Moorfields highlights medical training and education as a central part of the hospital's mission in Dubai

Dr Bill Aylward, Medical Director of Moorfields Eye Hospital London, hosted a professional teaching session for ophthalmologists from Dubai and the Northern Emirates as well as eye care professionals from the Dubai branch of the hospital, during his recent visit to Dubai, on which he was accompanied by the new Chief Executive of Moorfields London, Mr John Pelly.

The hospital holds a weekly teaching session for all staff in Dubai and also invites external professionals working in the local sector to join these training events.

Dr Aylward's session covered developments in surgery for retinal detachment, which is a relatively rare condition (150 cases per million of population per year) but one for which eye surgeons cannot agree on the most effective treatment, despite the research work that has been done on the effectiveness of various treatment options.

It was the first session in Dubai to be hosted by the London Medical Director.

'Moorfields is a network of eye hospitals in and around London with 13 units, including now the Dubai branch, and almost 70 consultants focusing on service, research and teaching,' said Dr Aylward.

'Continuous education and training is a central part of Moorfields' mission and this applies equally in Dubai. We need to keep all our consultants at the cutting edge of the profession and we take every opportunity to train and share our knowledge and expertise. Our Dubai based consultants come to London regularly to maintain and update their skills.'

During his visit, Dr Aylward praised the unique concept of Dubai Healthcare City, comparing it very favourably with the large healthcare campuses found in Europe and the US: 'I have visited healthcare units all over the world and can say that the facilities here in Dubai are as modern and well equipped as the best worldwide. Dubai Healthcare City is a community of which we are very proud to be member.'

Stressing the progress made by the hospital in Dubai, Dr Aylward added 'Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai is a fabulous facility and is making excellent progress. It is the best designed and equipped of all our facilities.

In fact, we are already learning from our experience in Dubai, where the hospital's patient medical records are all maintained electronically after less than a year of operation - something we have
not yet managed in London.'