• In the early 60s, for the first time in the Middle East, retinal detachment surgery (sclera buckling) took place at AUBMC.
• In the early 70s, the use of laser to treat the retina of diabetic patients (1st krypton then argon and diode) was introduced.
• In the mid 70s, glaucoma filtering surgery (trabeculectomy) was introduced and was the first in the region.
• In the early 80s, the use of laser to treat glaucoma was initiated.
• In 1986, the application of the modern way to perform cataract surgery and implanting intraocular lenses.
• In 1991, the move towards implanting glaucoma drainage tubes inside the eye.
• In 1992, the first professional "Eye Bank" was set up in the country: the only local member of the International Federation of Eye Banks.
• In 1994, the acquisition of all types of lasers for treatment of age related retinal degeneration.
• In 1995, the establishment of the ocular electrophysiology laboratory for performing ERG, EOG, VEP tests for children and adults who are poorly sighted.
• In 2002, the inauguration of the first professional and scientific “Laser Vision Correction Center” in the country.
• In 2002, the establishment of the first “Low Vision Clinic”.

• Fluorescein angiography
• Automated visual field analysis
• Electrophysiologic testing (ERG and EOG)
• Ocular ultrasonography
• Corneal pachymetry and endothelial cell count
• Corneal topography
• GDx imaging
• OCT imaging

The test can be performed and then evaluated by the ophthalmologist in the same setting; therefore, the patient will receive the results almost immediately and accordingly plan treatment. This is further enhanced by the fact that all these tests are based on digital technology.

On the other hand, a wide range of therapeutic options is available to the patient depending on the clinical situation. The Outpatient Department contains a minor operating room and three lasers for the treatment of retinal diseases and glaucoma. Most notable is the diode laser for the management of the occult variety of "wet" macular degeneration. In addition, laser treatment is routinely performed for diabetic retinal diseases and glaucoma. The most important point is that the patient is evaluated by the specialist, then undergoes the necessary tests and treatment in the same setting in the least amount of time possible. In addition to the Outpatient Department, the operating room is fully equipped to handle all intraocular and extraocular surgery. This ranges from complex retina surgery and small incision cataract surgery to squint surgery.
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Educational Programs
The Department of Ophthalmology offers clinical clerkships and specialty electives to medical students. It also offers clinical post graduate resident training to MD graduates, including internship and residency.

The internship program is a one or two-month rotation offered to straight interns in other disciplines or to family medicine residents.

The residency program is a three-year specialty training in ophthalmology, including rotations in cornea/refractive, glaucoma, oculoplastics, pediatrics, neuro-ophthalmology, retina laser therapy, uveitis, and intraocular surgery. The residency training in ophthalmology is recognized by the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) and by the Arab Board of Ophthalmology. Our residents can sit for the qualifying exams of both above mentioned boards, as well as that of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists. The primary part of the Royal College Examination can be taken at the beginning of the second year of residency, while the final part can be taken any time after that.
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Selected Ongoing Research Projects

• Air fluid exchange for recurrent retinal detachment (Dr. Z. Bashshur)
• Intravitreal steroids for diabetic retinopathy (Dr. Z. Bashshur)
• Intravitreal steroids for macular degeneration (Dr. Z. Bashshur)
• Epidemiology of diabetic retinopathy (Dr. H. Salti)

• Mondays:
  • cornea clinic followed by lecture - Dr. Randa Haddad/Dr. Shady Awwad
  • oculoplastics - Dr. Riad Maluf
• Tuesdays: glaucoma clinic followed by lecture - Dr. Bahaa’ Noureddin
• Wednesdays: motility clinic followed by lecture - Dr. Edward Khawwam/Dr. Christiane Haddad 
• Thursdays: retina clinic followed by lecture - Drs. Bashshur, Salti, and Mansour  
• Every Wednesday: grand round @ 6pm

• Office of the Chairman
  AUBMC, 7th floor, room C-735
  Telephone: 00961-1-374374 or 00961-1-350000 ext: 5550
  Fax: 00961-1-370837
  Email: bndean@aub.edu.lb
  
  
• Appointments (Private Clinics)
  AUBMC, 7th floor, room C-734
  Telephone: 00961-1-374374 or 00961-1-350000 ext: 5581/2/3
  Direct: 00961-1-749237