Visit of Senior World Health Organization Expert to the Trachoma Museum
Scientific Diplomacy A Bridge Between Farabi Eye Hospital and the World Health Organization
Dr Seyed Farzad Mohammadi, Head of the Translational Ophthalmology Research Center, emphasized the importance of scientific diplomacy in enhancing the international standing of Iranian ophthalmology during a meeting with Dr Masoud Ranjbar, a senior expert from the World Health Organization (WHO). During this strategic meeting, which included a visit to the Trachoma Museum at Farabi Eye Hospital, the operational groundwork for transforming this center into a hub for institutional collaboration with the WHO in areas such as rare eye diseases and community-based eye health was reviewed. According to the Public Relations Department of Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Dr Seyed Farzad Mohammadi, faculty member of the Department of Ophthalmology and Head of the Translational Ophthalmology Research Center at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, stated on the sidelines of the joint meeting with the senior WHO expert that professional diplomacy is an undeniable necessity for the dynamism of the university. He remarked, “Research, attracting international students, and creating networking platforms are our primary tools for presenting an interactive and vibrant image of the country’s scientific capacities on the international stage.” Hosting an Iranian Asset of the World Health Organization Referring to the scientific background and credentials of Dr Masoud Ranjbar in the field of global public health, Dr Mohammadi added, “Dr Ranjbar has an outstanding record at the World Health Organization and extensive experience in managing health programs in Africa. Given his expertise in trachoma control, he was invited to visit the Trachoma Museum at Farabi Eye Hospital. This visit provided an opportunity to present documentation on the control of this disease in Iran, as well as post-elimination surveillance reports, for presentation at global forums.” Charting a Roadmap for Joint Collaboration with the WHO The Head of the Translational Ophthalmology Research Center cited one of the main objectives of the meeting as evaluating the roadmap for transforming Farabi Eye Hospital into a WHO Collaborating Center. He emphasized, “In discussions with Dr Ranjbar, the technical capacities of the hospital and the research center for establishing sustainable institutional collaboration were assessed. Key areas such as rare eye diseases, retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and community-based ophthalmology are among the themes that could form the basis of our official request for this international engagement.” Scientific Diplomacy: A Tool for Peace and Development In conclusion, Dr Mohammadi highlighted the role of faculty members in developing global connections, noting, “Science diplomacy is a significant responsibility placed upon academics to achieve peace and development through science. We hope this meeting marks a turning point in showcasing the capabilities of Farabi Eye Hospital and the Translational ophthalmology Research Center on a global scale.”
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