International Council of Ophthalmology Foundation

InternationalCouncil ofOphthalmologyFoundation2 0 0 5 R e p o r tthe World Ophthalmology Foundation®I n t e r n a t i o n a l C o u n c i l o f O p h t h a l m o l o g y F o u n d a t i o n B o a r d o f D i r e c t o r s Bradley R. Straatsma, M.D. J.D., PresidentPaul R. Lichter, M.D.Professor & Chairman EmeritusF. Bruce Fralick Professor & ChairDepartment of Ophthalmology Department of Ophthalmology & Visual SciencesDirector Emeritus, Jules Stein Eye InstituteDirector, W. K. Kellogg Eye Center University of CaliforniaUniversity of Michigan Los Angeles, CaliforniaAnn Arbor, MichiganGottfried O. H. Naumann, M.D., Vice PresidentJames V. MazzoPresident, International Council of Ophthalmology President & Chief Executive OfficerProfessor & Chairman EmeritusAdvanced Medical Optics, Inc.Department of Ophthalmology Santa Ana, CaliforniaUniversity Erlangen-Nürnberg Erlangen, Germany David E. I. PyottChairman of the Board, President & CEOBruce E. Spivey, M.D., Secretary-TreasurerAllergan, Inc.Secretary-General, International Council of OphthalmologyIrvine, CaliforniaPresident-Elect, International Council of OphthalmologyClinical Professor of OphthalmologyTimothy R. G. SearCalifornia Pacific Medical CenterChairman of the BoardSan Francisco, California Alcon, Inc.Fort Worth, Texas Rubens Belfort, M.D., Ph.D.President, 2006 World Ophthalmology CongressPaul A. Sieving, M.D., Ph.D.Professor & Chairman DirectorDepartment of OphthalmologyNational Eye InstituteFederal University of São PauloNational Institutes of HealthSão Paulo, BrazilBethesda, MarylandAkef El-Maghraby, M.D.Alfred Sommer, M.D., M.H.S.President, Middle-East African Council of OphthalmologyDeanChairman, Magrabi Hospitals and Centers Bloomberg School of Public HealthJeddah, Saudi ArabiaJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimore, MarylandNeil LevineSenior Director, Group LeaderYasuo Tano, M.D.Endocrine Care/OphthalmicsPresident, Asia-Pacific Academy of OphthalmologyPfizer Global PharmaceuticalsProfessor & ChairmanUS Pharmaceuticals Department of OphthalmologyPfizer Inc.Osaka UniversityNew York, New YorkOsaka, Japan Hilel Lewis, M.D. Professor & ChairmanDivision of OphthalmologyDirector, Cole Eye InstituteThe Cleveland Clinic FoundationCleveland, OhioICOFoundation Board ofDirectors Meeting in Chicago onOctober 16, 2005. Left to right:Yasuo Tano, M.D.; Hilel Lewis,M.D.; Neil Levine; Bruce E.Spivey, M.D.; C. Russell Trenary,III (Invited Guest); David E. I.Pyott; Paul R. Lichter, M.D.;Bradley R. Straatsma, M.D. J.D.;Rubens Belfort, M.D., Ph.D.;Akef El-Maghraby, M.D. andPaul A. Sieving, M.D., Ph.D.The Challenge: Worldwide Visual ImpairmentThroughout the world, 161 million people are severely visually impaired, and of these37 million people are blind.1 World HealthOrganization data document that the burdenof visual impairment and blindness is great-est in the least developed regions of theglobe and the burden is greater, in allInternational Council ofregions, among women than men. More thanOphthalmology Foundation1.4 million children are blind, but visualThe International Council of Ophthalmologyimpairment and blindness are most prevalentFoundation (ICOFoundation,in adults 50 years of age and older. Globalwww.icofoundation.org), established in 2002, actsvision loss is certain to increase due to to support ophthalmic education, to advocate population growth and aging unless effectivequality eye care and to advance scientific ophthal-action is taken. mology. Functioning throughout the globe as theAs much as 75% of worldwide vision loss isWorld Ophthalmology Foundation®, programs avoidable—either preventable or treatable—are coordinated with the International Council ofwith currently available knowledge andOphthalmology and the International Federation biotechnology.2 The world today presentsof Ophthalmological Societies.extraordinary challenges in the context ofextraordinary global connectedness. MoreInternational Council ofthan at any time in the history of human Ophthalmology and Internationalcivilization, the well-being of each individualFederation of Ophthalmologicalis inextricably linked to that of every other.SocietiesThe stark reality of extensive and avoidableThe International Council of Ophthalmologyvisual impairment and blindness throughout(www.icoph.org) traces its origin to 1857 when the world compels a global initiative to pro-150 ophthalmologists from 24 countries convenedmote best possible vision for every person. in Brussels for the International Congress ofOphthalmology. From this auspicious beginning,the International Congress has been conductedunabated through the XXIX International Congressof Ophthalmology in Sydney (2002). Organized by the International Council ofOphthalmology, the 2006 World OphthalmologyCongress3 in São Paulo is the amalgamation ofthree events: the XXX International Congress of1. Global data on visual impairment in the year 2002. Resnikoff S et al, Bull. World Health Organization 2004: 82(11), 844-851.2. Global Initiative For the Elimination of Avoidable Blindness. World Health Organization/PBL/97.61.3. Trademark application filed.2 0 0 5 R E P O R T | 1I n t e r n a t i o n a l C o u n c i l o f O p h t h a l m o l o g y F o u n d a t i o nUniquely representative of world ophthalmology,the International Federation of OphthalmologicalSocieties, registered as a nonprofit organization inSwitzerland, is made up of national ophthalmologysocieties of over 120 countries in Africa, Asia,Australia-Oceania, Europe, North America, andSouth America. Because subspecialty ophthalmology organizationshave an increasingly important role in ophthalmolo-gy, in ophthalmic education and in eye care worldwide, the International Federation of Ophthal-mological Societies voted in 2004 to expand itsmembership by including multinational subspecialtyHis Royal Highness, Prince Abdul Azis Al Saud, Saudisocieties that fulfill specific criteria. More than 20Arabia, President of Impact-Eastern MediterraneanRegion (left), and Dr. Rubens Belfort, President of multinational subspecialty ophthalmology societiesthe 2006 World Ophthalmology Congress (right), are scheduled for admission to the Internationalconversing with visually impaired and blind studentsat the 2006 World Ophthalmology Congress, Brazil.Federation of Ophthalmological Societies in 2006.Ophthalmology, the XXVI Pan-American Congressof Ophthalmology and the XVII BrazilianBlindness Prevention and Visual RehabilitationCongress. All components of the 2006 WorldInternational Federation ofOphthalmology Congress are united for the pur-Ophthalmological Societies: pose of transmitting knowledge, stimulating discov-ery through research, and decreasing avoidable visu-O p h t h a l m o l o g y M e m b e r s Wo r l d w i d e 4al impairment and blindness. Continuing thisseries, the World Ophthalmology Congress willAfrica1,881convene in Hong Kong (2008), Berlin (2010) andChicago (2012). Asia38,914In addition to conducting the periodic WorldAustralia—Oceania1,003Ophthalmology Congress, the InternationalCouncil of Ophthalmology is the executive body ofEurope44,930the International Federation of OphthalmologicalSocieties. As such, the Council is composed ofNorth America29,186members elected by Delegates of the InternationalFederation of Ophthalmological Societies; membersSouth America8,434representing the Academia OphthalmologicaTotal124,348Internationalis, International Agency for Preventionof Blindness, ICOFoundation, and the majorsupranational ophthalmological societies; and mem-4. International Council of Ophthalmology, Directory of International bers who are coordinators of the principal Council Ophthalmology, 1–307, 2006.programs. The Council also gains substantial lead-ership from members of the Advisory Committeerepresenting the ophthalmology subspecialties.2 | 2 0 0 5 R E P O R TI n t e r n a t i o n a l C o u n c i l o f O p h t h a l m o l o g y F o u n d a t i o nInternational Council ofOphthalmology FoundationProgramsAs the World Ophthalmology Foundation®, theICOFoundation enhances eye and vision care forpeople throughout the globe through support ofthe International Ophthalmology Strategic Plan to Preserve and Restore Vision—Vision for theFuture. Stemming from planning meetings in 1999—2001 conducted by the International Council of Ophthalmology, Academia OphthalmologicaInternationalis and consultants representing vision-related organizations, governmental agencies andthe vision-care industry, Vision for the Futureidentified critical needs for ophthalmic education,guidelines for eye care, advocacy and health-servicesVision for the FutureThe International Ophthalmology Strategic Planresearch. The International Council of Ophthal-to Preserve and Restore Vision.mology is committed to implement Vision for the Future. Accordingly, ICOFoundation programssupport: Ophthalmic Education and TrainingOphthalmic education and training are the corner-stones of actions to preserve and restore visionOphthalmic Education and Trainingworldwide. A multinational committee, appointedby the International Council of OphthalmologyOphthalmic Knowledge Assessmentand chaired by Dr. Mark O. M. Tso (UnitedOphthalmic Fellowship TrainingStates), and specific task forces focus on: Ophthalmology Medical Student EducationEye and Vision Care GuidelinesOphthalmology Resident-Specialist Education Advocacy for Preservation of VisionOphthalmology Continuing EducationResearch in Ophthalmology and VisionAllied Ophthalmic Personnel TrainingOPHTHALMOLOGY MEDICAL STUDENT EDUCATION.With the growth of world population, increasinglongevity of human life, and eye diseases such asWorldwide programs supported by theICOFoundation.cataract, glaucoma and age-related macular degen-eration that are associated with aging, eye care isincreasingly important in the general scope of medical practice. Consequently, the Council andthe ICOFoundation are promoting ophthalmologyeducation for all medical students through develop-ment of a universally applicable ophthalmologycurriculum for medical students. 2 0 0 5 R E P O R T| 3I n t e r n a t i o n a l C o u n c i l o f O p h t h a l m o l o g y F o u n d a t i o nRecommendations for ophthalmology medical stu-the world, a multilevel Ophthalmology Resident-dent education were formulated by a multinationalSpecialist Curriculum is posted on the Internet atcommittee of educator-scientists, established by thewww.icoph.org/pdf/icocurricres.pdf. International Council of Ophthalmology andchaired by Dr. Richard K. Parrish II (UnitedO p h t h a l m o l o g y R e s i d e n t P r o g r a mStates). For use in different systems of medical D i r e c t o r s S y m p o s i aeducation, a revised “Principles and Guidelines of aThe Resident Program Director is responsible forCurriculum for Ophthalmic Education of Medicalorganizing the instruction, monitoring clinicalStudents” includes a core of essential knowledgeexperience and assessing the progress of ophthal-and additional content appropriate for the geo-mology residents throughout the multiyear training.graphic region and national health service system.To aid the Program Director, symposia that dealThe curriculum also includes measures for objectivespecifically with directing a residency program,assessment of the student’s knowledge and skills atmethods for quality education, changing residentthe conclusion of the ophthalmic curriculum. Thebehavior when indicated, assessing skills and meas-curriculum for Ophthalmology Medical Studenturing competence are conducted by the CouncilEducation is presented on the Internet atand the ICOFoundation.www.icoph.org/pdf/icocurricmed.pdf. MEXICO. In June 2004, the International CouncilOPHTHALMOLOGY RESIDENT-SPECIALISTof Ophthalmology, Mexican Council ofEDUCATION. To advance the education and trainingOphthalmology and Universidad Nacionalof ophthalmology residents and specialists, theAutónoma de Mexico (UNAM) presented a two-Council and ICOFoundation are concentrating onday Resident Program Directors Course in Mexico(1) a worldwide ophthalmology resident-specialistCity. Led by Dr. Enrique Graue Wiechers (Mexico)curriculum (2) symposia for resident training pro-and Dr. Karl Golnik (United States), the course wasgram directors, and (3) resident education and eyeattended by the Resident Program Directors of allcare centers in developing countries.23 ophthalmology residency programs in Mexico. Reflecting coordination among ophthalmologyR e s i d e n t - S p e c i a l i s t C u r r i c u l u m . organizations, the Program Directors Course inWith Dr. Morton F. Goldberg (United States) asMexico was endorsed by the American Academy chair, and Dr. Andrew G. Lee (United States) as of Ophthalmology, Association of Universityco-chair, a multinational committee of ophthalmicProfessors of Ophthalmology (United States), educator-scientists appointed by the InternationalPan-American Association of Ophthalmology andCouncil of Ophthalmology developed a broadlyPan-American Council of University Professors ofapplicable curriculum for ophthalmology residentOphthalmology. Continuing the emphasis on resi-and specialist training. The curriculum and guide-dent training, the Pan-American Association oflines recognize that general principles must be Ophthalmology and Pan-American Council ofaugmented by special training adapted to diverseUniversity Professors of Ophthalmology havecultures, population groups and regional diseasedefined minimum standards for residency trainingprevalence. Skills, techniques and competenciesin Latin America. These “Requisitos Minimos paramust be further adapted to be compatible with una Residencia en Oftalmologia” are available oncultures, health care facilities and health care the Internet (www.paao.org/doc/reqminres.doc).systems of nations throughout the world.Demonstrating progress in determining the “need to know” for ophthalmologists throughout4 | 2 0 0 5 R E P O R TI n t e r n a t i o n a l C o u n c i l o f O p h t h a l m o l o g y F o u n d a t i o nFour Pan-American Association of OphthalmologyPresidents were members of the ProgramOphthalmology Resident Program Directors Course, Lima, Peru, in MarchDirectors Course faculty in Lima, Peru. Left to2006 was attended by Program Directors and educators of Peru, Boliviaright: Dr. Enrique Graue Wiechers (President,and adjacent countries.Mexico), Dr. Bradley R. Straatsma (Past President,United States), Dr. Francisco Contreras (PastPresident, Peru) and Dr. Juan Verdaguer (PastPresident, Chile). PERU AND EGYPT. Continuing during 2005, theR e s i d e n t — S p e c i a l i s t E d u c a t i o n Council and ICOFoundation planned additionala n d E y e C a r e C e n t e r sResident Program Directors Courses to be conduct-In developing countries where ophthalmology resi-ed in Lima, Peru on March 23–24, 2006, with dent—specialist education is limited and there is aDr. José Antonio Roca (Peru), chair, and Dr. Karlmajor need for ophthalmologists, the InternationalGolnik (United States), co-chair. An additionalCouncil of Ophthalmology is working, in collabo-Resident Program Directors Course is scheduled inration with other ophthalmic and public serviceCairo, Egypt on June 15–16, 2006, with Dr. Akeforganizations to develop Ophthalmology Resident -El-Maghraby (Egypt), chair and Dr. Andrew LeeSpecialist Education and Eye Care Centers.(United States), co-chair. NIGERIA. Following assessment of ophthalmologyIn each case, the Program Directors Course is resident-training Centers in Nigeria by Councilcoordinated with the regional multinational andmembers and leaders of the Ophthalmological national ophthalmology organizations to ensureSociety of Nigeria in 2004, discussions and writtenan appropriate needs assessment, relevant courseagreements concluded with a multiyear program tocontent and sustained follow-up. develop ophthalmology resident—specialist educa-tion in conjunction with sustainable eye caresystems in Nigeria. As an initial step, educationalsupport is being provided by the InternationalCouncil of Ophthalmology and ICOFoundationin the form of broadband Internet access and electronic equipment to promote access to currentmedical texts and journals at six training centersidentified by the Ophthalmological Society ofNigeria. The National Eye Institute (United States)and the World Health Organization are institutinga program to measure utilization of Internet access,Resident Program Directors Course, Lima, Peru.and to assess the impact of access to current med-Faculty included (left to right) Dr. José Antonio Roca(Chair, Peru), Dr. Andrew G. Lee (United States), ical information on the quality of care. Dr. Bradley R. Straatsma (United States), Dr. JorgeÁlvarez Agurto (President, Peruvian Society ofOphthalmology education in Nigeria is coordinatedOphthalmology, Peru) and Dr. Anthony C. Arnoldwith the International Agency for Prevention of(United States). Blindness, Vision 2020, the Middle-East African2 0 0 5 R E P O R T| 5I n t e r n a t i o n a l C o u n c i l o f O p h t h a l m o l o g y F o u n d a t i o nCouncil of Ophthalmology and the Ophthal-mological Society of Nigeria to build quality, accessand sustainable eye care systems at UniversityCollege Hospital, Ibadan, and elsewhere in Nigeria. O p h t h a l m o l o g y R e s i d e n t — S p e c i a l i s tE d u c a t i o n a n d E y e C a r e C e n t e r s i n N i g e r i aCenters Receiving Broadband Educational SupportNational Eye Centre, Kaduna, Kaduna StatePlanning for broadband Internet education at six resi-dent training centers in Nigeria. Meeting at Florence,Guinness Eye Centre, Onitsha, Anambra StateItaly in May 2005. Left to right: Daniel Etya’ale, M.D.(World Health Organization), Serge Resnikoff, M.D.,University of Jos Teaching Hospital, Jos, Ph.D. (World Health Organization), Adenike Abiose,Plateau StateM.D. (Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria), Pamela C.Sieving, M.A., M.S. (National Institutes of HealthUniversity of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Library, United States), Bradley R. Straatsma, M.D.,Kwara StateJ.D. (ICOFoundation), Ramachandra Pararajasegaram,M.D. (World Health Organization) and Bruce E. Spivey,University of Calabar College of Medical Sciences,M.D. (International Council of Ophthalmology).Calabar, Cross River StateUniversity College Hospital, Ibadan, Oye State (Coordinating Centre)Dr. Zbigniew Zagorski (Poland) chairs the Councilcommittee coordinating information regarding ophthalmology continuing education programsavailable in various languages, global regions andsubspecialty areas. The revised statement of“Principles and Guidelines of a Curriculum forContinuing Medical Education in Ophthalmology”is presented on the Internet atwww.icoph.org/pdf/icocurriccme.pdf.Increasingly, educational material of high qualityand practical value is available, without charge, on the Internet. For example, the “Atlas ofOphthalmology” is a multimedia database edited byNigeria. Six ophthalmology resident training centersRobert Machemer, M.D. (United States) and Georgreceiving broadband Internet access are strategicallyMichaelson, M.D. (Germany) with 3,000 imageslocated throughout the country. and text in English, Spanish and German(www.atlasophthalmology.com). This atlas isOPHTHALMOLOGY CONTINUING EDUCATION. Theendorsed by the Council as one of the resourcesophthalmologist requires continuing enhancementavailable for continuing professional development.of knowledge, refinement of professional skills andThe ICOFoundation applauds activity of thetraining for utilization of advanced technology.American Academy of Ophthalmology and otherContinuing professional development necessitatesnational and supranational ophthalmology organiza-lifelong learning.tions that are donating continuing education materi-als to ophthalmologists through Internet access andcontributions of text and educational aids.6 | 2 0 0 5 R E P O R TI n t e r n a t i o n a l C o u n c i l o f O p h t h a l m o l o g y F o u n d a t i o nALLIED OPHTHALMIC PERSONNEL TRAINING.Ophthalmic patient care services are provided with-in a broad range of eye and health care programs inurban and rural centers throughout the globe. Forefficacy and efficiency, the ophthalmologist is incontinuous communication with allied eye careproviders and with physicians in related medicalspecialties. The needs and requirements for alliedeye care providers vary greatly by geographicregion, economic development and national health system. Recognizing the great importance of allied 2005 Ophthalmic Knowledge Assessments Test Center in India.ophthalmic personnel, Dr. Sivaguru SelvarajahCandidates for the Basic Science and Clinical Sciences Assessments(Malaysia) leads a multinational committee of and Proctor (standing).ophthalmologists, allied personnel and consultantscommitted to collecting, evaluating and disseminat-Ophthalmic Knowledgeing information regarding allied personnel curriculaAssessmentsand training programs. Recently updated, the committee presents “Principles and Guidelines ofThe International Council of Ophthalmology con-Curricula for Para-Ophthalmic Vision Specialistducts annual Ophthalmic Knowledge AssessmentsEducation” on the Internetin Basic Science, including Optics and Refraction,(www.icoph.org/pdf/icocurricpara.pdf). and in the Clinical Sciences. The Assessments arethe only worldwide medical specialty examinationsICOFOUNDATION SUPPORT FOR OPHTHALMICand present questions prepared by a multinationalEDUCATION. In 2005, the ICOFoundation provid-committee of examiners chaired by Dr. Peter G.ed support funds for the:Watson (United Kingdom). Examinations are set atthe same standard as the highest board and qualify-Ophthalmology medical student curriculum, ing examinations in the world.Ophthalmology resident-specialist curriculum,The Assessments are free of any outside influenceOphthalmology resident program directors courses, and can be taken in the candidate’s own country.Resident—specialist education and eye care centers Assessment questions are translated from EnglishOphthalmology continuing education curriculum,into French, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Turkishandand other languages corresponding to need. At thetime of examination, the English version is present-Allied ophthalmic personnel curricula. ed along with the alternate language so that com-parisons can be made by the candidateLooking ahead, the ICOFoundation projects mul-(www.icoph.org).tiyear support to update and promulgate curricula,conduct resident program directors courses andSuccessful passage of the Assessments is recognizedenhance ophthalmology resident—specialist educa-by a certificate that is universally acknowledged tion and eye care centers in developing countries.to show that the holder has achieved a very highThe goal of the ICOFoundation is to enhance thestandard of theoretical knowledge. In Turkey, foreducation of eye care professionals whose valuesexample, the Basic Science and Clinical Sciencesand actions will determine the future of eye care onAssessments are part of the national examinationthis planet.for certification. Moreover, institutions and univer-2 0 0 5 R E P O R T| 7I n t e r n a t i o n a l C o u n c i l o f O p h t h a l m o l o g y F o u n d a t i o nsities in Europe and South America also utilize theICOFOUNDATION SUPPORT FOR OPHTHALMICAssessments as a part of the ophthalmology certifi-KNOWLEDGE ASSESSMENTS. With outstanding man-cation procedure.agement by Dr. Peter G. Watson, the Assessmentsare well established. Since the Basic Science Assessment was inauguratedin 1995 and the Clinical Sciences Assessment wasThe ICOFoundation provides support funds toinitiated in 1998, more than 10,000 candidatesextend the Assessments to candidates unable tohave voluntarily applied for and taken thecompete for the certificate because of economic Assessments. This participation documents thefactors and to encourage regional initiative for useimportance of an objective and internationallyof the Ophthalmic Knowledge Assessments in identified standard of knowledge, particularly forgeographic sectors without formal written evalua-candidates in countries without any formal writtention procedures. evaluation procedures and for candidates in coun-tries that use the Assessments as a part of the for-Ophthalmic Fellowship Trainingmal certification process.The Fellowship of the International Federation ofIn recent years, the annual Assessments took placeOphthalmological Societies (IFOS) and theon March 14, 2002, April 3, 2003, April 1, 2004,International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO),and April 7, 2005 at test centers in countries thatabbreviated as the IFOS/ICO Fellowship, was ranged alphabetically from Argentina to Yugoslavia. inaugurated in 2001 on recommendation of Dr. Balder P. Gloor (Switzerland). Conducted since then under supervision of a multi-Ophthalmic Knowledge Assessmentsnational committee chaired and realized by Dr.B a s i c S c i e n c e a n d C l i n i c a l S c i e n c e sBalder P. Gloor, the fellowships are offered to candi-YearCandidatesTest CentersCountriesdates who have completed basic residency trainingin ophthalmology, are preferably in or aspiring to a200210177251teaching position, preferably hold the Ophthalmic200310977553Knowledge Assessment Certificate, and are commit-200411978459ted to return to their country of origin subsequent200514728357to completing the fellowship.2006*Fellowships are generally of three months duration* Scheduled on April 6, 2006and are offered in Comprehensive Ophthalmologyand in subspecialty areas. Institutions that haveagreed to accept IFOS/ICO Fellows identify thecharacteristics and strengths of their programs onthe Internet. Candidates apply to a host institutionvia the Internet, specific goals of the fellowship areestablished and language issues affecting communi-cation with staff and patients are considered.Following evaluation of all information, IFOS/ICOFellowships are awarded by a committee led by Dr.Balder P. Gloor and further administered by Dr.Jean-Jacques DeLaey (Belgium). To control costs,Dr. Peter G. Watson, Coordinator, Ophthalmicall aspects of the IFOS/ICO Fellowship application,Knowledge Assessments (left), and Dr. GottfriedO. H. Naumann, International Council ofreview, award process and follow-up report are con-Ophthalmology President.ducted online (www.icoph.org/fellow).8 | 2 0 0 5 R E P O R T