RAWALPINDI: Senior ophthalmologist Dr. Tayyab Afghani from Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital has been recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Pakistan Oculoplastic Association. The award was presented during an international eye conference in Lahore, acknowledging Dr. Afghani's significant contributions to specialised eye care and medical education.
Dr. Afghani, serving as the head of the Orbit and Oculoplastics Department at Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, was praised for his innovative work in developing services for complex eye diseases. His efforts in ocular oncology, reconstructive surgery, and treatment of eye tumors have been noted as groundbreaking.
A pivotal figure in the establishment of Pakistan's first dedicated center for free eye cancer treatment, Dr. Afghani has addressed critical gaps in healthcare access for low-income families. His extensive academic contributions include over 60 research papers and more than 70 scientific presentations at international conferences across 20 countries. His accolades include the Distinguished Services Award and the Prevention of Blindness Award from the Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology, along with two gold medals from the Ophthalmological Society of Pakistan.
Speaking to the media, Dr. Afghani expressed his gratitude for the award, considering it an honor for both himself and the Al-Shifa Trust. He highlighted the hospital's advancements in clinical services, achieved through significant investments in infrastructure and training, including hundreds of millions of rupees spent on advanced diagnostic and surgical equipment for complex cases.
Dr. Afghani also emphasized the hospital's commitment to human resource development. Al-Shifa Trust is renowned as one of the country's largest ophthalmology training centers, offering accredited programs through the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan. These include FCPS Part II training and fellowships in sub-specialties such as pediatric ophthalmology, retina, and glaucoma.
Data from the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan and the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council indicate a persistent shortage of eye specialists in the country, particularly in rural areas. The focus remains on providing affordable, specialized treatment to patients nationwide, addressing a need largely unmet by the public sector.