Syria, a nation with over 22 million people, has faced more than a decade of conflict that has severely impacted its healthcare infrastructure. Medical training has become fragmented, with many doctors lacking access to structured postgraduate education and essential clinical resources and equipment. In this context, the Syrian Ophthalmologists Initiative (SOI) was born in December 2024 as a voluntary initiative with a long-term vision: seeking to rebuild, connect and empower a new generation of Syrian ophthalmologists.
The SOI was founded through a combined effort from ophthalmologists within and outside Syria and was registered as a non-profit organisation in the UK. Efforts are currently underway to complete the licensing procedures in Syria, as the initiative aims to become an official reference for supporting the revitalisation of the ophthalmology sector in the country.
The initiative has already implemented several projects, with several more on the horizon. One such project was the Basic and Clinical Science Course (BCSC) in Ophthalmology, a series of online lectures designed to complement existing hospital curricula in Syria, taught in Arabic accompanied by English slides. The content delivered is based on international guidelines to ensure attendees stay current with the latest developments in eye health and delivered by top-tier Arab ophthalmologists bringing together their combined expertise.
The lectures have drawn interest from ophthalmologists within and outside Syria, with live sessions hosting as many as 200 individuals. To ensure maximum reach, each talk is recorded and uploaded onto the SOI’s YouTube channel which now has approx. 1000 subscribers: @OphthalmologistsInitiative
Attendees have emphasised that the lectures are addressing a real gap in training; one attendee, Dr Hossam, said the following: “Honestly, I cannot find words that adequately express my appreciation for your dedication; your commitment surpasses all other educational initiatives I’ve encountered. These sessions stand among the finest – not only across the Arab world, but globally.”
Dr Ammar Al-Masri (on the right), Chief Executive Officer of SOI receives a certificate of recognition from Dr Mohammad Ziad Oyoun, Head of the Ophthalmology Division at Al Mouwasat University Hospital, in acknowledgment of SOI’s contributions to enhancing ophthalmic care at the hospital.
As part of the initiative’s commitment to ensure that only the highest quality of knowledge is delivered in these webinars, it has sought and gained accreditation for the BCSC Course from the German Medical Association, enabling attendees to earn internationally recognised CME points. This accreditation was facilitated through SOI’s collaboration with the Arab-European Organisation for Ophthalmology (AEOS). SOI strongly believes that such partnerships with notable institutes are essential to achieving its goals in Syria.
SOI also collaborated with AEOS to launch a structured training programme for ophthalmology residents aimed at fostering high-quality, internationally relevant research and publications. This stems from SOI’s belief that to bring Syria’s ophthalmic healthcare sector in line with international standards and evolving technologies, it is vital that Syrian ophthalmologists engage in and lead scientific research – an effort further reflected in SOI’s co-organisation of the Ophthalmology Scientific Day at the 1st European Pan Arab Medical Congress.
In addition, the SOI has also provided on-the-ground support to Syrian ophthalmologists, particularly in terms of acquiring much-needed medical equipment. SOI has equipped Al Mouwasat University Hospital – one of Syria’s largest public hospitals with over 800 beds – with a complete phacoemulsification system, including eight handpieces, as well as a gas steriliser and consumables sufficient for four years. This substantial upgrade has dramatically increased the hospital’s ophthalmic surgical capacity, rising from just three operations per week to an impressive 55!
Despite being active for less than a year, the impact of SOI is already evident, not only in strengthening ophthalmology training in Syria, but also in improving patient care across the country. This progress stands as a powerful testament to what can be achieved when local commitment is combined with global expertise. The benefits extend beyond academic development, reaching into the very fabric of the healthcare system and the communities it serves.
Looking forward, there are several things on SOI’s agenda including establishing a national speciality consortium for ophthalmology in Syria to bring key stakeholders together, which officially launched on 1 August 2025. Bringing together 10 medical and academic organisations so far. As it continues to grow, SOI calls on Syrian physicians worldwide to join in this effort and contribute their expertise toward rebuilding Syria’s healthcare system.
