CPSP to announce two new fellowship programs in eye surgery

Karachi: The College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP) is scheduled to introduce two new fellowship programs in cataract and refractive surgery covering corneal and external eye diseases. According to statistics, two of the major causes behind blindness in Pakistan are cataract (51%) and corneal opacity (11%).

The Vice President of CPSP, Prof Khalid Masood Gondal, hinted on this advancement while delivering his chief guest speech at the 5th Pioneering Innovations in Ophthalmology on “Recent Advancements in Refractive Procedures” organized by the Hashmanis Group of Hospitals at a local hotel.

Prof Khalid Masood Gondal assured that the CPSP would support whatever is required by the faculty of ophthalmology. With the support of professionals, three fellowship programs for eye care have been introduced. Gondal stated that the introduction of two more fellowship programs would be helpful as there are already seven programs for paediatrics and six for gynaecology.

As mentioned by the honorable professionals in attendances, refractive eye errors are critical and must be attended to. Therefore, the council will be requested to start cataract and refractive surgery fellowship programs in the near future, he assured.

Prof Gondal said that the two major causes behind blindness in Pakistan are cataract and corneal opacity. Corneal and external eye diseases will be covered in the fellowship program which will also include corneal transplantation. This will be Sadqa-e-Jaria as well from CPSP, he added.

Other speakers of PIO included Chairman, Hashmanis Hospitals, renowned eye surgeon, Dr Sharif Hashmani, Dr Maj Gen Retd Prof Mazher Ishaq, Dean, Faculty of Ophthalmology, CPBF, Dr Azam Ali, Associate Professor & Consultant Ophthalmologist Surgeon, Liaquat National Hospital, Dr Tanveer Chaudhry, Consultant Ophthalmologist, Agha Khan University Hospital Karachi, Dr Qasim Lateef Chaudhry, Associate Professor of Ophthalmology, Allama Iqbal Medical College & Jinnah Hospital Lahore, Dr. Azfar Nafees, Consultant Ophthalmologist, Hashmanis Group of Hospitals and Dr Nauman Hashmanis, Resident, Hashmanis Hospital.

Renowned eye surgeon, Prof Misbahul Aziz, was the moderator of the ceremony. The CEO of Hashmanis Group of Hospitals, Arsalan Hashmani, was also present on this occasion.

Dr. Sharif Hashmani, in his presentation, highlighted the recent advancements in refractive procedures. "It is essential for young professionals and seniors already working in the field of ophthalmology to learn and keep themselves aware of the recent advancements in their field so the patients could benefit from the best quality healthcare services,” he stressed.

A large number of people in Pakistan are losing their sight merely due to a delay in diagnosis and proper treatment by qualified ophthalmologists and surgeons. Awareness must be created on a mass level to inform and educate people on how they should not ignore minor eye issues if they wish to avoid any further complications and a loss of sight, Dr. Sharif Hashmani added.

Dr Nauman Hashmani delivered his presentation on “Topography v/s tomography” and shared his expert opinion on occasion.

At the PIO, Prof Dr Fawwad Rizvi was honoured with a gold medal in recognition of his services in the field of eye care by the Hashmanis Group of Hospitals as part of its Hall of Fame program to honour the real heroes. The Chief Guest, Prof Gondal, and Dr Sharif Hashmani presented Dr Rizvi with the gold medal.

The event was primarily attended by ophthalmologists and allied healthcare professionals.