Rotary Club Renovates and Equips Eye Clinics at AUB Medical Center

AUBMC Ophthalmologists, Rotary Club representatives, and AUB senior administrators celebrate the opening of the new facility

A ceremony was held at the AUB Medical Center on April 1 in recognition of a generous grant made by the Beirut Cosmopolitan Rotary Club (BCRC) to refurbish the eye clinics of the center.

In 2002, when the AUB Department of Ophthalmology needed a special Argon Laser, a necessary machine used for the treatment of glaucoma and defective retinas, the Rotary Club stepped in to help. In praise of the club's immediate response, Dr. Baha' Noureddine, chairperson of the Department of Ophthalmology, thanked the BCRC for its "exceptional commitment and support of the AUB Medical Center and specifically the Department of Ophthalmology." The Rotary Club had pledged a significant donation of medical equipment to AUBMC, which eventually transformed the outpatient (OPD) clinics into fully equipped units that also included the vital Argon Laser.

Dr. Noureddine said it was important that AUBMC give its outpatient clinics special attention, since they were intended to provide underprivileged patients with essential medical care. He also noted that the "prevalence and severity of potentially blinding conditions are significantly higher in patients of lower economic status," thus warranting extra attention. With its new clinic and medical equipment now available, AUBMC can fully provide patients with the best of medical care.

Dr. Nadim Cortas, Vice President of Medical Affairs and the Raja N. Khuri Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, thanked the Rotary Club for its donation as well and commended it for implementing the project.

BCRC President Raouf Malak, who also thanked AUBMC for its ongoing support and dedication to the community, expressed the hope that both the AUB Medical Center and the Rotary Club will continue in their efforts to alleviate the hardships and suffering of others.

Finally, AUB's director of Internal Audit, Maurice Carlier, reminded the guests that AUB, AUBMC, and the Rotary Club share a mutually beneficial relationship, in which they continuously vindicate their support for one another through pledges, donations, scholarships, and other contributions.