COC Executive Committee (2023-2025)
Dr. Anil B Das
President
Dr. Ciju Joseph
Secretary
Dr. Praveen Muraly
Treasurer
Dr. Thomas Cherian
Vice President
Dr. Neena R
Chairperson.Sci.Comm.
Dr. John Davis Akkara
Joint Secretary
Dr. RR Varma
Advisor
Executive Committee Members
Dr. Lakshmi J
Dr. Suchitra R
Dr. Kala Baby Thottam
Dr. Basil George
Dr. Umesh Krishna
Immediate Past President
Immediate Past Secretary & Representative to KSOS
Dr. S. Sasikumar
Dr. Thomas Arun Varghese
AUGUST 2024
Awards for COC Members
- There was good participation from Cochin Ophthalmic Club at Nethram CME on 4th August, 2024.
- Dr. Samvedya, Oculoplasty fellow, Giridhar Eye Institute won first prize in Nethram FIlm Festival.
- Dr. Khalid, postgraduate student at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, won first prize in PG case presentation.
- Dr. Anagha, postgraduate student at Giridhar Eye Institute, won second prize in PG case presentation.
- Dr. John Davis Akkara won Cross-Eyed Ophthalmic Crossword of AIOS Times.
JULY 2024
COC Monthly Meeting (11th July)
- Monthly Meeting of Cochin Ophthalmic Club was conducted on Tuesday, 11th July, 2024 at IMA House, Cochin. After the formal agenda, Padmashree Prof Dr. JS Titiyal spoke on “Phacoemulsification in Challenging Situations” & “Novel Nano silver ion based self preservative technology” and Dr. Vinay Pilai moderated the session.
- Meeting was followed by fellowship and dinner.
COC Members at WCPOS Kuala Lumpur
- Dr. Neena R, Scientific Committee Chairman of Cochin Ophthalmic Club, participated in World Congress of Pediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus 2024 at Kuala Lumpur on 11th to 13th July. She won First prize in Free Paper(Adult Ophthalmology).
- Dr. Neena R receiving the best paper award.
There was good representation of pediatric ophthalmologists from Kerala at the conference.
JUNE 2024
- Women Ophthalmologists Society launched Kerala Chapter of Women Ophthalmologists on 2nd June 2024 with a CME on June 2nd in Hotel Monsoon Empress. A few COC members were speakers in the CME along with leading women ophthalmologists from all over Kerala.
Eerppam CME on Dry Eye (9th June)
- Giridhar Eye Institute conducted Eerppam – Des-misti-fying dry eye CME on 9th June in Hotel Abad Plaza with a pre conference workshop on June 8th as well. It was well attended and had several esteemed national speakers.
Dr. Lalitha Susan Thomas was honored as senior ophthalmologist under the KSOS President’s Initiative.
COC Monthly Meeting (11thJune)
- Monthly Meeting of Cochin Ophthalmic Club was conducted on Tuesday, 11thJune, 2024 at Hotel Monsoon Empress. After the formal agenda, Dr. Gopal Pillai spoke on “The Science of Angiopoeitin-2 Inhibition” and Dr. Mahesh Gopalakrishnan spoke on “Next generation therapy in managing nAMD”
- Meeting was followed by fellowship and dinner.
- Kaazhcha 2024 was held by Dr. Tony Fernandez Eye Hospital on June 23rd, 2024 at Hotel Monsoon empress Kochi.
- The CME was inaugurated by Dr. Thomas Cherian president KSOS and was presided by Padmasree Dr. Tony Fernandez. Titled Clinical pearls for Ophthalmologists the CME had eminent speakers from all over the country who are stalwarts in their respective Sub specialties.
- Dr. T. P. Ittyerah sir was honored as a senior ophthalmologist.
- Dr. Anju Mary Thomas – Little Flower hospital
- Dr. Anjushree – Giridhar eye Institute
- Dr. Anusree A. M – Giridhar eye Institute
COC Participation in other CMEs and Conferences
- COC members participated as faculty at CMEs and conferences.
Dr. Raniya PG from Giridhar Eye Institute presented in APACRS Chengu, China (May 30 to June1) with a travel grant.
- WOS Kerala Chapter Inauguration and CME had several COC faculty including Dr. Balamani, Dr. Kala B Thottam, Dr. Dhanya Varma, Dr. Gopal Pillai, Dr. Biju Raju, Dr. Natasha Radhakrishnan, Dr. Vanashree Nair, Dr. Sanitha Sathyan, Dr. Sujithra H, Dr. Hilda Nixon
MAY 2024
KSOS Family Get Together
- COC members participated in KSOS Family Get together and Cochin Kannukadi Theatres(CKT) staged a Kathaprasangam which was well received.
- Congratulations to Dr. Dhanya, Dr. Sony, Dr. Arun, Dr. Ciju, Dr. Gopal and Dr. RR Varma for the spectacular performance.
Real World Ophthalmology CME by Dr. NSD Raju’s Eye Hospital (19th May)
- The CME “Real world Ophthalmology” was conducted by Dr NSD Rajus eye hospital at IMA House cochin under the Aegis of KSOS and COC on 19/05/2024 with an eclectic selection of anterior segment, retina and neuro-ophthalmology presentations. Senior ophthalmologists honored at the CME were Dr Santha PR and Dr Lt. Col. Sudhakar CP. During the Inauguration event of the CME a cheque of Rs 50,001/- was donated by the organizers Dr NSD Raju and Dr Biju Raju to the Blindness endowment fund.
There was also a section dedicated to non Ophthalmic topics of particular interest to ophthalmologists. On PBO, ‘Passions Beyond Ophthalmology’. Jacob spoke on cycling; Kala on dancing; Vinod on wild life photography. John, did a masterly session on newer gadget/e-technologies. Dr. Ashley spoke on ‘Alternate Professions for An Ophthalmologist’ and Asok Natarajan on his lawyers’ career. Sanitha about her unique theatre, Āla. All talks were wonderful, novel, and informative.
Awards and Publications
COC Member Dr Rameez Hussain, currently practicing in Mauritius (Ex-GEI) won the International Scholar Award from American Academy of Ophthalmology(AAO)
- Dr. Lekha T’s case (GEI) on Boundless tale of White Dot Syndrome in a Child was selected as top 3 for publication of USI newsletter.
- Monthly Meeting of Cochin Ophthalmic Club was conducted on Tuesday, 21st May, 2024 at Hotel Grand.
- Following the formal agenda, Dr Gopal Pillai spoke on Widefield Imaging in Retina – new Insights.
- Dr. Mohan Rajan from Chennai spoke on 3D Visualization – New Paradigm Shift in Eye Surgery and showed 3D surgical videos recorded with their 3D microscope. Everyone wore the 3D glasses, sat in the central rows and the videos were played. Dr. Giridhar, Dr. Thomas Cherian, Dr. Mathew Kurian and Dr. Sony George moderated an excited discussion on the topics. This was followed by fellowship and dinner.
- Anaglyph 3D photo(Red Blue glasses) – Dr. Mohan Rajan and Dr. Gopal Pillai being presented mementos
- COC members participated as faculty at CMEs and conferences.
- Amala Institute of Medical Sciences conducted EyeDeas SkillWheel on 26th May in Thrissur.
- Dr. Reesha, Dr. Mahesh G, Dr. Divya Balakrishnan and Dr. John Davis Akkara were some of the faculty.
- Dr. Raniya PG Giridhar Eye Institute presented in APACRS Chengdu, China (May 30 to June1) with travel grant
APRIL 2024
COC Monthly Meeting (23rd April)
- Monthly Meeting of Cochin Ophthalmic Club was conducted on Tuesday, 23rd April, 2024 at Hotel Monsoon Empress. Following the formal agenda, Dr. Praveen and Dr. Jacob spoke in memoriam of Dr. Gopal of Eye Foundation who had passed away.
Dr. Quresh Maskati was the national speaker who spoke on Restoring Ocular Surface Homeostasis – A key strategy to improve patient satisfaction. His talk was interesting, informative, and full of wit as always.
- Dr. Quresh Maskati also released Quarterly Magazine of COC, named “COCtales”
The second talk was by Dr. Aneeta Jabbar who spoke on the Exacerbation of screen fatigue during summer.
The meeting was followed by dinner.
COCtales – Quarterly Magazine of COC published
Dr. Quresh Maskati released the Quarterly Magazine of COC, named “COCtales”
COCtales Jan Feb Mar 2024 : https://heyzine.com/flip-book/3d9e03bd9c.html
COC received Ranbhoomi IMA Sports Trophy in IMA Meeting
Indian Institute of Healthcare Communication Master Trainer Certificate
- Dr. Suchitra completed the Master Trainer in Healthcare communication Course by Kerala State IMA and IIHC(Indian Institute of Healthcare Communication) Delhi.
- It was a 3 day intensive Training Program on Healthcare communication for selected doctors from Kerala IMA.
COC at Indo-Nepal Friendship CME at Kathmandu (April 13, 14)
- Dr. John Davis Akkara and Dr. Anju Kuriakose were awarded the “NOS-NNJS Himalayan Encouragement Award” at Indo-Nepal Friendship CME by Nepal Ophthalmic Society and Nepal Nethrajyoti Sangh in Kathmandu.
- Dr. John presented on “Foldable FunDascope” and “Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery in 3D printed and augmented reality”.
- Dr. Anju Kuriakose presented on “Diabetic Retinopathy – LASER and Intravitreal injections” and “Kitchen Ophthalmic Surgeon”
COC at Summer Spice 24, Annual CME of Palakkad Medical College
- COC Members at Summer Spice CME of Palakkad Society of Ophthalmic Surgeons.
MARCH 2024
- Dr John Davis Akkara with his startup “FunDaZone” won third place for “JohnDa’s Foldable FunDaScope” in the Startup Challenge 2024 held by the LV Prasad Eye Institute Bio-incubator in collaboration with AIOS in Hyderabad on March 1st and 2nd.
AIOS-ARC-COC “Retina for All” Meeting (Mar 3rd)
- Cochin Ophthalmic Club in conjunction with AIOC-ARC conducted a CME “Retina for All” on March 3rd at Hotel Monsoon Empress under the aegis of KSOS.
Faculty included Dr Prasahant Bawankule and several retina specialists from within Kerala. Several retina topics of interest to general ophthalmologists were discussed with good attendance from ophthalmologists and postgraduates.
Chaithanya Eye Institute Glaucoma CME “GlaucoPedia 2024” (Mar 10th)
- Chaithanya Eye Hospital conducted Glaucopedia the CME on Glaucoma under the aegis of KSOS and COC. Wide ranging topics and even the latest on AI were covered. They even had a Wet lab for glaucoma surgeries.
- Padmashree Dr. S. Tony Fernandes inaugurated the “Eye Bank portal” at the KSOS website.
- Dr. Augustine Mampilly sir was honored for being the inspiring senior ophthalmologist that he is. He inspired the younger generation of ophthalmologists with some anecdotes from his youth and advice on life and ophthalmology.
- The COC Glaucoma awareness walk was flagged to start by KSOS President
Dr. Thomas Cherian and the IMA Cochin President Dr. Haneesh Meerasa. We walked around a block at Kadavanthra and were able to inform the public about Glaucoma and the importance of screening for the same. This walk was mainly sponsored by Milmet of Sun Pharma. We also had participation of Abbvie pharmaceuticals.
COC Monthly Meeting (Mar 19th)
- The March monthly meeting of COC, was held on Mar 19th at Hotel Gokulam Park. The meeting was called to order by the President Dr Anil B Das. Secretary Dr Ciju Joseph gave a brief report of activities of previous month. The various awardees from COC in various conferences were appreciated.
This was followed by the Scientific Session – “Advancement in IOl Technology and Platform” sponsored by Alcon surgicals . Dr Sony George spoke on “Clareon – a better Platform” and Dr Sandhya N spoke on “Customizing Presbyopia Correcting IOLs” This was followed by dinner.
COC Glaucoma Week Programs(March 10-16)
Various other hospitals including Dr Tony Fernandez’s eye hospital, The Eye foundation, Little flower eye hospital, Renai Medicity and Government Medical college conducted Glaucoma awareness programmes. As part of Glaucoma Week 2024, Giridhar Eye Institute conducted a door-to-door screening program specifically tailored for bedridden individuals.
- Also Dr. Rosmy Varghese(who is a member of COC) won 1st in 100m, 2nd in 200m and 1st in Ladies relay under the banner of KGMOA.
- Dr. Sunil had won 2nd for Arm wrestling.
- Cochin Ophthalmic Club congratulates the winners and all the attendees for keeping our flag high.
COC at AIOC 2024, Kolkata(14th-17th of March)
Cochin Ophthalmic Club had a large delegation of faculty and participants in AIOC 2024. Many had Instruction Courses, Invites talks, Papers, Video and Posters. Many awards were won and honors received.
- Dr. Vanasree Nair won the best female presenter in “Difficult cataract and anterior segment surgeries: when the going gets tough.”
- Dr. Meena CK got the best presentation award in Women Ophthalmic Surgeons and Team Kerala Royals.
- Dr. Natasha Radhakrishnan as mentor and Dr. Archana of Amritha institute bagged second prize along with Team “Gods own warriors” from Kerala under Teachers of tomorrow.
- Dr. John Davis Akkara Won Top 10 (consolation prize) in Think under the Apple tree, Top 16 in C S Reshmi Video session and IJO appreciation certificate for top 25 most cited articles (inset is actually a picture of the certificates he collected of last years awards at this years AIOC.
- Dr. Neelima Mathew won 2nd prize in The Young Researcher Award at AIOC Kolkata. Congratulations Dr Neelima
FEBRUARY 2024
Retina Interest Group Meeting (Feb 13)
The Kochi Retina Interest Group had a meeting at Crowne Plaza on 13th February with case presentations by retina fellows
Image Competition of Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology APAO 2024 (Bali)
- Dr. Anju Kuriakose, Retina & Uvea Specialist at Westend Eye Hospital & Chaithanya Eye Hospital – Tripunithura won overall runner-up of $250 in APAO 2024 International Conference Bali (Feb 22-25).
- Asia Pacific Ocular Imaging Society Competition in Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology Congress.
- Retinal Montage Photograph titled “Luminous Lightning : Frosted Branch Angiitis illuminating the eye with its Mesmerizing retinal display”
- The February monthly meeting of COC, was held on Feb 22nd at Holiday Inn. The meeting was called to order by the President Dr. Anil B Das. Secretary Dr. Ciju Joseph gave a brief report of activities of previous month. The awardees from COC in various conferences were appreciated.
- This was followed by the Scientific Session. Dr. Vinay Pillai spoke on “Complete Dry Eye Management.”
- Dr. Anil Radhakrishnan and Dr. Sanjana P conducted a Panel Discussion on Perioperative Dry Eye Management. This was followed by dinner.
- Feb 8th meeting of Cochin Clinical Society, COC was represented by
Dr. Kalaimathy, Dr. Augustine Mampilly sir and Dr. Ciju Joseph. It was at the INHS Sanjeevani, where we also had a tour of a few ships and Navy officer training facilities which included a state of the art Bridge simulator for all geographic locations and weather conditions. The talks were good, with one case of particular interest to us – Hansen disease presenting as “insect bite of the eye lid” (lid edema and rash).
Women in Science and Vision 2024
Dr. Sruthi Chandra, who was a VR fellow at Giridhar Eye Institute was featured in Moorfield Eye Charity Website
https://moorfieldseyecharity.org.uk/impact-stories/women-in-science-and-vision-research-2023
AIOS-LVPEI Hackathon / Startup Challenge
- Dr. John Davis Akkara – Glaucoma, Cataract & Refractive Surgeon at Westend Eye Hospital – Kacheripady & Chaithanya Eye Institute – Palarivattom, was selected to the fully sponsored finals of the AIOS-LVPEI Hackathon & Startup Challenge after 2 rounds of presentations to AIOS jury and LVPEI Incubator jury. He is invited to the Bootcamp training and Grand Finale in Hyderabad on March 1stand 2nd, 2024.
COC at Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology – APAO 2024 (Bali, Indonesia)
- Cochin Ophthalmic Club was represented by Dr. John Davis Akkara and
Dr. Anju Kuriakose in APAO 2024 Congress in Bali, Indonesia. They presented posters and videos in the conference and Dr. Anju Kuriakose won the overall runner-up for photography competition. There was substantial representation from other parts of Kerala as well – Dr. Shishir Verghese, Dr. Rakhi Dcruz, Dr. Swapna Nair, Dr. Prithvi Chandrakanth.
JANUARY 2024
World Braille Day Webinar (Jan 4th)
- Cochin Ophthalmic Club conducted a Webinar on World Braille Day which falls on 4th January 2024 this year. We had an inspiring program from evening 7:30pm to 9:30pm.
- It is available on Cochin Ophthalmic Club YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKsDD_FkP3Y
- After COC President’s welcome address, and details about COC Blind Endowment Fund by Dr Joggy Joseph, the main program was from speakers from Aluva Blind School.
- Miss Aswini N Kini, a visually impaired student of class 9, spoke about the History of Braille and the story of its inventor Louis Braille. Subsequently, Mr Jaison, a visually impaired teacher from the Blind school spoke about the Blind School activities, and also his journey as an engineer who became visually impaired. Next was a very active Question & Answer Session involving Mr KJ Varghese, former President of the Kerala Federation for the Blind.
Next on the agenda was an Innovative and Informative presentation by Dr John Davis Akkara, the Joint Secretary of COC, on “Smartphone Apps for the Visually Impaired”
Dr. Ciju Joseph, Secretary of COC, concluded the webinar with a vote of thanks.
Dr. Noel Moniz Memorial CME (Jan 21st )
- Cochin Ophthalmic Club conducted the Annual Dr. Noel Moniz Memorial CME on Sunday, January 21st, 2024.
- There was very good participation from all over Kerala and a few delegates from Tamil Nadu as well.
The Noel Moniz Oration was by Dr. Philip Kuruvilla from Trivandrum.
The Scientific Session was prepared by COC Scientific Committee Chairman Dr. Neena R, and included a competition – “Great Challenges and Grand Victories” where participants were asked to present a short video of one of their biggest clinical challenges and how they overcame it.
There was also a PG oriented diagnostic workshop on reading of various ophthalmic test reports including HFA, OCT, A scan, Topography etc coordinated with the help of Dr. Thomas Kuriakose.
Dr. Naomi Vettath, senior ophthalmologist was honored during the inauguration under the KSOS President’s initiative.
Distinguished Ophthalmic Teacher of India Award
- Dr. Natasha Radhakrishnan was awarded with an award of “Distinguished Ophthalmic Teacher of India” at RP Centre of Ophthalmic Sciences, AIIMS, New Delhi from the Federation of Ophthalmic Teachers at their seventh national meeting. She also received a publication excellence award from chancellor of Amrita Vishwapeet.
Publication of Myopia study
Dr. Elizabeth Joseph and Dr Neena R were part of a major Pan India study which was published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology.
DECEMBER 2023
VRSI 2023 at Trivandrum (Dec 1st to 3rd)
Cochin Ophthalmic Club had a large representation at the annual conference of the VitreoRetina Society of India held at Trivandrum.
- Dr. Giridhar Anantharaman was awarded the Dr. Patnaik Oration Award.
- Dr. Anju Kuriakose won award for Best Video on Diabetic Retinopathy Awareness.
- Dr. Mahesh was elected as the Joint Secretary of VRSI.
INOS conference 2023 at Hyderabad (Dec 9th, 10th)
Cochin Ophthalmic Club had a good representation at INOS 2023. Dr Neena R was awarded the second prize for case presentation.
The December monthly meeting of COC, the annual Christmas meeting was held on Dec 12th at IMA House. The meeting was called to order by the President Dr Anil B Das. Secretary Dr Ciju Joseph gave a brief report of activities of previous month. Dr Giridhar spoke about and remembered his time with Dr SS Badrinath who had passed away recently. Dr Thomas Kuriakose and Dr Alexander spoke about and fondly remembered their time with Dr Ravi Thomas who too had passed away recently. After other organisational matters, nomination of posts for Drishti 2024 was done. There were a few non-medical sponsors stalls this time – Body Tree Naturals, Breakthrough Engineering and Equitas Bank. Dr Giridhar was honored for being the recipient of the Patnaik Oration award at 2023, Dr Mahesh was honored for being elected to VRSI executive. OPL team
This was followed by the scientific session chaired by Dr Neena R which consisted of award winning presentations from Drishti 2023 and VRSI 2023.
- Dr. Sugaranjini – ASOCT biomarkers in RCES.
- Dr. Ashapurna Borgohain – Real world experience in treatment of eyes with CNVM switched to intravitreal Brolucizumab
- Dr. Sruthi R – A scan parameters and complications during cataract surgery in eyes with pseudoexfoliation syndrome
- Dr. Neena Chris William – Comparing Ocular Thermography at different temperatures using iDEA.
- Dr. Natasha Radhakrishnan – What determines the incidence of myopia in preterm infants with ROP – A 4 year study
- Dr. John Davis Akkara – Novel 3D printing for surgical wetlab practice and innovative instrument design
- Dr. Anju Kuriakose – What will you miss ? Diabetic Retinopathy awareness video through VR
This was followed by Christmas program – Santa, carols, songs, dance and a quiz. The meeting concluded with dinner and fellowship.
- Chaithanya Eye Hospital and Research Institute conducted their annual cataract conference “Phakology 2023” on December 16th and 17that Hotel Le Meridien, Kochi. In addition to Chaithanya faculty, there were around 17 national faculty who conducted Panel Discussions, Round Table Discussions and Didactic Lectures. There was good participation from Cochin, and also from other parts of Kerala such as Kannur and Trivandrum.
NOVEMBER 2023
- The monthly meeting of COC was held on Nov 7th at IMA House. The meeting was called to order by the President Dr. S. Sasikumar. Secretary Dr. Thomas Arun Varghese gave a brief report of activities of 2021-23. Treasurer Dr. Sujithra H presented the treasurer’s report. President Dr. S Sasikumar gave his farewell address and installed the new President (Dr. Anil B Das. Incoming President Dr. Anil B Das addressed the gathering and Dr. TA Alexander inaugurated the activities of COC 2023-25. Incoming Secretary Dr. Ciju Joseph presented the new team of Office bearers. After other organisational matters, there was an Investor Awareness Program by Nippon India Mutual Fund in association with Thirukochi Financial Services.
- The Cochin Ophthalmic Club Outgoing Executive Team and Incoming Executive Team after the Handing Over meeting.
- Giridhar Eye Institute conducted the Myopia Awareness Walk 2023 and Myopia Awareness Talk on Nov 18thunder the aegis of Cochin Ophthalmic Club and KSOS.
- Dr. Neena (COC Scientific Committee Chairman) was in charge of the event and COC executive and members actively participated in the programs.
Vision Screening (Nov 20-23rd)
- Vision Screening for primary school students of Kendriya Vidya laya,Kadavanthara,Bhavan’s Vidya Mandir,Kadavanthara and Global Public School,Kochi by Giridhar Eye Institute as a part of the National Myopia Week.
Drishti 2023 (Nov 24-27)
Cochin Ophthalmic Club members actively participated in KSOS Drishti 2023 held at Thrissur with several faculty talks, papers, posters, videos, OPL, songs, dances, skit and more. Cochin Ophthalmic Club won the following awards at Drishti 2023.
🏆 COC won the Best Ophthalmic Club(metro) award.
🏆 OPL audience choice runner-up – Cochin Avengers team – Dr. Elizabeth Joseph, Dr. Natasha Radhakrishnan, Dr. Marian Pauly and Dr. Gopal S Pillai
🏆 Dr. KC Sankara Menon Gold Medal Award – Dr Sugaranjini
🏆 COC Retnet Posterior Segment Free Paper – Dr. Ashapurna Borgohain
🏆 Dr. KGR Nair Memorial Free Paper Award – Dr. Natasha Radhakrishnan
🏆 Dr Noel Moniz Anterior segment Free Paper Award ( Joint winners ) – Dr. Sruthi R, Dr. Neena Chris Willliam
🏆 Padmashree Dr. Tony Fernandez Video Award – Dr John Davis Akkara
OCTOBER 2023
COC MONTHLY MEETING
- Monthly meeting of COC was held on 18th oct at Hotel Olive DownTown. The new coc executive committee was elected for the term 2023-2025. Introduction of a new combination AGM ( trisopt ) was done by Dr. S. J. Saikumar.
- Case presentations by PGs and live discussions followed. The meeting was attended by 104 members.
