ISLAMABAD: /DNA/ – The Royal College of Ophthalmologists, London, as per its last year’s decision, has started its oral examinations for ophthalmology and refraction certificates in Pakistan.
Last year, the college announced its partnership with Al-Shifa Eye Trust Rawalpindi, and now a team of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists has come to Pakistan to conduct tests.
Examiners include Dr. Daniel Nolan, Dr. Bernard Chang, Dr. Mohamed Elalfy, Dr. Simon Keightley, and Dr. Gwyn Williams, who will conduct the exams. Examinees include one applicant from Singapore and seventeen from Pakistan.
The president of Al-Shifa Eye Trust, Maj. Gen. (Retd) Rehmat Khan, stated in a statement that it is an important milestone that has given Pakistani ophthalmologists the chance to earn internationally recognised credentials, advance their expertise, and improve eye care services throughout the nation.
He claimed that a well-known institute from the UK was holding internationally recognised eye expert tests for the first time in Pakistan, which is an honour for us.
He stated, “It is a great honour for the nation, and credit goes to the dedication of all those serving in the Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital for providing high-quality eye treatment to many patients with the help of state-of-the-art equipment.”
“A team from the Royal College of Ophthalmologists visited Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital last year and found facilities appropriate for performing the exams, and they were satisfied with arrangements during the ongoing visit,” he added.
He said that the team of foreign specialists is pleased with the variety of patients, treatment arrangements, the latest equipment, security and safety measures, and other measures that meet international standards.
Rehmat Khan said that, now, with Al Shifa Trust as the chosen venue, doctors pursuing the Fellowship Diploma can conveniently undergo the practical exams in Pakistan.
The Fellowship Diploma is internationally recognised, allowing ophthalmologists to practice anywhere in the world. This milestone not only brings great honour to Al-Shifa Trust but also showcases Pakistan’s capability to host and support an institution of such calibre.
Dr. Wajid Ali Khan, Chief of Medical Services, anticipated that the number of doctors appearing in the tests would gradually increase as the first year’s participation was encouraging.
“These fellowship exams will help physicians meet international standards for high-quality eye care by improving their ethical knowledge and communication skills,” he emphasised.
“After passing these esteemed examinations, Pakistani ophthalmologists will be able to serve eye patients more effectively and will also be able to secure jobs as consultants in the Middle East, England, Australia, and other countries,” he stated.
“This will impart the latest knowledge in seven categories of eye diseases,” he concluded.
