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GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF OPHTHALMOLOGICAL SOCIETIES, FEBRUARY 21, 2006
São Paulo, Brazil

Present:

Representatives of the International Federation of Ophthalmological Societies from 43 Nations, the Officers, Directors, “Ordinary” Members of the ICO and Guests. Total attendance was 92 individuals.

1. WELCOME AND CALL TO ORDER

Dr. Naumann called the program meeting to order at 11:05 am. He expressed his gratitude to the voting representatives for their efforts to travel great distances to attend the meeting. He acknowledged the service and courtesies provided to the IFOS representatives by volunteers. He expressed his gratitude for the support he has received from the International Council and in particular the officers of the ICO Drs. Tso, Spivey and Gloor.

He further noted the support received by all the attendees extended by the Brazilian ophthalmologists.

2. WELCOME TO THE WORLD OPHTHALMOLOGICAL CONGRESS

Dr. Rubins Belfort extended his greetings to the Assembly on behalf of the organizing committee of the WOC, the Brazilian Council of Ophthalmology and the Pan American Association of Ophthalmology.

He noted that over 12,000 ophthalmologists had registered for the Congress. He urged the participants to enjoy the science and the sights available to the participants in Sao Paulo.

3. KEYNOTE ADDRESS- PUBLIC NEEDS FOR EYECARE AND THE ROLE OF THE OPHTHALMOLOGIST - AL SOMMER, MD

Dr. Sommer outlined the definition of a profession and its role in Society.  He traced the cause of blindness globally, the prevalence of blindness vs. regional per capita income, the return on investment as a percentage of the GNP. He forecasts the Future of Eye Care based on quality scores which rate the health of the community!  He suggested that ophthalmology must lead the way by enhancing Quality AND Access.

He notes that the vast majority of blindness awaits direct delivery of eye care –access is the issue in most cases. While volunteerism is nice he suggests the demand is for sustainable system solutions. The facts dictate the conclusion, according to Dr. Sommer, that there are not enough ophthalmologists -performing enough surgery - where it is needed most. Clinical guidelines can focus care effectively but a shrinking world has common challenges; fiscal constraints - increased appropriate technology - growing patient demand and an imbalance in the workforce. He asked the Assembly to consider the need to link the primary needs for training - organization and motivation with the direct patient service in order to provide sustainable eye care services. Dr. Sommer concluded his remarks by noting that if the individuals and the organizations represented in the Assembly don’t control the ophthalmic destiny someone else will. He concluded his remarks by quoting Sir John Wilson, “Avoidable Blindness… is an obscene and costly anachronism”

Dr. Sommer’s presentation was greeted with affirmation by the Assembly.

4. ASSEMBLY DISCUSSION

Led by Dr. Naumann and Dr. Spivey, the Assembly participated in a wide discussion of topics that included Critical Challenges in International Ophthalmology, Enhancing Ophthalmic Education and IFOS/ICO priorities for the future.

The list of priorities for the future include: Assessments, Fellowships, Guidelines, Congresses, Ophthalmic Education, Research, Standards, Advocacy, Representation, policies, the Foundation and support for Ophthalmic Societies and other services.

The Assembly consistently returned to the need for Ophthalmology to present a strong voice in the world for the prevention and eradication of avoidable blindness. Raising the need for training and accessible services at reasonable cost was a constant theme.

BUSINESS MEETING

1. CALL TO ORDER

Dr. Naumann called the IFOS Business meeting to Order following the program of the General Assembly at 1:00 PM.

2. VERIFICATION OF VOTING REPRESENTATIVES AND APPOINTMENT OF SCRUTINEERS

Drs. Naumann and Gloor outlined for the Assembly the voting procedures required by Swiss law to take official action by the Assembly. All votes were to be taken by colored ballots that were issued to only the registered members of the Assembly from countries that have paid their dues to IFOS - 43 in attendance.

Drs. Abiose, Martin, Khan and Nagpal were requested by the President to be the official vote recorders for the Assembly.

3. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE ASSEMBLY MEETING IN 2004 IN NEW ORLEANS

Dr. Naumann received a motion to accept the minutes as previously distributed to the Assembly.

ACTION: The Assembly unanimously accepted the minutes.

4.  REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT

Dr. Naumann traced the activities of IFOS since 1998 including:  4- General Assemblies, 9 meetings of the Council, Revision of the IFOS Statutes, Corporate registration in Zurich, Establishing Assessment exams, IFOS Fellowships, ICO Clinical Guidelines, Development of 4 curricula, Guidelines for Professional Development, A Pilot training Program for Nigeria, A Series of Program Director Courses, the Ophthalmic Atlas on Line, Visual Standards for Vision Loss, Standards for Safe Driving, A Strategic Plan “Vision for the Future”, A Program of Ophthalmic Advocacy to and within IAPB and WHO, Development of a robust website, A Leaders Letter, A News Letter, A Directory of International Ophthalmology, ICO Representation at nearly a 100 Supranational and National meetings, Development of 11 Standing Committees of the ICO, Establishing a Foundation to provide continuing financial support.

5.  REPORT OF THE SECRETARY GENERAL

Dr. Spivey provided notice that the 2008 Assembly will take place in Hong Kong - June 29, Berlin - 2010 June 7 and 2012 Chicago - November 12.  He noted that from time to time the dates can shift due to complexity of schedules within a World Congress.

ACTION: The report of the Secretary General was received for information.

6.  REPORT OF THE TREASURER

Financial status

The audited report of the treasurer was handed out to all members of the General Assembly [see supplement 1]. The annual account is summarized in Tab 1:

Tab. 1: Balance as per December 31st 2005	CHF	US $ 1 $= CHF 1.3179
Total Liabilities         Provision for fluctuations         Balance to carry forward         Income Congr. Sao Paulo transferred 2005         Subscr. 2006 paid unitl 12.31.05	1’455’050 -200’000 1’255’050 -       202’189 -       113’094	1’104’067   952’310
Balance to carry forward without Income 2006	939’766	717’378
Income/Expenditures-surplus Minus Inc. Congr. Sao Paulo and subscr. 2006	≈ 440’035 ≈ - 330’000
“True” Income/Expenditure-surplus	≈110’000	83’333

The balance to carry forward ended by CHF 339’000 ($ 257’000) better than foreseen in the budget for 2005 and the annual account ended with an income/expenditures surplus of about CHF 110’000 ($ 83’333), in contrast to the year before, which ended with a minus of CHF – 59’021 ($ 51’905).

Over the years the balance to carry over increased from approx. a half a million Swiss francs (CHF) in 1995 to a million in 2005 and the income from about CHF 100’000 to CHF 1’000 000  also. The main sources of income were membership fees, congress income (Amsterdam and Sidney), payment for assessment tests, donations for the fellowship-program and financial income. Main expenses were made over the years for the assessment tests, the fellowship-program, the administration and communication and facilitation.

This shows also up in Tab. 2, which gives these numbers for the year 2005.   

Tab. 2 Main Incomes and Main Expenses in 2005

	Income	Main Expenses
Membership fees	190’853	Basic Expenses	131’593
Communication, Facilitation			63’676
Basic Sciences and Clinical Tests	397’653		317’871
Fellowship Donations	170’121	Fellowship expenses	170’894
Nigeria Project (contr. ICO-F)	24’915	Nigeria Project	87’676
Financial Income	124’876	Financial Expenses	6’331
INCOME	908’442	MAIN EXPENSES	777’371

 

Currently, the financial situation does not demand an increase of the subscription. The treasurer recommends to leave the subscription unchanged for the years of 2007 and 2008.       

ACTION: The members of the Assembly unanimously approved the financial report and approved that the subscription remains unchanged for the years of 2007 and 2008.

7.  REVIEW AND VOTE ON PROPOSED REVISED STATUTES

Dr. Naumann noted for the Assembly that 2 minor wording changes were proposed that reflect the title change from International Congress to World Congress and to clarify the term of office for the Council.

ACTION: The IFOS member unanimously approved the changes.

8.  REPORT OF THE ICO FOUNDATION

Dr. Straatsma presented a report on the growth of the ICO Foundation that was created as a mechanism to attract financial support and increased visibility to the programs and activities of IFOS.  A list of outstanding contributors was presented.  He noted that depending on the legal restrictions placed by national jurisdictions there is an opportunity for other national foundations to be created in support of IFOS.

ACTION: The report of the Foundation was received by the Assembly for information and filing.

9. REPORT ON ASSESSMENTS

Dr. Watson reports that since its inception 10,000 candidates have participated in the IFOS assessment program. Over 60 countries have conducted the assessments and successful completion has resulted in many nations accepting the results as a part of their national qualifying requirements.

Individuals achieving merit distinction have been designated International Scholars and the Presidents of National Societies are requested to present these individuals during the opening sessions of their national meetings.

He notes that the success of the program rests in large measure on the efficient team who organize the assessments led by Rosemary Bell of Cambridge.

ACTION: Dr. Watson’s report was received for information and filing.

10.  IFOS/ICO FELOWSHIP PROJECT

Dr. Gloor noted that 151 Fellows have completed their training and that by September the number awarded will climb to 175. 55 departments in 23 countries have offered Fellowships.

He noted that IFOS itself provides 60 $ of the funds that support the effort with private persons, ICO Foundation, NGO’s and industry offering significant support. 

ACTION:  Dr Gloor’s report was received for information and filing.

11.  ICO REPORT ON EDUCATION

Dr. Tso presented certificates of recognition and ICO medals to the chairmen of the four task forces, Andrew Lee, MD, Richard Parrish, MD, and S. Selvarajah, MD and Zbigniew Zagorski, MD who have advanced the dream of seven years ago to create curricula for ophthalmology, continuing medical education, resident and specialists training and Para-Ophthalmic Vision Specialists that can be presented by IFOS around the world.

ACTION: Dr. Tso’s report was received for information and filing.

17.  REPORT ON ADVOCACY

Dr. Taylor reported on the goals, objectives and current status of the IFOS Advocacy program. He notes that the IFOS/ICO is uniquely situated to wield a strong influence geo-politically if all factions work in concert. He urges continued visibility in high profile activities, strong ties to Vision 2020 and the vital importance of linking every ophthalmologist to the campaign to eliminate preventable blindness. There are opportunities to attract the attention of ministers of health who have strong national impact on the spending for health initiatives in their countries.

Dr. Taylor urged the IFOS to prepare an appropriate resolution to be presented to the WHO requesting that the Director-General give priority to the prevention of avoidable blindness and visual impairment.  He further requests that the resolution be sent to all IFOS representatives for presentation to their Ministers of Health who will be attending meetings of the WHO in May 2006.

ACTION: Dr. Taylor’s report was received for filing and his proposed action endorsed by the IFOS.

18. TWINING OF NATIONAL SOCIETIES

Dr. Nagpal noted the growth of twining programs that permit training opportunities to (preferably young) ophthalmologists from a developing nation to participate in another national or supranational program or meeting. 14 programs are currently involved but there are many opportunities that are not being presented. He urged IFOS members to become further engaged in this program. His report outlined principles and criteria for success in fashioning a twining program.

ACTION: Dr. Nagpal’s report was received for information and filing.

19.  RESEARCH COMMITTEE

The committee has become aware of a number of ongoing efforts targeting translational and operational research in low-income countries. The United State National Eye Institute is considering further expansion of their global research agenda. There are also pending developments that may result in the announcement of a major research prize in ophthalmology.

ACTION: Dr. Sommer’s report was received for information and filing.

20. COMMUNICATIONS AND WEBSITE

ACTION: Dr. Spivey’s report was received for information and filing.

21. PERSONAL COMMENDATION FROM THE PRESIDENT

In noting receipt of reports from the many officers and members of the ICO, Dr. Naumann expressed his desire to have the Assembly note that Dr. Balder Gloor, MD who has served the ICO as Treasurer and as the force behind the Fellowship Program of IFOS would be leaving these responsibilities to others at the close of the Assembly.  Dr. Naumann expressed his personal indebtedness for the support Dr. Gloor had offered to him and IFOS over the years.

ACTION: The Assembly joined Dr. Naumann in a standing ovation of gratitude to Dr. Gloor for his faithful service to IFOS and the ICO.

22. ELECTION OF “ORDINARY’ (LEGAL TERM) International Council of Ophthalmology: 2006-2010

Dr. Naumann placed the following Slate of Ordinary Members to the International Council 2006-2010.

Category	Name	Initial Year
Member	Jean Paul Adenis, MD	2002
Member	Selwa A.F. Al-Hazzaa, MD	2002
Member	Mohammed Daud Khan, MD	2001
Member	Daniel Etya’ale, MD	2002
Member	Enrique Graue, MD	2006
Member	Stephen Ryan, MD	2006
Member	Grace E.B. Saguti, MD	2006
Member	Abhay R. Vasavada, MBBS	2006
Member	Zbigniew Zagorski, MD	2002
Member	Jialiang Zhao, MD	2006
Advocacy Director	Hugh Taylor, MD	2005
Assessment Director	Peter G. Watson, FRCS, FRCOphth	2002
Communication Director	Bruce E. Spivey, MD	2002
Education Director	Mark O.M. Tso, MD	2000
Fellowship Director	Veit-Peter Gabel, MD	2006
Guidelines Director	Richard L. Abbott, MD	2002
Research Director	Alfred Sommer, MD	2002
Standards Director	Tero Kivelä, MD	2006

 

ACTION: The Assembly unanimously voted to adopt the slate of Officers and members as proposed.

23.  UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS

Dr. Naumann received one item of new business from Susanne Trauzettel-Klosinski from Tubingen, Germany. She is a prominent Low Vision clinician and researcher and a member of the Board of the ISLRR (International Society for Low Vision Research and Rehabilitation). Her comments were:

Statement of the International Society for Low Vision Research and Rehabilitation regarding the global need for Low Vision services and education.

Presented by Susanne Trauzettel-Klosinski

at the WOC/ICO/IFOS general assembly in Sao Paulo 2006

1. Access to low vision services is a basic human right at the same level as the right to appropriate healthcare, education, and rehabilitation. Thus low vision care should be available to everyone who can possibly benefit from it.

2. Low vision is distinct from blindness (even though domain-specific definitions may overlap), and the use of functional vision should be encouraged and assisted by appropriate devices and instruction, so as to maximize task performance and quality of life where vision is the more efficient and preferred sensory modality.

3. There is a great need for the general public and those with vision impairment (both those who have low vision and those who are blind), to be educated about the causes and functional effects of low vision. All need to be made aware of the possibility of enhancing visual function through low vision services.

4. Low vision needs to be included in the instructional curricula of all professionals, who are likely to be in contact with individuals with low vision.

The Vision 2020 initiative, which has done an admirable job of unifying the efforts of its many supporting organizational members, already has a mechanism in place for implementing the international blindness prevention effort at the national and district levels and many locales are now implementing these. Our Call to Action includes a plea to the Vision 2020 initiative to incorporate reducing the impact of low vision into their plan as a much stronger and more visible element, one that stands alongside rather than being a subcategory of blindness prevention.

ACTION: Dr. Naumann received the suggestion and referred it to the Council for Action

24.  VOTE OF THANKS AND ADJOURNMENT

In closing the Assembly Dr. Naumann once again expressed his thanks to the myriad of individuals who made his service as President of the ICO enjoyable, rewarding and productive. He noted a list of individuals who were key to the advancement of IFOS within his tenure of office.  Among those individuals he wished the Assembly to recognize was its new President Bruce E. Spivey, MD.

Dr. Spivey rose to applause from the Assembly and responded to Dr. Naumann that his future role was made easier by the extensive contributions made by Dr. Naumann.

ACTION: A standing ovation for both parties brought the Assembly Business Meeting to a close.

Next: Minutes of General Assembly of the International Federation of Ophthalmological Societies, April 22, 2002, Sydney, Australia

Also see: ICO, IFOS and Ophthalmologic Society News