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Welcome to the Ophthalmological Society of the West Indies Website
THE HISTORY OF THE
OPHTHALMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF THE WEST INDIES
(OSWI)
The Ophthalmological Society of the West Indies was launched at our first Congress on June 1st - 3rd 1990 at the Wyndam Hotel in Kingston, Jamaica. Efforts were previously made at forming an “Association” of West Indian Ophthalmologists, one such involved Dr. Degazon (Jamaica), Dr. Ovid Johnson (Guyana) and Dr. Rajack (Trinidad).
Preparatory work for the current association began in October of 1989 when the founding members Dr. Henry St. John of Barbados, Drs. Hugh Vaughan and Winsome Hastings of Jamaica, Drs. Anirudh Mahabir and Deo Singh from Trinidad met under the auspices of Alcon Puerto Rico in Fort Worth, Texas. Billy Bob's Watering Hole proved the appropriate ambience and mental stimulation conducive to purposeful thought and action that led to a successful completion of the project.
Internet communication was in its infancy and so the founding members relied upon the mail, telephone and fax communication and finally met in San Juan to finalise plans for the Congress. The first Congress was a resounding success and OSWI has not looked back since.
The Society functions as an Association of Professionals with a keen interest on the development and promotion of a high standard of practice in total eye care in the region. To this end our main event has been our Annual Congress, an academic exercise at which research work from within the region and abroad is presented. Each year the major causes of blindness are highlighted.
To ensure a high quality and international acceptance, presentations are given by guest speakers from major research centres in the world. We have attracted participants/presenters from Canada, Cuba, France, Germany, United States, UK and Venezuela. Membership and regular participation involves delegates from the entire English speaking Caribbean in addition to the French and Dutch territories.
The meeting is held in a different country each year with each venue having its own special attraction but certain constants prevail - the excellent academic standard and level of social interaction. Previous congresses have been held in Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados, Martinique, St. Lucia, Curacao, Grenada, Bahamas and St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.
Commencing in 1999, presentations are referenced in a special supplement to the West Indian Medical Journal and the Society's major activities are highlighted in several international calendars including that of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Members meet twice a year - at our annual congress on home ground somewhere in the Caribbean and during the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology in the United States.
We have held workshops with the LightHouse of New York, PAHO and ORBIS. In 2001 we joined with PAHO / WHO in launching the Caribbean leg of vision 2020 - a major prevention blindness initiative and part of a worldwide effort. In 2006 we joined the PAAO and have a representative on the board.
OSWI representatives have addressed the Caricom Assembly of Chief Medical Officers and have declared its availability to participate and co-operate with regional agencies and governments on matters related to eye health. We have influenced some major decisions in regional Ophthalmology including the training of Ophthalmologists at the University of the West Indies. Members participate in voluntary work within the region and further a field.
OSWI has certainly made big strides over the past 18 years and is set to continue on this path with the increasing participation of younger colleagues returning to the region with bright fresh ideas. We beseech them to join us and continue to work for the benefit of our peoples and the future of Caribbean Ophthalmology and Ophthalmologists.
BOOK HIGHLIGHT:
The Flood on Socket Street
Author: Sonya Osbourne
Preface
The Flood on Socket Street is the story of chronic glaucoma. Its cause, its effects and control have been presented in a manner that appeals to children. Having taught children for more than half of my life, I have come to realize that children enjoy stories and that the use of analogies is a fantastic way of aiding them in understanding complex concepts. My work for the past two and a half decades with the blind and visually impaired has particularly helped me to recognize the value of the latter.
Whilst this story relates to two of the students with whom I have worked, glaucoma affects the lives of very many persons. The purpose therefore of this story is not only to create empathy but to educate us all on the subtleties and severity of glaucoma and to show that one needs not be blinded by this silent and sneak thief of sight.
My appeal is to students. They are invaluable agents of change. If we can creatively bear upon them the seriousness of this disease, we may be safeguarding them for later years, additionally; they can be our “torch bearers” to effectively pass the message on to others.
The story however, transcends all ages and cultures. Statistics show that glaucoma is the highest cause of irreversible blindness in the adult population in the Caribbean, that it is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States and that internationally, it maintains that high profile. When one considers that glaucoma can be successfully controlled, it is urgent that we educate our students so that they will not be a part of the massive adult population who could be so blinded.
About the Author:
Sonya Osborne
Education Profile:
Trained Teachers’ Certificate – Cyril Potter College of Education, Guyana (1975)
Certificate in Special Education – University of Guyana (1984)
Certificate in Education of the Blind – Perkins School for the Blind, Boston: Mass –(1989)
B/Phil in Special Education/Visual Impairment – University of Birmingham (1991)
MA in Ed. & Psychology for Special Educational Needs – University of London (1994)
Diploma in Writing for Children and Teens – Inst. of Children’s Literature. (2006)
You can contact the author at osbornes@candw.ag
(The information in this book does not necessarily represent the view of the Ophthalmological Society of the West Indies)
The Ophthalmological Society of the West Indies (OSWI) was established in 1990 in Kingston, Jamaica, by a group of Caribbean Ophthalmologists. Its head office is located in Trinidad.
AIMS & OBJECTIVES
1) To promote and improve the ethics and practice of Ophthalmology in the West Indies
2) To circulate information on eye care to its members and members of the medical profession and the public.
3) To arrange medical meetings, discussions, etc. to improve the knowledge of its members
4) To act as an umbrella organization for Ophthalmological Societies in the region
5) To collaborate with Governmental and Non-governmental organizations working to improve Ophthalmologic care in the region
6) To develop ties with extra regional Ophthalmologic Societies and Associations in the furtherence of its cause and to their mutual benefit.
OSWI 2010 ANNUAL CONGRESS
July 7th-10th 2010
Guest Speaker for the Garth Taylor Memorial Lecture will be
Dr. Sherif El-Defrawy, PhD (Pharmacology), FRCSC Associate Professor
Head of the Department of Ophthalmology
Queen’s University,
Canada
(sponsorship for the Dr Garth Taylor Memorial Lecture is provided by ORBIS)
PAST PRESIDENTS (OSWI)
Dr. Deo Singh
Dr. Hugh Vaughan 1995-1997
Dr. Anirudh Mahabir 1998-2000
Dr. Alfred Anduze 2000-2002
Dr. Sonja Johnston 2002-2004
Dr. Garth Taylor (Deceased) 2004-November 2005
Dr. Elliot McGuire (Acting) November 2005-2006
Dr. Marlene Smith- Day 2006-2008
Present Executive 2008- 2010
President Dr. Terrence Allan
Vice President Dr Lizette Mowatt
Secretary/Treasurer Dr Desiree Murray
See below for OSWI lifetime Achievement Award Nomination criteria
Click here to go to the Highlights of OSWI 2009
Book Highlight
PTERYGIUM
A Practical Guide to Management by Alfred Anduze
This book is available at http://www.jaypeebrothers.com/SearchBooks.aspx
"Jolly Beach Hotel & Spa - fotoseeker.com"
"Jolly Beach Hotel & Spa - fotoseeker.com"
Online Pre Registration and payment will be available for the OSWI 2010 Congress meeting in Antigua.
Hotel information will be available soon.
REGISTRATION FEES (US$) FOR THE OSWI 2010 ANNUAL CONGRESS MEETING
July 7-10th 2010 at the Jolly Beach Resort & Spa, Antigua
OSWI MEMBER
Active $200
Affiliate $200
Honorary $0
Residents $55
Allied Health Professional
General Practitioner $55
Nurses $40
Ophthalmic Assistant $40
Students $35
President's Dinner $50 Friday, July 9th 2010 Dress code formal (dinner jacket)
Guidelines for abstract submission
for OSWI July 7th -10th 2010 Congress Meeting
Abstract should be not more than 250 words, typewritten double-spaced on a sheet of paper 81/2” x 11” in size. It should follow the format of abstracts published in Medical Journals e.g. West Indian Medical Journal, American Journal of Ophthalmology. It should contain the name and address of each author. The abstract should be factual and not descriptive and should be self-contained and understandable without reference to the text. It should contain the objective of the study unless this is given in the title, a succinct statement of the methods, a summary of the results (in tabular form if convenient), and a brief statement of the conclusion in one sentence. Click here for an abstract submission form
The abstract SHOULD NOT CONTAIN subtitles (e.g. Methods, Results), concluding promises such as “the results will be discussed” or “other data will be presented”. Below the abstract, provide and identify as such 3 to 10 key words or phrases that will assist in cross-indexing your paper. Use terms from the Medical Subject Headings list from Index Medicus whenever possible.
The abstract should be forwarded to oswi10@hotmail.com or Fax: (868) 645-2363
In order to expedite and ensure a comprehensive programme, kindly comply with the following:
1. Complete and submit your abstracts BEFORE the designated deadline February 28th 2010.
Due to the geographical distribution of the Programme coordinators, ample time is needed to prepare a functional outline and complete a Final Draft by April , of the conference year.
2. Kindly take special care in preparing the presentation to remain within the time limits as designated. This is essential to the proper progression of the conference.
3. Please provide a short biography to accompany your abstract(s) for the convenience of the Chairperson and the participants.
4. Review of the objectives of OSWI Programmes:
To update participants – selected topics pertinent to and of special interest in the region
To promote Continuing Medical Education for all the Ophthalmologists in the region.
To foster closer ties (academic and social) between ophthalmologist in the region
To influence the trend of Ophthalmology in the West Indies.
MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY
We are still in the process of updating our membership directory. This includes the fax numbers and e-mail addresses.
All members who have business cards are asked to either submit same at the Congress or post it to our address.
Remember that correspondence can also be sent to the secretariat either via e-mail: oswi10@hotmail.com, or fax (868) 645-2363
NOMINATIONS FOR THE OSWI LIFETIME ACHEIVEMENT AWARD 2010
The OSWI Lifetime Achievement Award: to recognize and honour a West Indian Ophthalmologist who has achieved academic excellence or made significant contribution to their region or society in the field of Ophthalmology.
Criteria:
1)West Indian Ophthalmologist
West Indian Ophthalmologist 2)OSWI Member in good standing
OSWI Member in good standing3)Has worked consistently and steadfastly in Ophthalmology for a period of no less than 15 years.
Has worked consistently and steadfastly in Ophthalmology for a period of no less than 15 years.4)Has made an outstanding contributions to advance, promote or improve the level of Ophthalmology with in his region or within the Society
Has made an outstanding contributions to advance, promote or improve the level of Ophthalmology with in his region or within the Society5)Has participated regularly in public education
Has participated regularly in public education6)Served as a mentor to younger Ophthalmologists
Served as a mentor to younger Ophthalmologists7)Commitment to professional growth
Commitment to professional growth8)Service to Colleagues and community
Service to Colleagues and community9)Recognized as leader by his peers
Recognized as leader by his peers10) Contributed to the development of Ophthalmology through teaching, mentoring and leadership o f professional organizations.
Please send your nominations and the reasons (according to the above criteria and otherwise) that would make them suitable for this award to oswi10@hotmail.com , by January 31st 2010.
Dear Colleagues,
On January 12th 2010 a devastating earthquake hit Haiti. This has left the country in dire need of assistance on many levels (basic needs, food, water, clothing, medical, emotional, housing,electricity and security needs) . For a couple million people their lives have been changed forever and the future of the country remains unclear.
Our prayers and thoughts are with the people of Haiti and the relief workers assisting in the recovery and rebuilding of the country. In response to the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti, many of you have asked how you could support relief efforts. Click on the link for options
Red Cross
Unicef
Clinton Foundation
Mercy corps
The Pan American Haiti Relief Project has made an initial pledge of US$10,000 to start this campaign. Please donate to this cause. 100% of your donation will be dedicated to the Pan-American Haiti Relief Project. No administrative expenses will be removed. We have set up a secure page, certified by Verisign®, to receive your credit card donations: www.paao.org/donateforhaiti.html.
Or if you prefer, send your check (US banks only) to Pan-American Haiti Relief Project, PAAO, 1301 South Bowen Road #365, Arlington TX 76013 USA .
Bascom Palmer has established the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Vision for Haiti Relief Fund. Monies contributed to this fund will underwrite our medical efforts in Haiti. Donations to this fund will help pay for our costs associated with sending Bascom Palmer teams to Haiti including the ophthalmic supplies, equipment and medications that we will take in order to treat the Haitian patients. You may give to this account in three ways:
• Bring a check or credit card information to the Marketing and Development Offices on the 4th floor of Anne Bates Leach Eye Hospital, Miami.
• Mail your check or credit card information to: Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Marketing and Development Department, 900 NW 17 Street, Miami, FL 33136
• Give on-line though this link which will take you to the University of Miami website on-line giving page where you may indicate (1) your donation goes to "Bascom Palmer Eye Institute" and (2) near the bottom of the page in the comments section, please write, "Bascom Palmer Vision for Haiti Relief Fund." Click here: https://www6.miami.edu/campaign/gift/onlinegiving.html?unit=19
OSWI will make a donation on behalf of its members to the Red Cross. Each member country of OSWI could donate ophthalmic medical supplies to their local Red Cross Society to send to Haiti.
For those who have donated, we thank you, but the needs of Haiti will be persisting for months and years, your donation will help to assist the country in recovery from this tragedy and slowly rebuild Haiti.
Thank you, OSWI
HAITIAN RELIEF FUND
