A week long training workshop on Glaucoma was organized at Al-Shifa Trust Eye hospital Rawalpindi from 7th May 2012 to 13th May 2012. Seminar was conducted by Dr. James Standefer who is a glaucoma specialist, He has traveled extensively worldwide to provide eye care training in his field. Dr. Standefer has worked as Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Minnesota USA. He received his Bachelor's Degree from Harvard College and his Medical Degree from Cornell University Medical College. He left his medical practice in 1993 and has since traveled to more than 36 developing countries to improve international eye care. He has received the Outstanding Humanitarian Service Award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and the International Public Service Award from The Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. He is a member of the AAO Committee on International Ophthalmology and Chairman of the AAO International Education Development Committee.

 Dr. Standefer has frequently visited Al-Shifa Trust Eye hospital, during his current visit he held a one week workshop on Glaucoma and trained 5 ophthalmologists of AlShifa Eye hospital as well as doctors from other leading Hospitals of country. The doctors who received the training include Dr. Irfan Aslam Khattak, Dr. Naila Obaid, Dr. Tehmina Imdad, Dr. Gulbano Akram, Dr. Mahmood Ali.

Glaucoma is among the leading causes of blindness in the developing world. The correct diagnosis and treatment of any given patient with glaucoma requires skillful history taking combined with a thorough ocular exam. Therefore the main objective of work-shop was to produce mature, knowledgeable, efficient and skillful glaucoma specialist who will be competent in diagnosis and management (medical and surgical) of all types of glaucoma (suspects and established) patients.

Dr. James Standefer also delivered lectures on these topics, supervised operations in OT and guided junior doctors. AL-Shifa is grateful to Dr. James Standefer for his visit.

Editor: Ayesha Khan

Project Officer