsma, Enrique S. Malbran
and Koichi Shimizu. |
XXVIIth Academia Ophthalmologica
Internationalis Meeting
In conjunction with the XXIII Pan-American Congress
of Ophthalmology, the XXVIIth Academia Ophthalmologica
Internationalis Meeting took place in Buenos Aires,
Argentina, on July 21, 2001. During the Business Session,
at which AOI President Bradley R. Straatsma presided,
Dr. Balder R. P. Gloor, Switzerland, and Dr. Anthony
D. N. Murray, South Africa, were formerly inducted into
the AOI with certificates and emblems of membership.
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| AOI members
gathered for an informal photograph during the AOI
meeting in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on(date). Among
members who were present are: (First row, left to
right) Drs. Shimizu, Coscas, Straatsma, Malbran;
(Second row, left to right) Drs. Billson, Nakajima,
Brancato, Spivey, Boyd, Murube, Verdaguer, Murray;
(Third row, left to right) Drs. Maumenee, Rao, Gloor,
Wessing, De Laey, Tano, Naumann, Smith; (Top row,
left to right) Drs. Lichter, Barraquer, Rodriguez,
Blumenthal, Luntz, Tasman, Cunha-Vaz, Tso, Pouliquen,
Sommer. |
The Business Session also included extensive consideration
of highly qualified nominees for membership. Deliberations
concluded with election of Dr. Morton F. Goldberg, United
States, Dr. Pran N. Nagpal, India, and Dr. Hugh R. Taylor,
Australia, as new members of the AOI. Each of these
outstanding ophthalmologists has made major contributions
to national and international ophthalmology.
AOI members are privileged to elect the recipient of
the Bernardo Streiff Gold Medal. Honoring the memory
of Prof. Bernardo Streiff, this medal is awarded every
four years to an ophthalmologist who has contributed
through history, ethics and education, to the advance
of ophthalmology. Following consideration of several
nominations, Dr. Bruce E. Spivey, Secretary-General
of the International Council of Ophthalmology and AOI
member, was elected to receive the Bernardo Streiff
Medal at the XXIX International Congress of Ophthalmology
in 2002.
The Special Scientific Session attended by AOI members
and guests was distinguished by the Academia Oration
presented by Dr. Enrique S. Malbran, AOI Vice President,
Argentina, on the "Story of Scleral Fixated Intraocular
Lenses." Dr. Malbran reviewed his extensive experience
with intraocular surgery and the steps that led to current
technical procedures for scleral fixation of intraocular
lenses. Inaugural Academician Lectures were presented
by Dr. Balder R. P. Gloor on "What Defines Primary Open-angle
Glaucoma? Past, Present and Future" and Dr. Anthony
D. N. Murray on "Strabismus in a Developing Country:
Is it any Different?" Concluding the Special Session,
Dr. Koichi Shimizu, AOI Vice President, Japan, spoke
on "Sesquicentenary or 150 Years After Invention of
an Ophthalmoscope by Helmholtz."
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| Prof. Anthony
D. N. Murrary(third from left) received his AOI
membership certificate and medal from (left to right)
Profs. Rosario Brancato, Gabriel J. Coscas, Bradley
R. Straatsma, Enrique S. Malbran and Koichi Shimizu. |
Prof. Balder
R. P. Gloor (third from left) received his AOI membership
certificate and medal from (left to right) Profs.
Rosario Brancato, Gabriel J. Coscas, Bradley R.
Straatsma, Enrique S. Malbran and Koichi Shimizu. |
Throughout the days in Buenos Aires, AOI meeting arrangements
and special events were coordinated by Dr. Enrique S.
Malbran. From the hospitality of Dr. and Mrs. Malbran
at their home on July 20 through the conclusion of the
Congress, members of the AOI benefited from the planning
of Dr. Malbran and the courtesies extended by the Pan-American
Congress of Ophthalmology Organizing Committee.
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| Vision for
the Future - The International Ophthalmology Strategic
Plan to Preserve and Restore Vision is presented,
full-text, on the Internet websites of the International
Council of Ophthalmology (www.icoph.org)
and the Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis
(www.acad-ophthal-int.org). |
Collaboration Between Vision for
the Future and Vision 2020 - The Right to Sight
Throughout the world, 45 million persons are blind
and 135 million persons are severely visually impaired.
Projections estimate that blindness and severe visual
impairment will greatly increase in the years ahead
unless concerted action is taken.
Vision 2020 - The Right to Sight and Vision for the
Future are closely related and intertwined international
programs to stem the tide of blindness and visual impairment.
The Global Initiative for the Elimination of Avoidable
Blindness/Vision 2020 - The Right to Sight is a multi-year
program sponsored by the World Health Organization,
International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness
and Task Force members. The program builds on special
strengths of the Task Force members in public service
delivery of eye care and advocacy to enlist support
for blindness prevention.
The International Ophthalmology Strategic Plan to Preserve
and Restore Vision - Vision for the Future stems from
the International Council of Ophthalmology, the Academia
Ophthalmologica Internationalis and Consultants representing
organizations and the vision care industry. The program
goals emphasize education, eye care guidelines, advocacy
for vision and research in ophthalmology.
During a series of meetings in Buenos Aires, Argentina,
on July 18, 19 and 20, 2001, coordination of the two
international programs was addressed. The International
Agency for the Prevention of Blindness Task Force Executive
Committee, with Dr. Hannah B. Faal, President; Dr. R.
Pararajasegaram, Immediate Past President; and Dr. Gullapalli
Rao as Secretary-General, invited representatives of
the International Council of Ophthalmology and Academia
Ophthalmologica Internationalis to meetings on July
18 and 19. On July 20, the International Council of
Ophthalmology, led by Dr. Gottfried O. H. Naumann, President,
and Dr. Bruce E. Spivey, Secretary-General, and the
Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis, through Dr.
Bradley R. Straatsma, President, and Dr. Gabriel J.
Coscas, Secretary-General, invited the International
Agency for Prevention of Blindness Task Force Executive
Committee to a joint session.
At the conclusion of informal discussions and the respective
meetings, participants recognized special strengths
of Vision 2020 - The Right to Sight in public service
programs, eye care delivery and advocacy. Participants
also identified particular attributes of Vision for
the Future related to education, eye care guidelines
and research. Most important, representatives of both
international programs identify the opportunities for
beneficial symbiosis arising from communication, cooperation
and collaboration.
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XVIIIth Asia-Pacific
Academy of Ophthalmology Congress
The XVIIIth Congress of the Asia-Pacific Academy of
Ophthalmology was held on March 10-14, 2001, in Taipei,
Taiwan, with gracious leadership of Congress President
Por-Tying Hung and Organizing Committee Chairman Wen-Ming
Hsu. Building on the tradition of periodic international
meetings that began with the first Congress in Manila,
Philippines, in 1960, the XVIIIth Congress was enthusiastically
supported by Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology President
Mohammad Daud Khan, Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology
Secretary-General Arthur S. M. Lim and Council members
representing 18 national entities in the Asia-Pacific
region.
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| AOI President
Dr. Bradley R. Straatsma speaking at the Opening
Session |
The Opening Ceremony on March 10, 2001, featured an
academic procession and addresses by Congress President
Por-Tying Hung, Organizing Committee Chairman Wen-Ming
Hsu, Academy President Mohammad Daud Khan and Academy
Secretary-General Arthur S. M. Lim. International Council
of Ophthalmology Secretary-General Bruce E. Spivey presented
greetings and an overview of international ophthalmology.
Speaking on behalf of the Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis,
President Bradley R. Straatsma stated:
"With massive growth of the Internet, computer power
doubles every 18 months and band width doubles every
six months. Illustrating this growth, all the information
sent over the entire Internet in one month during 1997
can be sent over a single cable in one second in 2001.
The traditional barriers to communication - the barriers
of language, distance and cost - are disappearing. Opportunities
for collaboration are emerging throughout global, regional
and national ophthalmology. Opportunities for shared
information also apply to the ever-closer partnership
between the research laboratory and the ophthalmic care
of individual patients. This is an exciting time for
ophthalmology. In this framework of rapid change, it
is an honor to participate in this XVIIIth Congress.
The Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis extends
warm congratulations to the Officers and Committees
of the Asia-Pacific Congress of Ophthalmology and to
the Officers and Committees of the Asia-Pacific Academy
of Ophthalmology. It is a pleasure to be with you in
Taipei."
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| XVIIIth Congress
of the Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology, Taipei,
Taiwan. Opening Session, Officers, Council members
and international dignitaries. |
During the Congress, the Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis
(AOI) was privileged to sponsor a Symposium on "Application
of Molecular Biology to Clinical Ophthalmology." Co-chaired
by Dr. Koichi Shimizu, Dr. Yasuo Tano and Dr. Bradley
R. Straatsma, the outstanding scientific program was
organized by Dr. Tano.
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| Dr. Mark O.
M. Tso receiving congratulations for his AOI Lecture
at the XVII I Asia-Pacific Congress of Ophthalmology,
Taipei, Taiwan. (Left to right) Dr. Yasuo Tano,
Dr. Koichi Shimizu, Dr. Bradley R. Straatsma and
Dr. Mark O. M. Tso. |
The AOI Lecture in conjunction with this Symposium
was presented by Dr. Mark O. M. Tso, Professor of Ophthalmology
at Johns Hopkins University and Honorary Professor at
Beijing Medical University. Dr. Tso, who was also the
Honorary Treasurer of the Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology,
Vice-President of the International Council of Ophthalmology
and Academia member, spoke on "Clinical Applications
of Molecular Biotechniques to Ophthalmology."
The AOI Symposium continued with exceptional presentations
by Dr. Nagahisa Yoshimura, Japan; Dr. Shigeru Kinoshita,
Japan; Dr. Roger Beuerman, Singapore; and Dr. Ian C.
Constable, Australia.
Cultural and social events during the Congress included
the traditional "Cloud Gate" performance, receptions
and banquets to which Congress participants and accompanying
persons were most cordially invited.
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Jules Francois Memorial Lecture
Presented by Dr. Bradley R. Straatsma
To commemorate the illustrious career of Prof. Jules
François, Honorary President of the International Council
of Ophthalmology and Honorary President of the Academia
Ophthalmologica Internationalis, Dr. Bradley R. Straatsma,
Professor of Ophthalmology at UCLA and President of
the Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis, presented
the Jules François Memorial Lecture at the Ophthalmologia
Belgica Congress on November 24, 2001. Elected to present
this memorial lecture by the International Council of
Ophthalmology, Dr. Straatsma emphasized the role of
randomized clinical trials in evidence-based ophthalmology
during his lecture entitled, "The Collaborative Ocular
Melanoma Study and Management of Choroidal Melanoma."
The occasion was greatly enhanced by the cordiality
of Ophthalmologia Belgica President Hugo Verbraeken
and Jules François Foundation President Albert Galand.
As particular features of the experience in Belgium,
Dr. Jean-Jacques De Laey, successor to Jules François
as Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Ghent
and AOI member, extended the gracious hospitality of
his home in the historic city of Bruges and conducted
a visit to the University of Ghent. International ophthalmology
gained greatly from the vision, energy and accomplishments
of Prof. Jules François.
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Dr. Benjamin F. Boyd Selected
as Illustrious Citizen of the Republic of Panama
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| Dr. Benjamin
F. Boyd honored as the Illustrious Citizen of the
Republic of Panama. |
Dr. Benjamin F. Boyd, Professor of Ophthalmology at
the University of Panama, Editor-in-Chief of the Highlights
of Ophthalmology and Immediate Past-President of the
Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis, was formally
recognized as "Illustrious Citizen of the Republic of
Panama" at a ceremony that included his Honor Lecture
on July 23, 2001. Conferred by the Civic Organizations
of Panama (Lions International, Kiwanis International,
Rotary International, 20-30 International, Junior Chamber
International and Soroptimists International). This
honor is based on accomplishments in personal life as
well as attainments throughout a professional career.
Previous recipient of the Vasco Nuñez de Balboa Condecoration,
the Great Cross, which is the most prestigious distinction
of the Republic of Panama, Dr. Boyd was honored for
his singular role in enhancing the civic and moral values
of society in the Republic of Panama.
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Bernardo Streiff Gold Medal
Awarded to Dr. Bruce E. Spivey
In 1997, on behalf of friends and disciples, Academician
Jean-François Cuendet was commissioned to realize the
"Bernardo Streiff Gold Medal." Honoring the memory of
Professor Bernardo Streiff (1908-1988), Head of the
University Eye Clinic, Lausanne, Switzerland, and AOI
member, the Bernardo Streiff Gold Medal is awarded by
election of the Academia every four years to an ophthalmologist
who has contributed most, through history, ethics and
education, to the advance of ophthalmology. Following
consideration of nominations, Dr. Bruce E. Spivey, Secretary-General
of the International Council of Ophthalmology and AOI
member, was elected to receive the Bernardo Streiff
Gold Medal at the XXIX International Congress of Ophthalmology
in Sydney, Australia, in April 2002.
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Registration of AOI Statutes
and Regulations
Registration of the Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis
Statutes and Regulations in the Kanton of Zurich, Switzerland,
was successfully completed on July 9, 2001. The AOI
Statutes and Regulations, dated October 24, 1999, were
formally entered in the commercial register of the Kanton.
Registration of the AOI in Switzerland is distinctly
beneficial and was accomplished with the generous support
of Grieshaber and Co. The official address of the AOI
is the domicile of Academician Prof. Dr. Med. Balder
R. P. Gloor, Hinterbergstrasse 91, 8044 Zurich, Switzerland.
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Dr. Alfred Sommer Elected to
the United States National Academy of Sciences
Dr. Alfred Sommer, Dean of the School of Hygiene and
Public Health at Johns Hopkins University and AOI member,
was elected to membership in the United States National
Academy of Sciences. Dr. Sommer is the first ophthalmologist
or epidemiologist to be recognized by this distinction.
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Dr. Gottfried O. H. Naumann
Honored Internationally
Dr. Gottfried O. H. Naumann, Chairman of Ophthalmology
at the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg,
President of the International Council of Ophthalmology
and AOI member, received the Dr. Frank Claffy Medal
of the University of Sydney in 2000, the Doctor honoris
causa degree of the Semmelweiss University of Budapest
in 2000 and the El Maghrabi International Award in April
2001. These distinctions and international recognitions
reflect the global stature of Dr. Naumann.
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Dr. Yves J. M. Pouliquen
Elected to the Academie Francaise
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| Dr. Yves
J. M. Pouliquen elected to the Académie Française. |
Dr. Yves J. M. Pouliquen, Professor of Ophthalmology
at the University of Paris VI and AOI member, has been
elected as a member of the Académie Française. Founded
by Cardinal de Richelieu (during the reign of Louis
XIII) in 1634, the Académie Française has 40 seats dedicated
to 40 French men (and recently women) who represent
literature, sciences, medicine, politics, law and other
spheres of society. Among the few physicians elected
in the past are Prof. Louis Pasteur, Prof. Pasteur-Valery-Radot
(Louis Pasteur's grandson) and Prof. François Jacob
(biologist and Nobel Prize recipient).
Formal installation of Dr. Pouliquen as a member of
the Académie Française will include an Inthroning lecture
under the "Coupole de l'Institut" in front of the Louvre
and presentation of a ceremonial sword on which symbols
of his life are represented. Thereafter, Dr. Pouliquen
will participate in weekly conferences at the Institute
concerning the dictionnaire de l'Academie, which for
more than three centuries has determined the true sense
of the words in the french language.
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Pan-American Association of
Ophthalmology
History by Dr. Benjamin Boyd
Dr. Benjamin F. Boyd, immediate AOI Past-President
and Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology Past-President,
reflected on his major role in the Pan-American Association
of Ophthalmology during his Academia Oration at the
XXV Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis meeting
in 1999. Encouraged by friends and associates, Dr. Boyd
completed "The Definitive History of the Pan-American
Association of Ophthalmology (1940-2001)" for distribution
at the XXIII Pan-American Congress of Ophthalmology
in July 2001. This definitive account of the Pan-American
Association of Ophthalmology traces the PAAO from initial
stages (1940-1960), through the development of educational
courses, programs and fellowships (1960-1987) to the
present emphasis on improvement in educational activities
and prevention of blindness throughout the Americas.
Ten AOI members have served as President of the Pan-American
Association of Ophthalmology including Dr. Paul R. Lichter
(1999-2001) and Dr. Rubens Belfort, Jr. (2001-2003).
The definitive history by Dr. Boyd is both a record
of the past and a blueprint for the future.
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Queen's Birthday List Honors
Dr. Hugh R. Taylor, Dr. Elizabeth Taylor and Dr. Frank
J. Martin
Recognized in the Queen's Birthday Honors List in 2001,
Dr. Hugh R. Taylor has become a Companion in the Order
of Australia (A.C.) for his service to medicine in the
field of ophthalmology in academia, in developing countries
and in indigenous communities. Dr. Taylor's wife, Dr.
Elizabeth Taylor (Dax) was honored in becoming a Member
in the Order of Australia (A.M.) for her work in medical
research, public health and drug addiction. Dr. Frank
J. Martin, Secretary-General of the XXIX International
Congress of Ophthalmology, was distinguished by becoming
a Member in the Order of Australia (A.M.) for service
to medicine in the field of ophthalmology as clinician,
teacher and administrator.
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