SAN FRANCISCO – The President-Elect of the American Academy of Ophthalmology Academy, Richard L. Abbott, MD, is the 2010 recipient of the prestigious Jose Rizal International Medal from the Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology APAO.
The Jose Rizal Medal is given to an outstanding ophthalmologist who has demonstrated excellence in ophthalmology in the Asia-Pacific region. The award was presented during the APAO/AAO Joint Meeting in Beijing, 16 to 20 September, 2010. Because of its high honor, this medal is presented by the dignitary officiating at the opening ceremony.
Dr. Abbott has worked extensively in the Asia Pacific region on the advancement of ophthalmic education. His collaborative efforts have focused on expanding the adaptation and use of evidence-based clinical guidelines. Most recently, his work has resulted in the translation and adaption of the Academy's preferred practice patterns by the Chinese Ophthalmology Society and decreed the standard for residency education by the Chinese Ministry of Health, marking the first time China has mandated standards of patient care and professional training for any medical specialty.
"I am honored that the APAO has chosen to award me the 2010 Jose Rizal International Medal," said Richard L. Abbott, MD, president-elect of the Academy. "The APAO is an important and globally-respected ophthalmic organization. I am truly humbled to be counted as a recipient of the Jose Rizal Medal and look forward to maintaining a strong relationship with ophthalmologists in the Asia Pacific region in the years to come."
"This prestigious award is conferred upon outstanding personalities from outside the Asia-Pacific region who have made exceptionally valuable contributions to Ophthalmology within the Asia-Pacific area," said Dennis Lam, MD, Secretary General of the Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology APAO
About the American Academy of Ophthalmology
The American Academy of Ophthalmology is the world's largest association of eye physicians and surgeons — Eye M.D.s — with more than 29,000 members worldwide. Eye health care is provided by the three "O's" – opticians, optometrists and ophthalmologists. It is the ophthalmologist, or Eye M.D., who can treat it all: eye diseases, infections and injuries, and perform eye surgery.