LAHORE: The International Agency for Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) has awarded senior ophthalmologist and former vice chancellor of the King Edward Medical University, Prof Asad Aslam Khan, with “Eye Health Hero Award” in recognition of his services in the field of eye health and prevention of blindness in the region, particularly in Pakistan.

The IAPB conferred this award on Prof Khan in its annual council of members meeting held in Kathmandu, Nepal, on Monday, attended by around 250 delegates from all over the world, a press release said.

Prof Khan is also principal of the College of Ophthalmology and KEMU Faculty of Ophthalmology chairman, besides being national coordinator for prevention of blindness in Pakistan.

The IAPB is an alliance of organisations, corporate and professional bodies working for promotion of eye health through advocacy, knowledge and partnership.

It has been tasked with a mission to eliminate the main causes of avoidable blindness and visual impairment by bringing together government and non-governmental agencies and promoting the World Health Organisation (WHO) Global Action Plan 2014-19 on universal eye health. Prof Khan received the award for his meritorious services for the promotion of eye heath and prevention of blindness in the country and region.

Published in Dawn, September 19th, 2017