 Population of Punjab is 74.0 million. According to
the National Survey of Blindness 2002-04 the prevalence of blindness in Pakistan
is 0.9% with 1.5 million blind people in Pakistan out of which 0.9 million live
in Punjab giving a prevalence of blindness in Punjab of 1.4% Punjab Institute of
Preventive Ophthalmology was established by Government of the Punjab to eradicate
preventable blindness from the country and from the province of Punjab, in particular
and to achieve the goals of Vision 2020 – “The Right to Sight.” The institute was
established in a record period of six months. The total cost of the project was
Rs 54.50 million, in which Government of the Punjab contributed Rs 27.84 million
for the construction, whereas the remaining amount was provided by International
NGO’s like Sightsavers International UK, Aus- Aid, Fred Hollows Foundation Australia,
WHO and Philanthropists in the form of equipment, furniture and vehicles. Chief
Minister Punjab laid down the foundation stone on Nov 17, 2003, the actual construction
started on Jan 6, 2004 and finished in six months & Chief Minister Punjab inaugurated
the institute on Nov 27, 2004.
College of Ophthalmology and Allied Vision
Sciences (COAVS)
Punjab Institute of Preventive Ophthalmology was established in 2004 to eradicate
preventable & curable blindness from the country and from the province of Punjab,
in particular. This is the fifth such Institute in the world & the second in
Pakistan. It is attached with King Edward Medical University Lahore and the courses
are approved by King Edward Medical University and Punjab Medical Faculty. In the
year 2007 Chief Minister Punjab was pleased to upgrade the institute to College
of Ophthalmology and Allied Vision Sciences.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
The objectives
of establishment of Punjab Institute of Preventive Ophthalmology are to eradicate
preventable blindness from the country and to achieve the goals of Vision 2020 - "The Right to Sight"
The targets will be achieved through:
- Human Resource Development
- District Comprehensive Eye Care Programme
- Disease Control
- Continuous
Medical Education in Ophthalmology
- Awareness Compaigns
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- Four years B.Sc. (Hon.)Vision Sciences (Orthoptics/
Optometry/ Ophthalmic Technology)
- Three years B.Sc. Vision Sciences (Refractionist)
- One year Ophthalmic Technician training course
The purpose of these programmes is to impart training to ophthalmologists in the
field of cataract, paediatric ophthalmology, glaucoma, corneal & diabetes related
blindness & to produce Ophthalmic technicians, Refractionists, Optometrists,
Orthoptists, Ophthalmic technologists & Ophthalmic Nurses. The awardees of B.Sc.
(Hon) degree in Vision Sciences, B.Sc. Vision Sciences (Refractionist), or the holders
of the Diploma of Ophthalmic Technician or Ophthalmic Nursing, however, are not
allowed to prescribe any treatment for medical eye disease or perform any eye surgery.
They will not be labeled as doctors, but will use the title of Ophthalmic Technician,
Refractionist, Optometrist, Orthoptist or Ophthalmic Technologist as per the awarded
Diploma/Degree. They will not be allowed to do independent practice but will assist
the Ophthalmologist as a member of Ophthalmic Team headed by the Ophthalmologist
(Eye Specialist)(more....)
Distribution of Seats
Number of seats (Open
Merit)
16 in B.Sc. (Hon) Vision Sciences (Optometry / Orthoptics/ Ophthalmic Technology)
16 in B.Sc. Vision Sciences (Refractionist
Two seats shall be reserved for each of the
four provinces, Northern areas & FATA, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir
4 seats for foreign students
are also reserved. These students shall apply through Economics Affairs Division
(EAD) of the Federal Government.
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