A West of Scotland clinician has been shortlisted for an RNIB See Differently Award in recognition of his work as an eye consultant across five hospitals in his local area 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. This award acknowledges outstanding health and social care professionals and organisations that demonstrate unwavering commitment to providing exceptional care incorporating both clinical and non-clinical support.
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 these hospitals as well as on national and international courses. He has a leading role in policy creation for ophthalmic services.
As a consultant, Zac treats around 75 patients every week. “I love my job!” he says. “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 RNIB See Differently Awards will bring together a host of people across the UK and aims to shine a spotlight on the excellent work happening every day across the UK to support people with sight loss. They will recognise and reward individuals and organisations taking positive action to help break down barriers and make the world a better place for blind and partially sighted people.
RNIB CEO Matt Stringer said: “The RNIB See Differently Awards will celebrate those who dedicate their time, passion, and skills to help build an inclusive world for blind and partially sighted people. Congratulations to the shortlisted national finalists, you’re all fantastic with incredibly moving stories and we wish you the best of luck.”
The RNIB See Differently Awards will recognise exceptional individuals and teams across seven categories: Campaigner of the Year, Eye Care Professional of the Year, Best Content Creator of the Year, Team of the Year, Employer of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and Design for Everyone Award.
The award winners will be announced at a ceremony which will take place at a hotel in Central London on Tuesday 21 May 2024.
