Al-Ahli Hospital will hold its Continuing Medical Education program on 22 February 2011, in the Al-Ahli Hospital Auditorium.  This seminar is meant for all interested doctors in Qatar and registration is free of charge.

 

Dr. Alexander Bialasiewicz, Professor and Consultant Ophthalmologist Surgeon, will talk about Vitreoretinal diseases particularly related to the Middle East.  Diabetes and trauma are the most frequent preventable indicators of the requirement for Vitreoretinal surgery.  Professor Alexander explains that “Diabetes is the most frequent cause of new cases of blindness.  Dr. Maha El Shafei declared that In Qatar, Diabetic Retinopathy has been estimated at 23% in the population >40 years of age and only 20% of these had laser treatment, less had VEGF Blocker Injections or Vitrectomy.  From our study of more than 800 Vitrectomies, surgical outcomes are good for hemorrhage (bleeding into the eye) and strict diabetes control but are limited when diabetes is uncontrolled.  In contrast, trauma cases occur mostly in the active years of life.  They receive early treatment and the overall resulting data is good except for cases treated with complementary medicines by Guests themselves.”

  

Professor Alexander will also provide a brief summary of contact lens related corneal infections, in which attention is given to the basics of biofilm formation, its prevention, treatment and future developments. Professor Alexander comments that “contact lens infections are frequent and preventable by strictly adhering to hygiene regimes and hours of wear.  The first prescription of contact lenses should always be accompanied by consultation with an Ophthalmologist, even more so, as many patients with refractive errors suffer from undetected retinal problems, which may need laser treatment.  Treatment options include advanced antibiotics and corneal surgery.

 

Dr. Katharina Breidenbach, Consultant Ophthalmology and Keratorefractive Surgeon, will focus on the revolution of corneal surgery by Femtosecond lasers, and inherent future developments.  Dr. Katharina stated that “Vision impairment due to corneal diseases and refractive errors, is ranked top on the WHO list of treatable eye conditions.  However, a sustainable success of corneal surgery like Myopic, Presbyopic and Astigmatic LASIK, Keratotomies, Refractive Implant Surgery, and Corneal Transplantation is based on extremely sensitive diagnostic equipment and ultimately on precise cuts with ultra-short, very high intensity non-mechanical lasers.  To be able to select only 100% suitable candidates means more safety and minimalises the risk of long-term surprises.  With technological developments over the last 2 years, we can now offer safer and faster surgery and shorten visual rehabilitation.  Also, surgery can now occur for Guests for whom previously surgery was not possible.”

 

Dr. Hynd Touaibia, Specialist Ophthalmology and Dr. Katharina Breidenbach, Consultant Ophthalmology will elaborate on the frequently found syndrome (particularly in the Middle East and North African (MENA) region), of Pseudoexfoliation causing chronic high-pressure Glaucoma and Keratopathy.  Glaucoma is a multifactorial blinding disease, associated with high intra-ocular pressure, which results in severe and irreversible damage of the optic nerve, which is a part of the brain.  Dr. Hynd commented, “In some MENA regions more than 50% of surgical Glaucoma and half of the cataract populations have Pseudo-exfoliation.  Pseudo-exfoliation is an age-related multi-focal production of abnormal extracellular elastic micro-fibrils, causing the most frequent secondary high-pressure Glaucoma World-Wide besides extra-ocular features like ischemia of the brain, heart, and gastrointestinal tract.  Pseudo-exfoliation is also genetically determined and seems particularly frequent in high consanguinity.  The treatment consists of urgent surgery because most cases present with advanced Optic Nerve damage.”

 

Dr. Abdul Azim Abdul Wahab Hussain, Medical Director at Al-Ahli Hospital stated, “The Ophthalmology Department is one of our newest departments as we embark on a journey to provide all services under one roof.  Al-Ahli Hospital is keen to provide continuing medical education to the doctors of Qatar and thereby increase their knowledge in the latest in medicine.  This is one of our community initiatives and we encourage doctors in the country to register and attend this seminar.”

 

Doctors who are interested to participate in this event are requested to contact: Ms. Joanne Rico on 44898797.