During the academic year 2015/2016 Dr. Jorge Alio has been once again recognized for his scientific and research work. On June 15, Professor and Chairman of Ophthalmology at the Miguel Hernandez University of Elche was awarded by AECOS (American-European Congress of Ophthalmology Society), the most influential European and US group in this field. The event, at which Dr. Alió held Joseph Colin Conference (who is one of the founders of the group), was chaired by the European Society president, Arthur Cummings from Dublin.
It should be reminded that earlier Dr. Jorge Alió has received the Annual Award from the Dominican Society of Ophthalmology at its 49th meeting, which was held from 16 to 19 June in Punta Cana. Moreover, the expert in refractive and cataract surgery with over 50,000 surgeries performed during his professional life has been ranked tenth among the world’s most influential ophthalmologists. The list of 100 professionals, entitled ‘The Power List 2016’, was drawn up by the British magazine ‘The Ophthalmologist’, one of the most prestigious publications in the field. The founder of Vissum ophthalmological institute in Alicante has been also included as an academic at the Royal Academy of Medicine of Valencia (RAMCV) and presented with ‘ISRS Presidential Award’ by the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) for his dedication and contribution to the field of refractive surgery and the International Society of Refractive Surgery.
During the last month Dr. Alio has received many awards, such as ‘Achievement Award’ at the 57th Annual Meeting of the Ophthalmological Society of Chinese Taipei, the prize ‘Mansoura University’ and ‘Al Watanay Eye Hospital’. It should be mentioned, that this institution hosted the first international course of lectures on corneal pigmentation, a new technique for eye colour changes for cosmetic or therapeutic reasons, which had been developed by Dr. Jorge Alió. His book ‘Text and Atlas on Corneal Pigmentation’, is the first work in the world devoted to corneal (or kerato) pigmentation and it was intended as a guide for eye care professionals.
Also, the creator of the concept of microincisional cataract surgery (MICS) was the Spanish representative at the ‘International Society for Refractive Surgery’ (he was its president from 2006 to 2008) in the ‘XIII International Congress of the Middle East Africa Council of Ophthalmology (MEACO) ‘ in Bahrain; the most important meeting in the Gulf region and Arab countries, which brought together about 4,000 ophthalmologists.
As for his academic achievements, Dr. Jorge Alió has offered the first online course ‘ Clinical Methodology in Refractive, Cataract and Corneal Surgery ‘, which first edition has captured students from different countries, such as Jordan, Jamaica, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Romania, Israel and Egypt, among many others, because this course is a novelty and there is no any similar course worldwide. Also it will be translated into Chinese, thanks to the agreement signed between the Miguel Hernandez University of Elche and the Wenzhou Medical University in China, which was promoted by Jorge Alió.
At the same time, we should highlight the work of the Foundation of Jorge Alio for the Prevention of Blindness with ‘Nouadhibou Vision’ project, it´s a humanitarian action, which was devoted to the construction of the first eye hospital in Mauritania and in this way has improved eye health of the population. Also the Jorge Alió Foundation for the Prevention of Blindness organized the X National and the VII International thematic competition of painting “Miradas”. Its aim is to recognize the work of artists and their ability to raise awareness on the importance of eyes care and the prevention of blindness through their artworks. It is a biennial competition, which was created in 1998 during the 74th Congress of the Spanish Society of Ophthalmology, held in Alicante. Since then, it has attracted many artists, because of the great opportunity to present their works through the traveling exhibitions. In addition, the official magazine of the ‘International Society of Refractive Surgery American Academy of Ophtalmology’ (IRSS/AAO) has selected several art works from the painting competition ‘Miradas’ as covers for their publications.