By Sabahat Sarwar 

LAHORE: In a historic move for allied vision sciences education in Pakistan, the College of Ophthalmology & Allied Vision Sciences (COAVS), Mayo Hospital Lahore, has successfully completed the country’s first-ever International Faculty Development Program in Opticianry. The 13-day training was conducted in collaboration with the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), South Africa, and supported by Sightsavers International, a global leader in inclusive eye care.

Held from July 14–19 online and July 28–August 4 on-site in Lahore, the program was facilitated by Ms. Fatima Flander and Mr. Abdulraoef Ganey, senior experts from CPUT’s Department of Ophthalmic Sciences. Their sessions introduced participants to global best practices in student-centered learning, dispensing optics, equipment handling, and hands-on technical skills.

A total of 23 participants from COAVS and the Pakistan Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences (PIRS) benefitted from the training, which emphasized faculty development besides student training, ensuring sustainable impact across institutions. The initiative is expected to benefit hundreds of students annually by equipping educators with enhanced tools and global best practices.

The closing ceremony celebrated this milestone, with participation from COAVS leadership, CPUT facilitators, and representatives from Sightsavers. Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Moin, Principal COAVS and DG Mayo Hospital, remarked,
“This collaboration with CPUT and Sightsavers marks a defining moment for opticianry education in Pakistan. By empowering our faculty with global insights and practical excellence, we are laying a strong foundation for quality, equity, and professionalism in vision care.”

Munazza Gillani, Director Pakistan & Middle East, Sightsavers added,
“We firmly believe that sustainable change in health systems begins with strong human resources. Faculty development is often overlooked, yet it is critical to building resilient, inclusive, and high-quality services. This program reflects our commitment to investing in people and creating lasting impact for communities across Pakistan”

This groundbreaking initiative reflects a powerful model of South–South collaboration and underscores the growing focus on building resilient, high-quality healthcare systems through education and innovation.