College of Ophthalmology and Allied Vision Sciences

29/04/2026

Press Release

Topic: Australia-Pakistan Partnership: Reducing Blindness and Increasing Access to Eye Care through Public-Private Partnerships with the College of Ophthalmology and Allied Vision Sciences (COAVS)

Lahore: The Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Mr. Timothy Kane, visited the College of Ophthalmology and Allied Vision Sciences (COAVS), King Edward Medical University/Mayo Hospital Lahore. The visit was to witness first-hand the impact of Australia’s long-standing support in the field of eye health. He also inspected the Australian-supported clinical, teaching and training facilities at the University and Mayo Hospital.

During the visit, the Australian High Commissioner, Mr. Timothy Kane, was warmly welcomed by the Vice Chancellor KEMU Prof. Dr. Mahmood Ayaz, Principal COAVS Prof. Muhammad Moin, Professor Emeritus and Provincial Coordinator for Prevention of Blindness Prof. Dr. Asad Aslam Khan, Registrar KEMU Prof. Asghar Naqi, Professor of Surgery Abrar Ashraf, Chief Executive Officer Prof. Shoaib Nabi, Professor of Psychiatry Ali Madih Hashmi, Professor of Medicine Dr. Imran, Country Manager Fred Hollow Foundation Mr. Farooq Awan and faculty members.

The visit highlights the partnership between the Australian Government and the Fred Hollow Foundation (FHF) and the College of Ophthalmology and Allied Vision Sciences, which work with federal and provincial health departments and government hospitals to prevent treatable blindness and strengthen eye care systems across the country.

This partnership, which has been ongoing since 1998, has significantly reduced the blindness rate in Pakistan, from around 1.8% in the 1990s to 0.5% today. This means that millions of people have had their sight saved. During this period, nearly 6 million people have benefited from programs supported by the Fred Hollow Foundation and the College of Ophthalmology and Allied Vision Sciences. The following are some of the notable results so far in 2024:
Over 2 million people screened.
Over 30,000 successful cataract surgeries.
Thousands of patients with diabetic retinopathy treated.
Over 66,000 pairs of eyeglasses provided.
Over 7,500 medical professionals and community workers trained.

Australian High Commissioner Mr Timothy Kane said Australia is proud to partner with Pakistan to reduce preventable blindness and improve access to quality care. This long-term partnership is helping restore sight, improve lives and build a strong health system that is benefiting communities across the country.

Farooq Awan, Country Manager, Fred Hollow Foundation Pakistan, said: “Our partnership with government and hospitals over the past 27 years has been made possible by Australian support – bringing eye care to the doorsteps of the common man. Together, we are developing sustainable strategies that improve health and livelihood opportunities for women and the underprivileged.”

Professor Dr Muhammad Moin, Principal COAVS and Chairman, Eye Department, KEMU, said Australian support is key in providing state-of-the-art medical facilities and a trained workforce at the College of Ophthalmology and Allied Vision Sciences. Our joint efforts aim to ensure that no one loses their sight simply because they cannot afford treatment.

Professor Asad Aslam Khan, Provincial Coordinator for Prevention of Blindness, Punjab, said that the role of the Australian Government and the Fred Hollow Foundation in our campaign against blindness in Punjab has been exemplary. Thanks to these projects, we have received immense help in strengthening the system at the grassroots level and reaching out to remote areas, due to which we are effectively implementing measures for the prevention of blindness.

Professor Mahmood Ayaz, Vice-Chancellor, King Edward Medical University, said that due to the infrastructure established with Australian cooperation at King Edward Medical University and Mayo Hospital, we are not only serving patients but are also opening new avenues for research and higher education in the field of ophthalmology. We are keen to expand this cooperation further.

29/01/2026

Ms. Joanna Baker, Director of People and Organizational Development at The Fred Hollows Foundation (FHF), visited the College of Ophthalmology and Allied Vision Sciences (COAVS) and King Edward Medical University (KEMU) to review FHF-supported community eye health projects being implemented in collaboration with the College, and to explore future opportunities for partnership. During the visit, the inauguration of FHF-donated equipment was carried out by Prof. Mahmood Ayyaz, Vice Chancellor, KEMU. She also visited the Vice Chancellor’s Office for detailed discussions on prospective future projects and was accompanied by Mr. Farooq Awan, Country Director, FHF.

Prof. Muhammad Moin, Pro Vice Chancellor, KEMU, led the visit along with his team. Detailed briefings on ongoing community eye care programmes were shared, and the Foundation’s continued support and collaboration were formally acknowledged.

10/10/2025

Historic Launch of World Sight Day 2025 and CBM Cataract Support Project

Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Imran Nazir distributed IOL kits and distributed spectacles to school children.

A grand ceremony of World Sight Day 2025 was organized by King Edward Medical University (KEMU) in collaboration with the College of Ophthalmology and Allied Vision Sciences (COAVS) and CBM International at Maqbool Ahmed Block, King Edward Medical University today. On this occasion, the CBM Cataract Support Project was also officially launched to eliminate treatable blindness in the province. The event was attended by the Provincial Minister for Health and Population Welfare, Hon. Khawaja Imran Nazir as the chief guest. The Provincial Minister for Prisons, Hon. Khawaja Imran Nazir, specially attended the event. The event was organized under the chairmanship of the Principal College of Ophthalmology and Allied Vision Sciences, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Moin. The ceremony was attended by Prof. Dr. Mahmood Ayaz, Vice Chancellor, King Edward Medical University, Prof. Asghar Naqi, Professor Emeritus Dr. Asad Aslam Khan, Prof. Abrar Ashraf, Prof. Javed Chaudhry, Prof. Saleem Akhtar, Dr. Zahid Awan, Program Manager, Eye Care CBM, Fehmida Mirza, Country Representative, Sabir Dar, Program Officer, Prof. Khalil Rana, Prof. Muhammad Yaqin, Prof. Nasir Chaudhry, Prof. Faiza Bashir, Farooq Awan, Country Manager, Fred Hallows Foundation, Prof. Dr. Jalil Dola, Zeenat Kausar Program Officer. On this occasion, the Health Minister inaugurated the distribution of IOL Kits for free cataract surgeries in selected government hospitals and also distributed free spectacles to children with visual defects diagnosed during the school screening project. The ceremony was attended by a large number of faculty, students, patients and children of various government schools.

Minister for Health and Population Welfare, Hon’ble Khawaja Imran Nazir said that under the vision of the Chief Minister Punjab, “Health for All”, the Punjab Government is committed to ensuring an equitable, accessible and quality healthcare system. Curable blindness due to cataract is not only a medical problem but also a major obstacle in the path of our socio-economic development. I have full confidence in the efforts of the College of Ophthalmology and Allied Vision Sciences. It is the result of their commitment and the trust of our international partners that we are successfully implementing this major project worth Rs 645 million.”

King Edward Medical University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Mahmood Ayaz said that the College of Ophthalmology and Allied Vision Sciences has always had their full support. We are committed to ensuring the eradication of blindness from the province of Punjab and under the leadership of the Chief Minister of Punjab, we are ensuring quality medical education and the success of these important projects. Promoting eye health is our primary responsibility.

Principal COAVS, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Moin, while expressing his views, said that

With the exceptional financial support of CBM International, we are providing cataract surgeries and other facilities in 42 hospitals across 29 districts of Punjab. This is a historic investment that will directly help improve the economic condition of our deserving and poor families. Let us all play our role in building a healthier and more inclusive Punjab.

Professor Emeritus, Dr. Asad Aslam Khan said that
The tireless efforts made to obtain this grant from international donors are commendable. This financial support for vision prevention is key to making the work of preventing blindness in Punjab sustainable.

This project is not only providing medical services but also will provide a significant amount of Rs 4 crore now and an additional amount of Rs 8 crore for the prevention of white cataract. The practical goals of this project include access to screening through PAC technology, distribution of free spectacles to the poor, planning additional cataract surgeries, planning refraction examinations, training of health personnel. Thanks to this project, cataract surgeries, IOLs, and other essential equipment are being provided free of cost in 42 hospitals in 29 districts of the province, which will not only improve individual lives but will also have a positive impact on the overall national economy.

01/10/2025

Institute of Ophthalmology and College of Ophthalmology and Allied Vision Sciences hold 11th three-day training course for FCPS/FRCS/MS Ophthalmology Part II

Lahore (September 28, 2025) – The Institute of Ophthalmology, King Edward Medical University (KEMU) / Mayo Hospital Lahore in collaboration with the College of Ophthalmology and Allied Vision Sciences (COAVS) successfully conducted the 11th training course for FCPS, FRCS, and MS Part II candidates. The three-day training course was conducted from September 22 to 24, 2025. The training course was conducted under the leadership of the faculty of the Department of Ophthalmology, under the patronage of Prof. Muhammad Moin (Principal COAVS), Prof. Asad Aslam Khan, and Prof. Nasir Chaudhry, who were supported by a reliable team of consultants and trainee doctors. More than sixty candidates from across the country attended the course, hailing from major cities like Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Quetta, Multan, Faisalabad, and Bahawalpur. The participants benefited from the structured teaching sessions and practical training, which are key to exam preparation.

The course was further enhanced by the presence of eminent ophthalmologists from across the country as guest faculty. These included eminent names like Prof. Saleem Akhtar, Prof. Javed Chaudhry, Prof. Imran Akram Sahaf, Prof. Tariq Shakoor, Prof. Ali Ayaz Sadiq, and Dr. Shabana Chaudhry, who shared their valuable experiences and expertise with the participants.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Moin, Principal, College of Ophthalmology and Allied Vision Sciences (COAVS), said that the joint services of the College of Ophthalmology and Allied Vision Sciences (COAVS) and the Institute of Ophthalmology will always play an effective role for academic and high professional standards.

Prof. Mahmood Ayaz, Vice Chancellor, King Edward Medical University, along with Prof. Asghar Naqi, visited the course and appreciated the efforts of the organizers for the successful conduct of the course. He encouraged the continuation of such educational initiatives and shared important tips for success in the examination with the participants and further stated that this training course is a clear testament to the joint commitment of KEMU/Mayo Hospital and COAVS towards training specialists in the field of ophthalmology and raising the standard of examination in Pakistan.

25/09/2025

COAVS, Mayo Hospital Lahore Hosts First Ophthalmology Foundation Examination

Lahore – The College of Ophthalmology & Allied Vision Sciences (COAVS), Mayo Hospital, Lahore, proudly hosted its first Ophthalmology Foundation Examination, marking a significant milestone in advancing eye health education and professional standards in Pakistan.

The Ophthalmology Foundation, a global initiative committed to enhancing education and training in eye care, launched this examination to promote high-quality and standardized ophthalmic knowledge across borders. The Foundation’s core objectives include:
Promoting Global Standards: Establishing consistent, internationally recognized benchmarks in ophthalmology education.
Enhancing Education & Training: Providing structured learning pathways and rigorous assessments to strengthen clinical competence.
Encouraging Lifelong Learning: Motivating ophthalmologists and trainees to continually improve their skills and knowledge.
Improving Patient Care: Ensuring that high-quality training translates into safer, more effective, and more compassionate care for patients worldwide.

By successfully organizing this first examination, COAVS, Mayo Hospital has joined the ranks of prestigious institutions worldwide dedicated to raising the bar in ophthalmic training. The initiative not only benefits young ophthalmologists in Pakistan but also strengthens the country’s role in contributing to global eye health.

Speaking on the occasion, faculty members expressed pride in this achievement, emphasizing that COAVS has always been at the forefront of innovation in medical education. They reiterated their commitment to aligning local training with international standards, ensuring that Pakistani ophthalmologists remain globally competitive while serving local communities with excellence.

This milestone underscores Pakistan’s growing prominence in the field of ophthalmology and reaffirms COAVS’s mission of shaping the future of eye care through education, research, and service.

13/09/2025

کالج آف اوفتھلمولوجی اینڈ الائیڈ ویژن سائنسز میں شجرکاری مہم کا آغاز

وزیراعلیٰ پنجاب محترمہ مریم نواز صاحبہ کے گرین پنجاب ویژن کے تحت کالج آف اوفتھلمولوجی اینڈ الائیڈ ویژن سائنسز میں 9 ستمبر 2025 کو کنگ ایڈورڈ میڈیکل یونیورسٹی کے وائس چانسلر پروفیسر ڈاکٹر محمود ایاز نے پودا لگا کر شجرکاری مہم کا آغاز کیا۔ اس تقریب میں محکمہ جنگلات پنجاب کا بھی بھرپور تعاون شامل تھا۔

تقریب کے مہمان خصوصی کنگ ایڈورڈ میڈیکل یونیورسٹی کے وائس چانسلر پروفیسر ڈاکٹر محمود ایاز تھے۔ ان کے علاوہ پرنسپل کالج آف اوفتھلمولوجی پروفیسر ڈاکٹر محمد معین، پروفیسر ایمریٹس ڈاکٹر اسد اسلم خان، رجسٹرار کنگ ایڈورڈ میڈیکل یونیورسٹی پروفیسر ڈاکٹر اصغر نقی، ڈین آف میڈیسن پروفیسر ڈاکٹر محمد عمران، ڈین آف الائیڈ ہیلتھ سائنسز پروفیسر ڈاکٹر ابرار اشرف علی، چیف ایگزیکٹو آفیسر میو ہسپتال پروفیسر ڈاکٹر ہارون حامد، پروفیسر ڈاکٹر ناصر چوہدری، چیف آپریٹنگ آفیسر میو ہسپتال ڈاکٹر عبد المدبر، کنگ ایڈورڈ میڈیکل یونیورسٹی اور کالج آف اوفتھلمولوجی اینڈ الائیڈ ویژن سائنسز کے فیکلٹی ممبران، عملے اور طلباء نے بڑی تعداد میں شرکت کی۔ تمام شرکاء نے مون سون کے اس موسم میں پودے لگائے اور پنجاب کو سرسبز و شاداب بنانے کے عزم کا اظہار کیا۔ اس کوشش سے مستقبل میں گرین ہاؤس گیسوں میں کمی، ماحول اور اوزون کی تہہ کی حفاظت، تازہ ہوا کی فراہمی اور فضائی آلودگی میں کمی واقع کرنے کے ساتھ ساتھ اسموگ کو کم کرنے میں بھی اہم کردار ادا کرے گی۔

وائس چانسلر کنگ ایڈورڈ میڈیکل یونیورسٹی پروفیسر ڈاکٹر محمود ایاز نے اپنے پیغام میں کہا کہ پنجاب حکومت وزیراعلیٰ محترمہ مریم نواز صاحبہ کی قیادت میں ماحولیاتی تحفظ کے لیے گراں قدر اقدامات کر رہی ہے۔ یہ شجرکاری مہم اسی سلسلے کی ایک کڑی ہے، جس کا مقصد ہمارے شہروں کو صاف اور صحت مند بنانا ہے۔ انہوں نے مزید کہا کہ ہر فرد کو اپنی ذمہ داری سمجھتے ہوئے اس مہم میں حصہ لینا چاہیے تاکہ آنے والی نسلوں کو ایک بہتر اور محفوظ ماحول فراہم کیا جا سکے۔

پرنسپل کالج آف اوفتھلمولوجی پروفیسر ڈاکٹر محمد معین نے کہا کہ شجرکاری نہ صرف ماحول کو بہتر بناتی ہے بلکہ فضائی آلودگی اور اسموگ کے مضر اثرات کو کم کرنے میں بھی کلیدی کردار ادا کرتی ہے۔ اسموگ کی وجہ سے آنکھوں میں جلن سمیت کئی بیماریاں پیدا ہوتی ہیں۔ انہوں نے مزید کہا کہ صوبہ بھر میں اس طرح کی سرگرمیاں اسموگ کی کمی میں ڈرامائی اثرات مرتب کریں گی اور لوگوں کی صحت پر مثبت اثر ڈالیں گی۔ آخر میں، انہوں نے تمام شرکاء کا شکریہ ادا کیا کہ وہ اس نیک مقصد میں شامل ہوئے اور اس مہم کو کامیاب بنایا۔

پنجاب کے صوبائی کوآرڈینیٹر برائے انسداد نابیناپن پروفیسر ڈاکٹر اسد اسلم خان نے سرسبز ماحول کی اہمیت پر روشنی ڈالتے ہوئے کہا کہ شجر کاری مہم نہ صرف آکسیجن فراہم کرنے میں معاون ثابت ہو گی بلکہ آنکھوں کی صحت کے لیے بھی مثبت اثرات مرتب کرے گی۔ اگر پاکستان نے سیلاب کی تباہ کاریوں سے بچنا ہے اور گرمی سے بچنا ہے تو ہمیں پلانٹیشن کرنی ہے جتنے بھی درخت لگائیں وہ کم ہیں۔۔

اس کامیاب شجرکاری مہم کے اختتام پر، کالج آف اوفتھلمولوجی اینڈ الائیڈ ویژن سائنسز انتظامیہ کی جانب سے تمام شرکاء، معزز مہمانوں، فیکلٹی ممبران، عملے اور طلباء کا تہہ دل سے شکریہ ادا کیا گیا۔ آپ کی بھرپور شرکت نے اس تقریب کو ایک مثالی کامیابی بنایا۔ یہ مشترکہ کوشش اس بات کا ثبوت ہے کہ ہم سب مل کر ایک صحت مند اور سرسبز مستقبل کے لیے اپنا کردار ادا کر رہے ہیں۔

03/09/2025

COAVS NEWS UPDATE:
Dispensing Opticianry Diploma

Get a 2-year diploma under Punjab Medical Faculty and become a professional.

This diploma’s classes will be held at the College of Ophthalmology & Allied Vision Sciences, Mayo Hospital, Lahore.

Eligibility:
The minimum educational qualification for admission is Matric (Science) with at least Second Division. (Physics, Chemistry, Biology with at least 45% marks in aggregate is required).

Last Date: 20th September 2025

Apply now through the Punjab Medical Faculty portal. Website: https://admission.pmfpunjab.edu.pk

24/07/2025

23/07/2025

Topic: Silent but fatal threat to premature babies 'The role of neonatologist is key in saving sight of premature babies'.

An important one-day training and awareness workshop was organized on 22 July 2025 in collaboration with the Department of Pediatrics Ophthalmology COAVS and UNICEF . The theme of the workshop was "Retinopathy of Prematureity (ROP), the role of neonatologist in preserving the vision of premature infants. Numbers of experts attended the training workshop at Asad Aslam Auditorium of College of Ophthalmology and Allied Vision Sciences. In this workshop, Neonatologists, pediatricians, ophthalmologists, gynecologist and Ophthalmic nurses participated from 13 teaching hospitals across the Punjab. Experts said that ROP is a dangerous disease that occurs due to abnormal development of retina in prematures. If not diagnosed and treated in time, it can cause complete blindness.

Professor Dr. Muhammad Moin, Principal College of Ophthalmology and Allied Vision Sciences clarified that the survival rate of premature babies has increased thanks to modern medical facilities, but as a result, diseases like ROP are coming to light rapidly. Timely diagnosis and treatment is possible, but for this The coordinated support of neonatologists, ophthalmologists and parents is indispensable. Neonatologists are the first and most effective professional forces to protect the sight of prematures. Time is crucial but be saved by timely referral.

Professor Emeritis Dr. Asad Aslam Khan said that retinopathy of prematurity is an emerging challenge of an international level. Including eye screening in the premature babies, policy is the need of the hour. Timely checkup of the premature can become a light for a lifetime.

Professor Dr. Haroon Hamid, Chairman, Department of Pediatrics and CEO Mayo Hospital Lahore has established an integrated referral system in Mayo Hospital to protect the vision of premature babies and we together with the Government of Punjab to make ROP screening a part of the basic health program.

In the closing ceremony, Prof. Muhammad Moin thanked the participants and said, Retinopathy of prematurity could be prevented through the strong coordinated support of neonatologists, ophthalmologists and parents.

11/07/2025

Cornea transplant surgeries have been ongoing at the College of Ophthalmology since last month. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Moin

Vision restoration continues with the support of American Dr. Mufiz Chauhan and Zafar & Mir Foundation- Prof. Emeritus Dr. Asad Aslam Khan

Under the vision of Chief Minister Punjab, Mohtarma Maryam Nawaz Sharif, for “free public health facilities”, the College of Ophthalmology and Allied Vision Sciences (COAVS) today completed six successful cornea transplant surgeries at the Institute of Ophthalmology, Mayo Hospital, Lahore. These corneas were transplanted to patients suffering from blindness in both eyes, corneal scarring, and post-traumatic complications- Prof. Dr. Muhammad Moin and Prof. Emeritus Dr. Asad Aslam Khan performed these surgeries with the help of corneas donated by Dr. Mufiz Chauhan, a 1973 alumnus of King Edward Medical College, and Zafar & Mir Foundation. This has been going on since last month.

Professor Dr. Muhammad Moin, Principal College of Ophthalmology and Allied Vision Sciences, says that today’s six surgeries are a life-changing step for the poor patients. The spirit of service of Dr. Mafiz Chauhan, Dr. Fawad Zafar and Zafar & Mir Foundation has given new strength to our mission.

Professor Emeritus Dr. Asad Aslam Khan said that every cornea transplant makes a disabled person socially and economically independent. Our heroes living abroad played a key role in making this goal a reality. This donation by KEMU alumni like Dr. Mafiz Chauhan is a living example of the compassion of the Pakistani nation. The team of College of Ophthalmology and Allied Vision Sciences has proven that even in government hospitals, state-of-the-art transplants are possible.

According to a spokesperson for Dr. Mafiz Chauhan and Zafar & Mir Foundation said that, they are constant companions of this campaign led by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Moin Principal COAVS.

02/06/2025

World Orthoptics Day event for public awareness in Pakistan

*College of Ophthalmology and Allied Vision Sciences (COAVS), Mayo Hospital Lahore organized a vibrant event on the occasion of *World Orthoptics Day to raise public awareness about the important role of orthoptists in eye care. The event was followed by cake cutting and an awareness walk from COAVS to the Surgical Tower of Mayo Hospital Lahore.

The event was graced by distinguished guests, including Professor Dr. Mahmood Ayaz (Sitara Imtiaz), Vice Chancellor King Edward Medical University (KEMU) as the chief guest, Professor Dr. Muhammad Moin, Pro Vice Chancellor KEMU and Principal COAVS, Professor Dr. Syed Asghar Naqi, Registrar KEMU, Professor Dr. Hamid Haroon, CEO Mayo Hospital Lahore, Dr. Ehtesham-ul-Haq, COO Mayo Hospital Lahore, Professor Dr. Nasir Chaudhry, Professor of Ophthalmology, Mayo Hospital Lahore, Professor Dr. Raza Ali Shah, Professor of Ophthalmology, KEMU, in addition to renowned Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Orthoptists, Technologists and faculty members and students of COAVS.

Special Guest Prof. Dr. Mahmood Ayaz said, “Orthoptists play a vital role in restoring and improving vision through the use of non-surgical methods of eye care. Their expertise in treating amblyopia, strabismus and other visual problems is unforgettable. On this World Orthoptics Day, I pay tribute to their dedication and appeal to the public to appreciate their services in eye health. Let us all together pledge to promote vision care in Pakistan.”

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Moin, Principal COAVS, while highlighting the role of orthooptists, said, “Orthoptists play a vital role in diagnosing and treating visual impairments through specific exercises and therapies. Collaboration between ophthalmologists, optometrists and orthooptists is key in solving vision problems in both children and adults.”

Orthoptist Ayesha Sarfaraz expressed her feelings and said, “Orthoptists change people’s lives by improving vision. Today we pay tribute to their dedication!”

The event concluded with a pledge to raise awareness about the importance of orthoptics and its role in Pakistan’s healthcare system. Professor Dr. Muhammad Moin thanked all the participants, faculty members, students, medical staff and media representatives, saying, “Your enthusiastic participation is a reflection of our collective commitment to improve eye care in Pakistan.”