The Ophthalmology Foundation proudly announces the election of new members to the Board of Directors: Dr. Huban Atilla, Dr. Tin Aung, Dr. Valeria Sánchez Huerta, and Dr. Essam El Toukhy. These esteemed individuals bring a wealth of experience and expertise from various sectors within the ophthalmology and healthcare fields, further strengthening the Ophthalmology Foundation’s mission of improving eye care and advancing the preservation and restoration of vision for all.
The officers continue to serve in their roles: Mr. Jim Mazzo as President, Mr. David Pyott as Vice President, Dr. Bruce Spivey as Vice President and OF representative to the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, Dr. Peter McDonnell as Vice President, and Dr. Julia Haller as Vice President.
Huban Atilla, MD, FEBO, is a Professor at Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology since 2008. In 2021, she assumed the role of Head of the Ophthalmology Department at the same university. She has served as the President of the Turkish Ophthalmological Society since 2023. She has received recognition for her accomplishments, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology Achievement Award and Kosova College of Surgeons “Honorary Fellowship.”
Tin Aung, MMed, PhD, is the Chief Executive Officer, Singapore National Eye Centre. Professor Aung is a clinician scientist, with clinical practice focusing on glaucoma and research interests in angle closure glaucoma and glaucoma genetics. Professor Aung is actively involved in medical education of undergraduates and post graduates. He supervises and mentors PhD students, Clinical and Research Fellows, and medical students. Professor Aung currently serves as the Vice President of the Asia Pacific Glaucoma Society.
Essam El Toukhy, MD, is Director of Training at the Arab Board for all specialties, the Vice President of the Arab Board of Ophthalmology, and Dean, School of Medicine, Badya University. In addition to his role, Dr. Essam El Toukhy is the Chairman of the Egyptian Scientific Council of Ophthalmology. Since taking on this leadership position, he has been instrumental in shaping ophthalmic research, education, and policy in Egypt.
Valeria Sánchez Huerta, MD serves as General director of the Asociación para Evitar la Ceguera en México (APEC I.A.P.) and Regional President for Latin America, International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB). Widely recognized as a thought leader in visual health and public policy, she advocates for collaboration between public, private, and academic sectors to strengthen sustainable models of eye care in developing regions.
Please join us in welcoming Huban, Tin, Essam, and Valeria to the Ophthalmology Foundation Board!