Introduction

Nepalese Society for Oculoplastic Surgeons (NESOS)

 

The field of oculoplastic surgery, also known as ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery, focuses on the medical and surgical management of deformities and abnormalities of the eyelids, tear system, orbit, and adjacent facial structures. The Oculoplastic Society plays a crucial role in advancing this specialized field, promoting education, research, and the quality of clinical practice. This writing aims to explore the establishment, objectives, and activities of the Nepalese Society for oculoplastic surgeons, highlighting its contributions to the field of oculoplastic surgery as well as ophthalmic practice for the country.

 

Establishment of the NESOS:

 

Nepalese Society for Oculoplastic Surgeons NESOS was formed in June 2014 with a small number of Oculoplastic surgeons working in Nepal. The society was founded by ophthalmologists who have had training or fellowship and experience in this highly specialized field of Orbit and Oculoplastic surgery led by the founding president Dr. Rohit Saiju.
It is a professional organization dedicated to oculoplastic surgeons and those interested in the field. Its formation was driven by the need for a specialized society that could provide a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional development. The society's founding members recognized the unique challenges and complexities of oculoplastic surgery and sought to create a community that could address these issues effectively.

 

Objectives of the Society:

 

The Oculoplastic Society has set forth several key objectives to guide its activities and initiatives. These objectives include:

 

• Advancing Education: One of the primary objectives of the Society is to promote education in the field of oculoplastic science. The society organizes conferences, workshops, and training programs to enhance the knowledge and skills of its members. These educational initiatives cover a wide range of topics, including surgical techniques, emerging technologies, and advancements in the field.
• Facilitating Research: The society encourages and supports research endeavors in oculoplastic surgery. It looks after possibilities for grants, scholarships, and research funding opportunities to its members, enabling them to conduct innovative studies and contribute to the scientific knowledge base.
• Enhancing Clinical Practice: The society aims to improve the quality of clinical practice in oculoplastic surgery. It aims to develop guidelines and standards of care, ensuring that practitioners adhere to the highest ethical and professional standards. The society also facilitates the exchange of best practices and case discussions among its members, promoting continuous learning and improvement in clinical outcomes. 
• Promoting Collaboration and Networking: Collaboration and networking are essential for the growth and development of any professional field. The society provides a platform for oculoplastic surgeons to connect, share knowledge, and collaborate on research projects and clinical initiatives. The society organizes regular meetings, conferences, and online forums where members can interact and exchange ideas.

Activities of the NESOS:

 

The Society undertakes various activities to fulfill its objectives and serve its members. These activities include:

 

Annual Conferences: 

 

The society organizes an annual conference that brings together oculoplastic surgeons, researchers, and industry professionals worldwide. The conference features keynote lectures, panel discussions, and scientific presentations, providing a platform for disseminating cutting-edge research and advancements in the field.

 

• First National Oculoplastic Conference Nepal:  28-29th October 2010 Kathmandu. This conference was held before the establishment of NESOS, under the aegis Nepal Ophthalmic Society where about a dozen international speakers with many national well-known figures talked at the event, and forced the concerned surgeons to conceptualize to form a national-level society to fulfill its objectives.
• Second National Oculoplastic Conference Nepal: 18-19 October 2014 Kathmandu, where 14 international and 12 national speakers presented their scientific talks.
• NESOS with its members had participated in an earthquake relief camp in association with Dhulikhel Hospital and Bumrungrad International Hospital Bangkok to distribute tents, necessary stuff, and other resource materials to one of the remote areas of Kavre district, KartikeDeurali in May 2015.
• Oculoplastic Symposium Nepal was held on 4th September 2015, in Kathmandu. Where speakers from the UK, India and Bangladesh talked about different aspects of oculoplasty and ocular trauma.
• First Cadaveric dissection course on Endoscopic DCR workshop 12-13 December 2015 was held at Tilganga Eye Center and Nepal Medical College Kathmandu with expert support from Bumrungrad International Hospital Bangkok where 12 Oculoplastic and Maxillofacial surgeons benefited with hands-on training from the Thai experts.
  Further two conferences were held successfully with mega participation by national and international oculoplastic and general ophthalmologists.
• Third National Oculoplastic Conference: 27-28 October 2017 Kathmandu.
• Fourth National Oculoplastic Conference Nepal: 21-22 October 2022 Kathmandu.

 

Online Resources and Publications:

 

 

The Oculoplastic Society maintains an online platform that provides access to a wealth of educational resources, including articles, case studies, and surgical videos. The society has started an e-magazine at regular intervals. These resources serve as valuable references for oculoplastic surgeons and researchers worldwide.

 

Collaborative Projects and Partnerships: The Oculoplastic Society actively seeks collaborations and partnerships with other professional organizations, research institutions, and industry stakeholders. The regular participation of NESOS members in regional and international conferences has been making society more recognized.

 

In summary, The Oculoplastic Society, NESOS plays a vital role in advancing the field of oculoplastic surgery. Through its establishment, objectives, and activities, the society promotes education, research, and the quality of clinical practice. By providing a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional development, the society empowers oculoplastic surgeons to enhance their skills, contribute to scientific knowledge, and deliver the highest quality care to their patients. As the field continues to evolve, the dynamic and young energetic team members in Society will remain at the forefront, driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and shaping the future of oculoplastic service for the country and the region of the world.

 

Words by Prof. Dr. Rohit Saiju MD
Founder President, NESOS