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Biography
Education
Research
 ​​​​
Teaching
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Academic & Administrative
Appointments
​​​​​​ ​​​​
Awards
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Memberships
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President’s Biography


PRESIDENT
DR. ELIAS L. WARRAK
Elias L. Warrak received his MD degree from the American University of Beirut and he pursued further training at the University of Texas, Houston, in the USA, where he subspecialized in Cornea, Cataract, and Refractive Laser Surgery, and as Medical Director in Eye Banking from the University of Baylor.

Dr. Warrak is the founder and Medical Director of the National Eye Bank of the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health since the year 2000.

He was the President of the Lebanese Society of Ophthalmology, Founder and Board member of the National Organization for Organ and Tissue Transplant, Focal Point for the World Health Organization (WHO) for Vision 2020 program, President of the National Committee for Prevention of Blindness, and Ophthalmology Consultant to the Ministry of Public Health among other previously held positions. Dr.Warrak is the founder and medical director of the Advanced Eye Care teaching hospital , in Beirut , Lebanon.

Dr. Warrak is the representative for Lebanon at the World Council of Refractive Surgery, the Middle East African Eye Bank Organization, the International Agency for Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), and the Collaborating Regional Chair in Ophthalmology for the Eastern Mediterranean Region at the University of Maryland in the USA.

Dr. Warrak is the recipient of prestigious awards from internationally renowned organizations and institutions such as the Joint Commission International Accreditation Award for Quality and Management, the Best Medical Practice Certificate and Rose of Paracelsus Award, Socrates Award for Scientific Accomplishments and the Achievement Award of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Dr. Warrak was elected President of the University of Balamand on Friday September 28th, 2018

 
 
 
 

Education


EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

1994-1995
Fellowship in Eye Banking
Certificate as Medical Director.
University of Baylor - Houston, Texas

1994-1995
Fellowship in Eye Banking
Certificate as Medical Director.
University of Baylor - Houston, Texas

March 1993
Corneal Diseases and Surgery
University of Texas Health Science Center
Hermann Eye Center, Houston, Texas

1990-1994
Ophthalmology Resident
American University of Beirut - Medical Center
Beirut – Lebanon
​ ​
1986-1990
Doctor of Medicine
American University of Beirut - Medical Center
Beirut – Lebanon
​ ​ ​
1983-1986
Bachelor of Science - Biology
American University of Beirut
​ ​ ​

CME CREDIT TRAINING:

  • - Lebanese Society of Ophthalmology, Beirut, June 2019, (20 CME)
  • - Lebanese Society of Ophthalmology, Beirut, April 2018, (20 CME)
  • - European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Lisbon, October2017, (36 CME)
  • - Lebanese Society of Ophthalmology, Beirut, June 2017, (13 CME)
  • - European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Copenhagen September 2016, (27 CME )
  • - Lebanese Ophthalmological Society, Beirut, April 2016, (14 CME)
  • - Middle East Africa Council of Ophthalmology, Bahrain, May 2016, (25 CME)
  • - American Academy of Ophthalmology, Las Vegas Nov. 2015 (31 CME)
  • - Lebanese Ophthalmological Society, Beirut, June 2015 (13 CME)
  • - SICSSO Congress, Paestum, Italy, June 2014 (16 CME)
  • - European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Amsterdam, October 2013, (27 CME )
  • - American Academy of Ophthalmology ,November 2013,(31 CME )
  • - European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Vienna , October 2011, (25 CME )
  • - Middle East Africa Council of Ophthalmology, with the American Academy of Ophthalmology Chicago, October 2010, (32 CME)
  • - Middle East Africa Council of Ophthalmology, Dubai, March 2007, (21 CME)


DEGREES, CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSURE:

Jun 2006
DHCC License to practice (Dubai Health Care City)
​
Jun 94-Jun 95
Clinical Attending Staff at the University of Texas
Hermann Eye Center – Houston
​
Jun 1995
Certified Specialist in Cornea, External Diseases and Refractive Surgery, University of Texas – Houston
​ ​ ​
Jun 1995
Certified Eye Bank Clinician and Medical Director
Lions Eye Bank at Baylor University- Houston, Texas
​ ​
Feb 1994
Lebanese License to Practice Ophthalmology
​ ​ ​
Jun 1994
Certified General Ophthalmologist, American University of Beirut
​ ​ ​
Dec 1993
FLEX Component I and II (License to practice medicine in the U.S.A)
​ ​ ​
Jul 1992
Colloquium: Lebanese License to Practice Medicine
​ ​ ​
Jun 1990
Doctor in Medicine (M.D) (with distinction)
​ ​ ​
Jul 1988
FMGEMS: Basic - Part 1
FMGEMS: Clinical - Part 2
ECFMG Certificate - Valid Indefinitely
ECFMG #: 0-427-982-4
​ ​ ​
Jun 1986
Bachelor of Science - Biology (with distinction)
​ ​ ​

Research


PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS:
  1. Warrak EL , Ayash JG, Wahab CH, Sammouh FK, “Intravitreal mofifloxacin in treatment of post cataract endophthalmitis: A case report”. JCRS Online Case Reports – June 2020 (ACCEPTED FOR PUBLICATION)

  2. Warrak EL, Serhan HA, Ayash JG, Wahab CH, Daoud RA, Baban TA, Sammouh FK, “Long-term follow up of intracorneal ring segment implantation in 932 keratoconus eyes”. Journal Francais d’Ophtalmologie. March 2020 (ACCEPTED FOR PUBLICATION)

  3. Elias L. Warrak MD, Tania A. Baban,MD, Fady K. Sammouh, MD,
    John E. Warrak BSc, Roy C. Daoud MD, “Allogenic corneal tissue
    transplantation in substitution for extruded intracorneal rings :A case
    series” Journal Francais D’ophthalmologie. 42(10):1090-1093, Dec 2019

  4. Elias L. Warrak MD, Tania A. Baban, MD, Fady K. Sammouh, MD, “   Defective toric intraocular lenses with no subsequent effects on visual outcome” , Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, 6(4):55-56, October 2018

  5. Elias L. Warrak MD, Tania A. Baban, MD, Fady K. Sammouh, MD, Haytham M. El Ballouz, MD, “A comparison of automated refraction using PlusoptiX S04 photoscreener, Nidek AR-20 handheld autorefractorand Nidek ARK-510A autoref-keratometer” JOJ Ophthal . 2(4):555594, Apr 2017

  6. Elias L. Warrak MD, Sammouh FK, Baban TA, Dandan WN, “Effect of femtosecond and excimer lasers on implanted Kamra corneal inlay in animal models”Journal Francais D’ophthalmologie. 40(5):403-407, 2017

  7. Warrak EL , Sammouh FK, Baban TA, “ A Patient with Keratoconus, Nanophthalmos, Lipodermoids, and Pigmentary Retinopathy” Ophthalmic Genet . 15:1-5, Jan 2016

  8. Elias L. Warrak MD, Tania A. Baban, MD, Haytham M. ElBallouz, MD, Fady K. Sammouh, MD, “Ocular response analyzer (ORA) derived parameters compared to Sirius corneal topography in analyzing corneal pathology” Indian Journal of Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology . 2(3): 169-173, Jul – Sep, 2016

  9. Elias L. Warrak MD, Tania A. Baban, MD, Haytham M. ElBallouz, MD, Fady K. Sammouh, MD, “Asymptomatic delayed haptic migration through the peripheral iridectomy of Phakic6H IOL: A case series” Can J Ophthalmol. 51(2):83-6, Apr 2016

  10. Elias L. Warrak MD, Tania A. Baban, MD, Haytham M. ElBallouz, MD, Fady K. Sammouh, MD, “ Massive Extraorbital Extension in a Recurring Untreated Retinoblastoma: A Rare Case from Lebanon” J Ocular Biol . 3(2): 2”, 2015

  11. Elias L. Warrak MD, Tania A. Baban, MD, Haytham M. ElBallouz, MD, Fady K. Sammouh, MD, “Complete visual rehabilitation in a patient with no light perception after surgical management of a penetrating open globe injury” (case report) Ophthalmol ; 6:204-209 (DOI: 10.1159/000434636), 2015

  12. Elias L. Warrak , MD , FASCRS , Fady K. Sammouh, MD, Tania A. Baban, MD, “Corneal inlay implantation to treat extensive glare and photophobia in a young patient with traumatic mydriasis”Journal of cataract and refractive surgery, JCRS. Volume 3, Issue 1, P 19–2, Jan 2015

  13. E Warrak MD , FASCRS. H.M. EL Ballouz, T.A.Baban, “Reversibiliy of topographic changes and visual symptoms induced by epithelial ingrowth post-LASIK” (case report)Journal Français d’Ophtalmologie, Vol.37(10): e149 - e151,  doi: 10.1016/j.jfo.2014.04.017, Dec 2014

  14. Chelala E, Rami HE, Dirani A, Warrak E, “Photorefractive Keratectomy in patients with mild to moderate stable keratoconus: a five year prospective follow-up study”Clinical Ophthalmology. 2013:7, 1923-1928, Sep 2013

  15. Z.Khoueir, A.Saad, E.Chelala, E.Warrak, “Traumatic flap dislocation 10 years after Lasik” (case report and literature review)Journal Francais D’ophthalmologie. jfo.03.004. 2012

  16. E.Warrak, P.Khoury, “Subperiosteal Abscess Secondary of Acute Dacryocystitis” Presented in the Middle East Medical Assembly (MEMA Beirut /May, 1994) Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology. 31.2 1-2 2, 1996

  17. E.Warrak, J.Goosey, “ Three years Follow-up study of Lamellar and PenetratingKeratoplasties in patients with keratoconus”Presented at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) - April, 1995Ophthalmology Times. Issue 1, May 1995

  18. E.Warrak, E.Khawam, “Upshoots and Downshoots in Duane’sSyndrome”Journal of Binocular Vision. 1, 125-132, 1995

  19. E. Warrak, S.Shawaf, “Crystalline Retinopathy” (Case Report) Middle East Journal of Ophthalmology. 2,122-126, 1994

SUBMITTED PUBLICATIONS:
  1. “Complete visual rehabilitation in a patient with complicated CMV retinitis and macular involvement” Under review - European Journal of Ophthalmology - May 2020
    2.  
  2. “Intraocular lens opacifications post Bevacizumab intravitreal injections in pseudophakic patients – A case series” Under review – Indian Journal of Ophthalmology - June 2020
 
 
WORK IN PROGRESS:
  1. Anterior capsulorrhexis tissue implantation in Pterygium surgery
    2.  
  2. Ambient temperature effect on the prevalence of Retinal detachment – Assessment of the effect of temperature variation on the intrinsic vitreoretinal traction

  3. Corneal haze post corneal collagen cross linking

  4. Corneal biomechanics in patients with microphthalmus

  5. Outcomes of cataract surhery in patients with intracorneal ring segments

JOURNAL REVIEWER and EDITORIAL BOARD:
  • - Open Ophthalmology Journal (2018-)
  • - World Journal of Surgery and Surgical Research (2018-)
  • - World Journal of Ophthalmology and Clinical Research (2018-)
  • - The Scientific Pages of Ophthalmic Surgery (2017-)
  • - Ophthalmic Research Journal (reviewer and editorial board) (2017-)
  • - Journal of Refractive Surgery (2016-)
  • - Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (2015-)
  • - Lebanese Medical journal (2010-)

PUBLISHED COMMUNICATIONS IN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES:
  1. “ Intracorneal Ring Segments in Children with Keratoconus: Long Term Efficacy, Safety and Stability” Accepted for presentation at the American Academy of Ophthalmology annual meeting, Chicago. Oct 2018
    2.  
  2. “ Long-term outcomes of intracorneal ring segment implantation in 932 keratoconus eyes”Accepted for presentation at the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Vienna. Sep 2018
    3.  
  3. “Eye healthcare for the displaced population”World Health Organization, Cairo. Dec 2017
    4.  
  4. “Complications of cross linking” Presented at the XIII International Congress of the Middle East Africa Council of Ophthalmology (MEACO) in Manama, Bahrain. May 2016
    5.  
  5. “Effects of Femtosecond and Excimer Lasers on implanted Kamra corneal inlay” Accepted as an E-Poster at the 20 th European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) Winter Meeting in Athens, Greece. Feb 2016
    6.  
  6. “Asymptomatic haptic migration of angle-supported phakic anterior chamber intraocular lens through the peripheral iridectomy” Presented as a free paper at the XXXIII congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) Meeting in Barcelona. Sep 2015
    7.  
  7. “A single patient with multiple ophthalmic findings: High hyperopia, Keratoconus, Nanophthalmos, Lipodermoids and Retinal Spicules: A Case Report” Presented at the 19 th ESCRS winter meeting - Istanbul, Turkey. Feb 2015
    8.  
  8. “A comparison of manifest and cycloplegic refractions using PlusoptiX S04 PHOTOSCREENER, Nidek AR-20 handheld autorefractor and Nidek ARK-510A autoref-keratometer” 5 th EuCornea Annual Congress -London, UK. Sept 2014
    9.  
  9. “Ocular Response Analyser (ORA) derived parameters compared to Sirius corneal topography in distinguishing normal from keratoconic eyes” Presented at the 13 th SICSSO Congress – Paestum, Italy. Jun 2014
    10.  
  10. “Intracorneal rings for keratoconus: 2 years F/U of 114 patients” Presented at European Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery London. Sep 2006

  11. “Refractive Lens Exchange in Hyperopic Patients” Presented at the European Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery Paris. Sep 2004
    12.  
  12. E.Warrak , J.Goosey “Visual Rehabilitation after Lamellar Keratoplasty with and without Diathermy for keratoconus patients”Ophthalmology Times issue 1. May, 1995.Presented at ESCRS – PARIS – Sep 2004
    13.  
  13. “Clear Lens Extraction in High Myopia” Presented at the International Society of Refractive Surgery (ISRS). July 2000
    14.  
  14. “One year results of myopic and astigmatic correction using a scanning slit Excimer (Nidek – EC5000)” Presented at The World Refractive Surgery Symposium - Orlando. July 1998
    15.  
  15. “Effect of Glaucoma Medical Therapy on Success of Filtration
    Surgery”Presented at the Pan Arab Council of Ophthalmology (PACO) Apr 1993

  16. “Intraoperative 5FU in Glaucoma Filtering Surgery” Presented at the Pan Arab Council of Ophthalmology (PACO) April 1993
 
CONFERENCE PRESENTATONS:
  1. “Complete Visual Rehabilitation in a patient with No Light Perception after surgical management of a penetrating open globe injury” Presented at the 23 rd Annual Meeting of the Lebanese Ophthalmological Society. Beirut, Lebanon. May 2015
    2.  
  2. “Corneal Inlay Implantation to treat extensive glare and photophobia in a young patient with traumatic mydriasis” Presented at the 23 rd Annual meeting of the Lebanese Ophthalmological Society. Beirut, Lebanon. May 2015
    3.  
  3. “Reversibility of topographic changes and visual symptoms induced by epithelial ingrowth post LASIK: A case report” 22 nd Annual Meeting of the Lebanese Ophthalmological Society . Beirut, Lebanon. May 2014
    4.  
  4. “ Unusual Extraorbital Extension of Recurrent Retinoblastoma” Presented in the Middle East Medical Assembly (MEMA), Beirut - May 1994
 
NEW TECHNIQUES AND INNOVATIONS:
  1. Innovation: “Corneal tissue inserts in Keratoconus patients” submitted to the Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery. July 2018
    2.  
  2. Innovation: “KAMRA inlay inserts to treat glare and photophobia” Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery. Jan 2015
    3.  
  3. New technique : ‘ 2.5mm. capsulotome for anterior capsulorrhexis.” Made by: Storz Serial No. Warrak Capsulotome Sp7-52837
    4.  
  4. New technique : “ Ab-externo thermal sclerostomy ” Presented at the American academy of Ophthalmology.2008
   
MAJOR RESERACH INTERESTS :
  1. Lamellar Corneal Transplants
  2. Laser interaction with corneal tissue
  3. Multifocal intraocular implants
  4. Refractive intraocular surgery (myopic and hyperopic IOL)
  5. Lamellar Refractive Surgery (LASIK; Intracorneal implants )
  6. Phakic intraocular lens implantation
  7. Intracorneal rings in patients with Keratoconus

Teaching


2011-present
Monthly lectures to medical students as part of Core Curriculum, Department of Ophtalmology,
University of Balamand - school of Medicine
Beirut - Lebanon
​ ​ ​
2011-present
Monthly lectures to residents and felllows as part of Core Curriculum, Department of Ophtalmology,
University of Balamand - school of Medicine
Beirut - Lebanon
​ ​ ​
• Corneal Transplant:
  • - Penetrating keratoplasty
  • - Lamellar keratoplasty (Inlay - Epikeratophakia)
  • - Corneoscleral transplants
  • - Keratoprotheses
  • Keratorefractive Surgery:
  • - Radial and astigmatic keratotomy
  • - Photorefractive keratoplasty (PRK-PTK)
  • - LASIK & FEMTOLASIK
  • - KAMRA inlay surgery
• Automated lamellar keratoplasty with Excimer keratomileusis (ALK-E) Technique and nomograms were obtained at the Ophthalmologic Institute of Colombia (OIC), under the supervision of Dr. Luis- Ruiz (August 1994).

• Anterior Segment Surgery:
  • - Anterior Segment Reconstruction
  • - Corneal Transplant
  • - Cataract Extraction
  • - Artificial Iris implants
  • - Femtophaco cataract surgery

OPHTALMOLOGY FELLOWS TRAINED :
  • - Mireille Jabroun, M.D., Clinical Fellow in Pediatric Ophthalmology, University of Johns Hopkins
  • - Haitham Ballouz, M.D., Director of Optometry School, Chouf, Lebanon
  • - Youssef Bustros, M.D., Clinical Fellow in Ophthalmology, University of Paris, France
  • - Riad Bijjani, M.D., Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology, Hotel Dieu University Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon
  • - Omar Fakhoury, M.D., Assistant Professor In Pediatric Ophthalmology, St George University Hospital, University of Balamand, Beirut, Lebanon

SERVICE

  1. PERFORMED WORKSHOPS AND ADVANCED TRAINING
    • - Middle East African Regional Meeting on Advanced Cataract Surgery Advanced Eye Care Hospital, 2017
    • - Resident Training Course In Cataract Surgery: Basics and Complications, Advanced Eye Care Hospital, 2016
    • - Correction of Presbyopia - Workshop on KAMRA inlay inserts Advanced Eye Care Hospital, 2015
    • - Lebanon National Eye Health Plan for Prevention of Blindness in Collaboration with WHO and IAPB, 2014

  2. COMMITTEE WORK FOR PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
    • - Program Director for the National Eye Health Plan Strategies (2014-2019), Ministry of Public Health, Lebanon
    • - National Coordinator for Prevention of Blindness Program under the Ministry of Public Health and in Collaboration with the WHO and International Association for Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), 2011-
    • - Focal Point for World Health Organization 2020 Vision Program for Lebanon, (2010-)
    • - Board Member of The National Organization for Organ and Tissue Transplantation (NOODT), (2008- ), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Lebanese Order of Physicians
    • - Board Member of The Lebanese Society of Ophthalmology (2008-2012)

  3. UNIVERSITY AND FACULTY COMMITTEES
    • - Permanent Medical Bureau, St George University Hospital, University of Balamand (2012-)
    • - Committee for Tissue and Organ Transplant, St George University Hospital, University of Balamand (2011-)
    • - Credentials Committee, St George University Hospital, University of Balamand (2011-)
    • - Member of Faculty Council, St George University Hospital, University of Balamand (2011-)
    • - Member of the Medical Student Teaching Committee, St George University Hospital, University of Balamand (2011-)

Academic & Administrative Appointments:


  • - President of the University of Balamand - ( 2018-)

  • - Collaborating Regional Chair – Ophthalmology –
    Eastern Mediterranean Region – University of Maryland -USA
    (2015-2016)

  • - Director of Eye Health Plan of the Ministry of Health and International Association for Prevention of Blindness IAPB (2013)
    •  
  • - Scientific Reviewer for the Journal of Refractive Surgery (2013-)
    •  
  • - President of the Lebanese Society of Ophthalmology (2011-2013)
    •  
  • - Executive Board Member of the Middle East AfricanCouncil of Ophthalmology (2011-2013)
    •  
  • - Founder and Medical Director of the Advanced Eye Care Hospital – Lebanon (2011-) – JCI accredited 2015
    •  
  • - Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology Chairman of the department of ophthalmology – St George University Hospital – Balamand University (2011-)
    •  
  • - National Coordinator for Prevention of Blindness Program in Collaboration with WHO and IAPB (2011-)
    •  
  • - Founding Faculty at the Lebanese American University (2008-2010 )
    •  
  • - President of the Middle East African Eye Bank Organization (2009-)
    •  
  • - Arab Board of Ophthalmology exam committee representing Lebanon (2006-2010)
    •  
  • - President and Founder of the Lebanese Arab Eye Bank Association (2006-)
    •  
  • - Founder and Board member of the National Organization for Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplant (NOOTDT) (2006)
    •  
  • - World Health Organization (WHO) Focal Point for the Vision 2020 project (2003-)
    •  
  • - President of the National Committee for Prevention of Blindness (2001-)
    •  
  • - Founder & Medical Director of the National Eye Bank of the Ministry of Health (1999-)
    •  
  • - Ophthalmology Consultant of the Lebanese Ministry of Health (1998-)
    •  
  • - Director of Cornea and Refractive Surgery Division at the Eye & Ear Hospital International - Beirut - Lebanon (1997-2010).
    •  
  • - World Council of Refractive Surgery – representing Lebanon (1997)

Professional Awards And Special Recognition


Sep 2019
Lifetime Achievement Award in Ophthalmology –Middle East African Council of Ophthalmology
MEACO - Jordan ​ ​ ​

May 2018
Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation award for Quality and Management – Chicago ​ ​ ​

Nov 2017
Best Medical Practice Certificate and Rose of Paracelsus Award - European Medical Assembly – London ​ ​ ​

Oct 2017
Achievement Award of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, New Orleans – USA ​ ​ ​

Sep 2017
Capital Finance International (CFI) Award for Outstanding Contribution to Healthcare in Lebanon ​ ​ ​

Oct 2016
Socrates Award for Scientific Accomplishments – Cannes, France ​ ​ ​

Oct 2016
Best Regional Hospital Award for Advanced Eye Care - Excellence in Quality and Management – The European Business Assembly - Cannes, France ​ ​ ​

May 2015
Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation award for Quality and Management - Chicago ​ ​ ​

1993-1994
Award of the Best Resident (AUB – Ophthalmology Department) ​ ​ ​

1986-1990
AUB Medical School – Honors List ​ ​ ​

1985
Bachelor of Science – Distinction Award ​ ​ ​

1983-1984-1985
Dean’s Honor List at the American University of Beirut (AUB) ​ ​ ​

Memberships In Professional Societies


  1. Member of the Word Council of Refractive Surgery. Representing Lebanon (2001)

  2. Member of the International Society of Refractive Surgery (ISRS) Representing Lebanon (1998)

  3. Member of the Middle East Society of Refractive Surgery. Representing Lebanon (1997)

  4. Member of the New York Academy of Science (1997)

  5. Member of the American Medical Association –AMA- (1994)

  6. Member of the Harris County Medical Society (1994)

  7. Fellow of the American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery (ASCRS, 1994)

  8. Member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (1994)
 
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