Bahrain host ME's largest ophthalmic meet

Manama  : The 13th International Congress of the Middle East Africa Council of Ophthalmology (MEACO), which was inaugurated on May 4, will focus on expanding ophthalmology knowledge and practice, giving special attention to current advances in subspecialty ophthalmology approach.

The Congress, which runs till May 8 at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre, is being held under the patronage of Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa. 

It is supported by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the University of Maryland School of Medicine’s Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, International Council of Ophthalmology and the Bahrain Ophthalmological Association.

The MEACO Congress is the largest ophthalmic meeting in the Middle East and Africa regions that presents an opportunity attracting ophthalmologists, eye care professionals, and exhibiting companies from the region, as well as from Europe, America, Asia, and Australia.

The Congress attendees will be able to acquire over 30 Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits.

The programme will feature an enriching scientific content from over 80 speakers of elite group of Ophthalmologists from around the world sharing their experiences with over 400 speakers from the region. 

The participants will be able to delve into a state-of-the-art programme that includes prepared comprehensive courses and workshops. 

Sessions began from 10am yesterday and went on until 6pm. Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Health Minister Faeqa bint Al Saleh praised the efforts of HRH Premier in holding the Congress. “It shows his keen support in advancing the Kingdom’s medical sector.”

Middle East-Africa Council of Ophthalmology (MEACO)’s Board of Directors Chairman Prince Abdulaziz bin Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al Saud during his speech expressed that the current regional challenges inevitably affects the field of ophthalmology. 

President of International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO), Dr. Hugh Taylor said that the ICO was working to enhance education and encourage ophthalmologist leaders to the world. He also acknowledged government leaders for facilitating the Congress.

At the opening ceremony, Prince Abdulaziz gave away Prevention of Blindness Award to Dr. Adrian Hopkins, MEACO Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Marilyn Miller, MEACO Distinction Award to Dr. Ali Abdullah Al Rajhi, El Maghraby International Award to Prof. Farhad Hafezi and ICO Mark Tso Golden Apple Award to Dr. Caleb Mamitep Mpyet.

After the ceremony, officials explored some of the exhibiting company stalls.