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Newsletter - Spring 1999, Volume
2, Number 1
Table of Contents
Academia Meetings in Orlando
The Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis (AOI)
and the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO)
are conducting a joint International Ophthalmology Strategic
Plan conference in Orlando, Florida, USA on October
23, 1999. The AOI Scientific Session, including
the Business Meetings, is scheduled for the morning
on October 24, and will be followed by the AOI Luncheon.
Meetings in Orlando are in conjunction with the 103rd
Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology
(AAO) and the XXII Congress of the Pan-American Association
of Ophthalmology (PAAO) in orlando. Subspecialty
days are on October 23,-23. Scientific sessions
of the AAO and the PAAO are on October 24-27, 1999.
The exceptionally fine scientific program includes instruction
courses, hands-on technology transfer labs, seminars
and paper sessions covering 20 ophthalmic specialties.
There will be four joint sessions organized by the
AAO and the PAAO on topics of refractive surgery, cataract,
preservation of sight, and retinal vascular diseases.
As a highlight of the program on retinal vascular diseases,
the Vth Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis Lecture
"Toward Pharmaceutical and Gene Therapy for Retinal
Degenerations" will be presented on October 27 by Prof.
Mathew M. LaVail, University of California at San Francisco.
To capitalize on the opportunities for the collegial
interaction in Orlando, Walt Disney's Magic Kingdom
will be open only to AAO-PAAO attendees and their guests
on the evening of Tuesday, October 26. This is
certain to be an enjoyable occasion for people of all
ages.
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Vth International Congress of
the Pan Arab African
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| The
Sphinx stands guard over the pyramids at Giza on
the outskirts of Cairo. |
Council of Ophthalmology
At the Opening Ceremony, Dr. Akef El Maghraby, President
of PAACO, and Dr. Sayed Seif, President of EOS, presented
warm words of welcome. Dr. Bradley R. Straatsma,
President of the Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis
(AOI), and Dr. Gottfried O. H. Naumann, President of
the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO), presented
greetings. Additional comments were delivered
by representatives of multinational ophthalmology organizations
and Dr. Ismael Salam, Egyptian Minister of Health.
Distinctive in the program was a performance by the
Al Noor Foundation Orchestra composed of exceptionally
talented blind musicians.
The Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis
Symposium, in collaboration with the International Uveitis
Study Group, on Diagnosis and Management of Uveitis
and Ocular AIDS was presented on March 2, 1999.
The Symposium was organized by Dr. Rubens Belfort who
spoke on “Toxoplasmosis and Herpetic Uveitis.”
Chairpersons were Dr. Gabriel Coscas, representing AOI,
and Dr. Khalid Tabbara, representing the Uveitis Study
Group.
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| Dr.
Gottfried O.H. Naumann, President of ICO (left),
and Dr. Bradley R. Straatsma, President of AOI (right),
conversing before they presented greetings at the
PAACO Congress Opening Ceremony. |
Throughout the Congress, Special Lectures were presented.
Members of AOI participating in this series of distinctive
presentations were Dr. Joaquín Barraquer, Dr.
Paul Lichter and Dr. Gottfried O. H. Naumann.
The scientific events were enhanced by social interactions
arranged through the cordial hospitality of Dr. and
Mrs. Akef El Maghraby; Dr. Abdel Latif Siam, President
of the Afro-Asian Society of Ophthalmology, and Mrs.
Siam; and H.R.H. Prince Abdulaziz bin Ahmad bin Abdulaziz
Al Saud, Regional Chairman of the International Agency
for the Prevention of Blindness.
The next International Congress of the PAACO is planned
in Beirut, Lebanon during 2001. This international
meeting will be in collaboration with the Lebanese Ophthalmological
Society.
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H.R.H.
Prince Abdulaziz bin Ahmad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud,
Regional Chairman of the IAPB (left), pictured with
a leading Egyptian authority (right),spoke at the
PAACO Congress Opening Ceremony and at the Prevention
of Blindness Symposium. |
International Prevention of Blindness
Symposium
The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness
(IAPB), the Regional Office of the World Health Organization
(WHO) and the Pan Arab African Council of Ophthalmology
(PAACO) co-sponsored a comprehensive International Prevention
of Blindness Symposium in Cairo, Egypt, on March 1,
1999. Prince Abdulaziz bin Ahmad bin Abdulaziz
Al Saud, Regional Chairman of the IAPB, introduced the
Symposium. Featured presentations were by Sir
John Wilson, Past President of IAPB, and Mrs. Suzanne
Mubarak, First Lady of Egypt. In her remarks,
Mrs. Mubarak stressed the importance of including a
blindness prevention component in any integrated health
care program. As an advocate for improvement in
health care, Mrs. Mubarak emphasized that eye diseases
and sight disabilities were rife among the elderly,
women and children, especially in rural areas because
of ignorance or lack in health care services.
Dr. Alfred Sommer, AOI member, was Organizer for the
Symposium and presented the Keynote Address: “Different
Markets; Growing Needs.” The international program
included presentations by AOI members, Dr. August F.
Deutman, Dr. Paul R. Lichter, Dr. Gottfried O. H. Naumann,
Dr. Alfred Sommer, Dr. Bruce E. Spivey, Dr. Bradley
R. Straatsma, and Dr. Björn Tengroth
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International Ophthalmology Strategic
Plan:
The Nile Meeting in Egypt
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Shipboard
collegiality on the Nile River.
Left to right, Dr. Bradley R. Straatsma
(President of AOI), Mrs. Amanda Spivey,
Dr. Bruce E. Spivey (Secretary-General of ICO),
Mrs. Ruth Straatsma, Mrs. Petrina Tso, Dr. Gottfried
O.H. Naumann (President of ICO), Mrs. Lieselotte
Naumann, Dr. Mark O.M. Tso (Vice President of ICO).
(Photograph courtesy of Dr. Mark O.M. Tso.)
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The ancient wonders of Egyptian civilization and culture
were the geographic framework for the Nile Meeting in
Egypt on February 24-28, 1999. The Academia Ophthalmologica
Internationalis (AOI), International Council of Ophthalmology
(ICO), Advisory Committee of the International Council
of Ophthalmology (ACICO), American Academy of Ophthalmology
International Advisory Committee, and consultants representing
major non-governmental organizations met several times
daily while inspirited by the majestic stone figures
of Ramses II at Abu Simble and traveling on the Nile
River from Aswan to Luxor. Intertwined with the
formal discussions were opportunities to admire the
historic Temple of Horus, the monumental architecture
of Karnak and Luxor, and the artistry of tombs in the
Valley of the Kings and Queens.
The collegiality and shared shipboard experience blended
with the hours of discussion, the daily draft copies
of documents, and the systematic evolution of a working
text for the International Ophthalmology Strategic Plan.
With Mr. William C. Felch as Facilitator, the ideas,
concerns and recommendations of the 45 meeting participants
from 22 countries and six continents were incorporated
in the draft document.
Utilizing the established format of strategic planning
to address broad future directions, Nile Meeting participants
formulated the following general statement of purpose:
The mission of international ophthalmology is to preserve
and restore vision and to eliminate blindness that results
from treatable eye disease for people throughout the
world. International ophthalmology will work to
assure that all people have access to high quality,
affordable eye care, and that all ophthalmologists have
access to the training and continuing education they
need to provide the best possible care.
To fulfill this mission, the planning group identified
six goals that require sustained activity. These
are:
- Ophthalmic training
- Continuing ophthalmic education
- Preservation and restoration of vision and prevention
of blindness
- Advocacy for education and blindness prevention
- Definition of eye care guidelines and standards
- Research
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| At
Abu Simble, Nile Meeting participants and guests
at the Temple of Ramses II, Egyptian Pharaoh, 1279-1212
B.C. |
To attain these goals, volunteers among the meeting
participants agreed to specific follow-up responsibilities
as well as schedules, and identified worldwide leaders
who are essential partners in actions on behalf of international
ophthalmology.
During the period following the Nile Meeting, Chairs
and Co-Chairs for each goal have accepted responsibility.
Leading ophthalmologists and health planning experts
have demonstrated a gratifying willingness to assume
major roles within each goal.
Further discussion of this plan for international ophthalmology
is scheduled at a meeting of the ICO and AOI in Orlando,
Florida, USA, on October 23, 1999. Coordinators
for the joint strategic plan meeting are Dr. Gottfried
O.H. Naumann (President of ICO), Dr. Bradley R. Straatsma
(President of AOI), Dr. Bruce E. Spivey (Secretary-General
of ICO) and Dr. Gabriel J. Coscas (Secretary-General
of AOI). As a catalyst for working together, the International
Ophthalmology Strategic Plan offers an extraordinary
opportunity for achieving the mission of preservation
and restoration of vision for people throughout the
world.
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XII Congress of the European Society
of Ophthalmology
The XII Congress of the European Society of Ophthalmology
(SOE) is scheduled in Stockholm, Sweden, June 21-July
1, 1999. Dr. Bo T. Philipson, President of the
Congress, has graciously invited members of AOI to attend
this distinguished international meeting. AOI
Members, Dr. Ahti Tarkkanen and Dr. Björn M. Tengroth
are Honorary Presidents of the Congress.
In the Opening Ceremony, Dr. Bradley R. Straatsma will
represent the AOI. Throughout the Congress, AOI Members
are participating in a substantial number of the scientific
presentations, symposia and courses.
The IVth Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis
Lecture, “Recent Progress in Prostaglandin and Leukotriene
Research,” is being presented on June 29 by Prof. Bengt
Samuelsson, Nobel Laureate and former President of the
Karolinska Institute.
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Vision 2020: The Right to Sight
The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness
(IAPB), the World Health Organization (WHO) and 18 other
national and international organizations from 11 countries
announced “Vision 2020: The Right to Sight” as a global
campaign to eliminate 80% of the world’s blindness.
At a conference in Geneva on February 18, 1999, Dr.
Gro Harlem Brundtland, WHO Director General, targeted
programs to control four eye conditions responsible
for 80% of the world’s blindness: cataract, trachoma,
onchocerciasis and childhood blindness due primarily
to vitamin A deficiency.
The Vision 2020 campaign will create awareness, emphasize
the importance of blindness prevention in national health
programs and help raise funds needed to achieve the
goals of the campaign.
Stemming from extensive planning, the global campaign
is based on WHO estimates that there are 45 million
blind people in the world today and 135 million with
low vision. The world’s population is projected
to increase from 5.9 billion in 1996 to 7.9 billion
in 2020. The number of people more than 45 years
of age will grow from approximately 1 billion to 2 billion
by 2020. Thus, programs to surmount the challenge
of increased visual disability and blindness require
immediate and sustained support by ophthalmologists,
organizations committed to prevention of visual disability
and governmental healthcare entitites.
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International Council of Ophthalmology
Bruce E. Spivey, M.D.
Secretary-General, International Council of Ophthalmology
Augmenting deliberations regarding the International
Ophthalmology Strategic Plan, the International Council
of Ophthalmology (ICO) and Advisory Committee of the
International Council of Ophthalmology (ACICO) met during
the Nile Meeting in Egypt on February 24, 1999.
Dr. Gottfried O. H. Naumann, President of ICO, led discussions
of reports and committees including ICO participation
in the Global Initiative for the Elimination of Avoidable
Blindness – Vision 2020.
Plans for the XXIX International Congress of Ophthalmology
in Sydney, Australia in 2002 were reviewed by Dr. Frank
Martin and implementation of the Twinning Concept to
support sustained partnerships among institutions at
different levels of development was presented by Dr.
Frank A. Billson.
As a major activity of the ICO, Dr. Peter G. Watson,
Chairman of the Education Committee, reported that for
1998, the ICO Basic Science Assessment had 866 candidates
(333 passed the Assessment procedure) and that the ICO
Clinical Assessment had 188 candidates. In 1999,
the Education Committee expects a larger number of candidates
for the Basic Science Assessment and for the Clinical
Assessment. Dr. Watson’s activities to provide assessment
procedures for ophthalmologists who are in training
throughout the world were warmly endorsed by the Council.
Communication regarding the ICO activities and the education
programs is an important aspect of Council activities.
This is being facilitated by the ICO Website - http://www.icoph.org.
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Prof. Robert Machemer Elected to
the AOI
Prof. Robert Machemer, M.D., was elected to Chair 22
of the Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis on June
21, 1998. Born in Germany, Dr. Machemer studied
at the Universities of Munster, Germany. He completed
residency training in ophthalmology in Gottingen.
Thereafter, he moved to the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute,
University of Miami in the United States, as a research
fellow and was appointed to the faculty of that institution
in 1968. He advanced to full Professor at the
University of Miami. Several years later, Prof.
Machemer accepted the position of Professor and Chairman
of the Department of Ophthalmology at Duke University
School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States.
Prof. Machemer has had a profound effect on ophthalmology
as a result of his description of pars plana vitrectomy
at the American Academy of Ophthalmology in 1970.
His work fundamentally changed the approach to defects,
diseases and injuries of the posterior ocular segment.
Throughout an illustrious career, Prof. Machemer has
delivered many of the major named lectures of international
ophthalmology including the Edward Jackson Memorial
Lecture at the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
He has been visiting professor at many institutions.
Prof. Machemer has served on the Editorial Board of
the American Journal of Ophthalmology and is author
of innumerable scientific articles and reports.
In recognition of his accomplishments, Prof. Machemer
has received Honorary Membership in ophthalmology societies
throughout the world and an Honorary Doctoral Degree
from the University of Göttingen.
As his most recent accolade, Prof. Machemer received
the Jules Gonin Medal from Prof. Akira Nakjima at the
Opening Session of the XXVIII International Congress
of Ophthalmology on June 21, 1998.
Prof. Machemer and his wife, Christine, bring honor
and distinction to the Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis.
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Prof. Gullapalli N. Rao Elected
to the AOI
Prof. Gullapalli N. Rao, M.D., F.A.C.S., was elected
to Chair 41 in the Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis
on June 21, 1998. The Founder and Director of
L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India, Dr. Rao
was born in Chodovaram, A.P., India and educated at
the Guntur Medical College, India; All India Institute
of Medical Sciences, New Delhi; Tufts Medical School,
Boston, United States; University of Connecticut, Hartford,
United States and University of Rochester, Rochester,
United States. He focuses his scientific activity
on diseases of the cornea, corneal transplantation,
contact lenses, and cataract surgery.
Dr. Rao is Editor-in-Chief, Indian Journal of Ophthalmology,
and a member of the Editorial Board of four other scientific
journals. He is author of over 100 published papers
that have appeared in scientific journals throughout
the world, and a frequent visiting professor and invited
speaker throughout Asia, Australia, Europe, and the
United States. Among the honor awards received
by Dr. Rao are recognitions received from the All India
Ophthalmological Society, Telugu Association of North
America, American Academy of Ophthalmology and the International
Medical Contact Lens Society.
Dr. Gabriel Coscas, Professor of the Universities of
France, was installed as an Officer of the Legion of
Honor at a ceremony on May 19, 1999. This distinction
was presented to Prof. Coscas, Secretary-General of
the Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis, in recognition
of his distinguished career and extensive contributions
to the advance of ophthalmic science and medicine.
Dr. Rao and his wife, Pratibha Rao, bring honor and
distinction to the Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis.
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Prof. Gabriel Coscas Honored
Dr. Gabriel Coscas, Professor of the Universities of
France, was installed as an Officer of the Legion of
Honor at a ceremony on May 19, 1999. This distinction
was presented to Prof. Coscas, Secretary-General of
the Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis, in recognition
of his distinguished career and extensive contributions
to the advance of ophthalmic science and medicine.
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Academia Directory Update
The Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis Directory
1999 was distributed to AOI members, ICO members and
representative participants in international ophthalmology
activities.
With the increasing utilization of the Internet, the
global expansion of telecommunications and various changes
in information, a supplement incorporating information
received up to May 1, 1999 is available. This
is being distributed to recipients of the initial 1999
Directory.
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Academia Meetings in Jerusalem
in 2000
The Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis (AOI)
and the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO)
have accepted the gracious invitation to meet with the
VIth Mediterranean Congress of Ophthalmology and the
VIth Michaelson Symposium on Ocular Circulation and
Neovascularization in Jerusalem, Israel, on May 21-26,
2000.
The cordial invitation was extended by Dr. David BenEzra,
President of the Mediterranean Ophthalmological Society,
Dr. Gabriel Coscas and Dr. Stephen Ryan, Presidents
of the Michaelson Club, and Dr. Michael Blumenthal,
Member of the Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis.
The International Ophthalmology Strategic Plan will
be the subject of discussion at a meeting coordinated
by the ICO and AOI on May 20. The AOI Scientific
Session, including the Business Meeting, is scheduled
for the morning on May 21. Arrangements are being
coordinated in Jerusalem by Dr. Michael Blumenthal.
The VIth Mediterranean Congress and the VIth
Michaelson Symposium will commence with a welcoming
reception on the evening on May 21 and continue with
scientific programs through May 26. Arrangements
are being made for an outstanding social and cultural
program to accompany the scientific activities.
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Dr.
Joaquín Barraquer, AOI member (left), received
the SNEC International Gold Medal from Dr. Arthur
S.M. Lim, SNEC Medical Director and AOI member (right).
(Photograph
courtesy of SNEC.) |
International Meeting in Singapore
At the 3rd Singapore National Eye Center (SNEC) International
Meeting and the 11th International Meeting on Cataract,
Implant, Microsurgery and Refractive Keratoplasty in
Singapore on November 28-30, 1998, the excellent scientific
program featured the televised performance of cataract
surgery by skilled SNEC faculty.
During the Opening Session, Dr. Arthur Lim, SNEC Medical
Director and AOI member, presented the SNEC International
Gold Medal to AOI members, Dr. Joaquín Barraquer
and Dr. Bradley R. Straatsma. Citations read by
Dr. Lim emphasized contributions of the recipients to
education and specialty training programs of benefit
to Asia.
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