Introduction and Summary:

Since one of the MEACO goals is to develop and upgrade ophthalmology in affiliated countries, based on the premise that future leaders are made, not born to the role, MEACO took the initiative to organize a Leadership Development Program for grooming future leaders in ophthalmology in the Middle East and African region.

We believe that if national societies identify their prospective "next generation" of leaders, the multi-national organization can promote the principles and philosophies of trustworthiness in personal and professional leadership. With appropriate transference of responsibility, this cadre of young physicians will serve our institutions and our profession through excellence in clinical education, pride in ophthalmic practice and dedication in quality of care and advocacy for the patient.

The first, second and third LDP programs were held in Egypt on 29 November - 1 December 2007, 25-27 November 2008 and 14-16 December 2009. All were organized in and recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) Mediterranean Office in Cairo. Each program targeted 15 - 20 candidates nominated from the Middle East and Africa societies.

At the end of each program, candidates were requested to implement and work on a project that should be directed towards improving ophthalmology service in his/her, own national, international or subspecialty society.

Program objectives:

• Identify candidates with the potential to become future leaders in ophthalmology from Middle East and North Africa societies affiliated to MEACO.

• Enhance the promotion of program graduates to leadership positions of increasing responsibility both nationally and internationally.

• Settle and nourish collaboration with the AAO, PAAO, and ICO to provide candidates with a network of Peers.

• The program is a triple investment and commitment between Candidate, National society, and MEACO.

1. Personal time management and effective delegation.
2. Conducting meetings and team management.
3. Communication and marketing skills.
4. Policy promotion and lobbying.
5. Negotiation skills and conducting interviews. Managing change and conflict.
   
   
   
    
   

•  Attend the meeting of the course agenda Present the project.
•  Working with a mentor.
• Distinguished candidates can participate as future mentors and instructors for successive courses.
• Graduates are encouraged to participate in all post graduation Alumni activities.  

• Candidates will be selected by MEACO leadership selection committee and candidates of prospective leadership capacities will be chosen.

• Selected candidates and their nominating societies will be notified by the results and will be asked to sign a letter of commitment for the course regulations.

• Class capacity will range from 18-20 candidates.

• Introduction to the program.

• Identifying study resources.

• Project assignment.

• Interactive workshops on topics relevant to leadership, including leadership principles, communication media relations effective leadership styles, team building, time management and delegation.

• Project abstract presentation and implementation.

• Informal communication opportunity to the candidates through the social events.