AAO and ICO collaborate on ophthalmic education initiative

San Francisco-The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) is collaborating with the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) to enhance the training and continuing education of ophthalmologists in developing countries.

The AAO and ICO will send the AAO's Basic and Clinical Science Course (BCSC) in early May to 200 ophthalmology residency training programs at no cost in 61 nations. The BCSC covers all aspects of ophthalmology from basics to specialties.

"The academy is excited to be collaborating with the ICO on the efforts to enhance ophthalmic education internationally," said H. Dunbar Hoskins Jr., MD, executive vice president of the AAO. "Education is at the core of the academy's mission, and providing robust educational offerings to ophthalmologists in developing countries is an important step in helping us to extend that mission internationally."

"We are pleased to collaborate with the academy on this significant effort," said Bruce E. Spivey MD, president of the ICO. "The ICO is dedicated to enhancing ophthalmic education and access to eye care worldwide, but with a particular focus on developing countries. We are happy to help make some of the academy's excellent educational programs available to those who would not otherwise have access. This will not only support training and continuing education of ophthalmologists but also, in the long run, enhance patient care."