PRINCE ABDULAZIZ BIN AHMED AL SAUD
PREVENTION OF BLINDNESS AWARD

This award is presented to an ophthalmologist who has substantially contributed to Prevention of Blindness in the developing world.

The recipient of this award in MEACO 2009 is

Dr. Muhammad Babar Qureshi

Dr. Qureshi is a graduate of Medicine and Surgery (BMBch) from Faculty of Medical Sciences University of Jos, Nigeria. He holds a master's degree in Community Eye Health from International Center for Eye Health (ICEH), London. He holds a diploma in Ophthalmic Medicine and Surgery (DOMS) from University of Vienna, Austria and a degree in Health Professions Education from College of Physicians and Surgeons, Pakistan.

Currently, Dr. Qureshi is serving as the Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director of Comprehensive Health and Education Forum (CHEF) International; Senior Medical Advisor for CBM, Co-Chair of Programs in the Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (EMR-IAPB) and Board Member of the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO).

Previously, he served as Director of Academics and Research in Pakistan Institute of Community Ophthalmology, Consultant Ophthalmologist at Turbat Medical Centre, Baluchistan and at State Eye Hospital, Maiduguri, Nigeria. Furthermore, he supervised 50 candidates in the Masters in Community Eye Health Program, set more than 10 national plans for blindness prevention for EMR countries, served as a resource person for VISION 2020, and published many articles.He was one of the pioneers of the district comprehensive eye care programme development in Pakistan and has contributed significantly to the development of this concept. He also has contributed significantly to the trachoma control programmes in Pakistan and Afghanistan

Dr. Qureshi received several awards for his services towards blindness prevention such as; IAPB Distinction Award (1999), Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology Award (2005), President of Pakistan Novel Christy Award (2005), IAPB Regional Achievement Award (2008), Sushila Biswal Memorial Award by IAG ICEH, India (2008).

EL-MAGHRABY INTERNATIONAL AWARD

This award is presented to an international ophthalmologist for his contribution towards the advancement and amelioration in ophthalmology.

The recipient of this award in MEACO 2009 is

Dr. Jack T. Holladay

Dr. Holladay received his Medical Degree from the University of Texas and his Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Southern Methodist University. A Board Certified Ophthalmologist, he is a Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at Baylor College of Medicine. In the past, he has held the position of Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Board for the International Society of Refractive Surgery of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

He is also the Editorial Board Member of the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery and a Board of Director for the Council for Refractive Surgery Quality Assurance. Dr. Holladay has also received the Ridley Medal from the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, the Binkhorst Medal from the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Pearce Medal from the United Kingdom Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, the Senior Honor Award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the Lindstrom Medal from the Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists.

Dr. Holladay is the author of three books, hundreds of chapters and over 100 articles in peer reviewed scientific journals. He received the Lifetime Achievement Medal from the International Society of Refractive Surgery (2006), Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology (2007) and the Founder's Award from ISRS (2008).

MEACO DISTINCTION AWARD

This award is presented to an ophthalmologist from the Middle East and Africa regions who, by his distinction, leadership and teaching, has contributed most to the development of international relations and collaboration between ophthalmologists, and who has contributed to the advancement of ophthalmology in his or her country or the region.

The recipient of this award in MEACO 2009 is

Dr. Hormoz Chams

Dr. Chams is a graduate of Biology from Davis and Elkins College, USA, completed his postgraduate studies in Microbiology from West Virginia University, USA, and acquired his MD and CES in Ophthalmology from University of Paris, France.

He is a Professor of Ophthalmology in Tehran University of Medical Sciences, who by his leadership, and dedication has contributed to the education and teaching of ophthalmology in Iran. Dr. Chams is a strong advocate of international collaboration; and has worked hard to increase the interaction of Iranian ophthalmologists with their colleagues in the region and internationally.

He is the former President of the Iranian Society of Ophthalmology, the Editor in Chief of the Iranian Journal of Ophthalmology and member of the French Society of Ophthalmology and American Academy of Ophthalmology. He is an active participant in the French Congress of Ophthalmology, Iranian Congress of Ophthalmology and Mediterranean Congresses.

His career life encompasses many achievements as he has served as the Head of Retina Department at Farabi Eye Hospital, and as a Consultant of the Iranian Medical Council. He is a member of the Editorial Board of Acta Medica Iranica since 1987, a member of Board of Directors of the Iranian Society of Ophthalmology and a member of the International Board of the Ophthalmic Assessments in the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO). He has been appointed as an honorary member of Syrian Society of Ophthalmology in 1987.

Dr. Chams has published more than 30 articles in peer reviewed journals and he is the author of several ophthalmology books.