Ayrshire eye clinician shortlisted for top RNIB award
AN Ayrshire clinician has been shortlisted for a top award for his work as an eye consultant across five hospitals as well as providing eye surgery in some of the world’s poorest regions.
Dr Zac Koshy, 53, has been shortlisted in the Eye Care Professional of the Year category at the RNIB See Differently Award.
The award acknowledges outstanding health and social care professionals and organisations that demonstrate unwavering commitment to providing exceptional care.
Zac is a consultant ophthalmologist and vitreoretinal surgeon for NHS Ayrshire & Arran and the Golden Jubilee National Hospital in Glasgow.
He is in charge of training the next generation of eye surgeons in both hospitals as well as on national and international courses. As a consultant, Zac treats around 75 patients every week.
He said: “I love my job! My patients are what gets me out of bed in the morning. It is a privilege to be in a position to help to the best of our abilities.”
The nomination submission described Zac as being “instrumental” in setting up the ECLO (Eye Care Liaison Officer) service in Ayrshire and Arran 15 years ago.
This service now supports more than 800 patients, family members and carers every year.
As well as his work in the UK, Zac also travels overseas with charities dedicated to improving eye health around the world.
He provides cataract surgery in Ethiopia and Nepal through Scottish charity, Fiona’s Eye Fund and the Ridley Eye Foundation, as well as providing surgical equipment and training in Belize to support creating the first retinal surgery service in that country.
The award winners will be announced at a ceremony which will take place at a hotel in Central London on Tuesday, May 21.