The first convocation of College of Ophthalmology and Allied Vision Sciences (COAVS) affiliated with King Edward Medical University (KEMU) was held Thursday.

Vice Chancellor King Edward Medical University Professor Khalid Masood Gondal was the chief guest on the occasion. Faculty members of King Edward including Principal College of Ophthalmology Prof. Zahid Kamal Siddiqui, Registrar KEMU,Dr. Riasat Ali, Prof. Saira Afzal, Founding Principal, Prof. Asad Aslam Khan, Prof. Suhail Sarwar, Civil Judge Yousuf Saleem, Mst. Qaratul Ain, Additional Secretary (Establishment) were present to celebrate the moment of success.

Addressing the participants of the convocation, Vice Chancellor Prof. Khalid Masood Gondal congratulated Prof. Zahid Kamal Siddiqui, Principal COAVS and students and appreciated endeavour of the College of Ophthalmology for providing quality eyecare services throughout the province. Vice Chancellor said that Yousuf Saleem, Civil Judge, spoke about hope who himself is the greatest example of hope. The graduates should respect their parents and teachers and serve ailing humanity as their mission.

He added that medical professionals are healers. He further added that the role of King Edward and its adjoining hospitals during the Corona pandemic remained commendable and the Department of Telemedicine under the supervision of Prof. Bilquis Shabbir and Mr Tariq Arfan at KEMU has received great recognition and its application is also available on the Google's Play Store.

Pakistan's first civil judge, Yousuf Saleem, who has visual challenges, is a most talented and position holder, the judicial officer was the guest of honour. Yousaf Saleem said that one should use all ways to cure the patients and restore their sight. In cases where a complete cure is not possible, the patient should be encouraged with a ray of hope. He said that persons with vision impairment and other disabilities can get education, adopt respectable ways of earning and contribute to society with full potential. My aim is to make the students believe that even after losing their sight, a person can get education with his determination.

Former Principal College of Ophthalmology Professor Asad Aslam Khan said that I congratulate everyone on this day of great achievement and shared moments when foundation of college was laid to combat blindness in the country. He shared that comprehensive eyecare cell started its working in one room and now college is continuing its services across the province. He guided students to remain sincere with their patients and respectful to their seniors to sustain their success.

Principal College of Ophthalmology Professor Zahid Kamal Siddiqui said that I pay tribute to all of you on this auspicious day. I am grateful to Prof. Khalid Masood Gondal for his continuous support for academic activities along with developmental works. Addressing the students, he said that wherever you go, you will be the representative of this institution and urge them to follow highest standards of ethics. You must continue the continuity of your career, value time and follow the laws of the land.

At the ceremony, 60 students with outstanding academic performance were awarded gold medals. Three distinguished gold medals on the occasion; Asad Aslam Khan Gold Medal for Optometry, Sohail Sarwar Gold Medal for Ophthalmic Technology and Zahid Kamal Siddiqui Gold Medal for Orthotics were also launched on the occasion.