______________Departament History

 

 

The departament began in 1987 when, Dr. James Davidian of Loma Linda University spent time on Nuevo Leon, he returned, organized the adventist International Eye Society(AIES), and then contacted a number of Opthalmologist, and many them donated equipment.

After the clinic had been constructed and the equipment instlled, Dra. Lilia Guízar began seeing patients. The clinic had only basic equipment, but n surgical instruments. So patient visits averaged from 1-10 per day.

In february 1989, Dr. Robert Hopkins came from Califronia to help, and established peripheral clinics, first in churches, an d later in the many Lions Clubs in the aread, starting with the Linares Lions Club. A training course for opthalmologic technicians was established and these thechnicians went out to regularly scheduled clinics in peripheral citys and towns where they dispensed used glasses to those with no problems and referrng all with suspected aye diseases to the clinic.

Dr. Oscar Carreón became the chief of the clinic, and a 3- year residency program started on March 1, 1991. Subsequently two residents were accepted for training each year. Surgical instruments were provived by AIES and major and minor eye surgery performed.

Dr. Oscar Garza became the second instructor in 1993, and in 1994 became the chief of the clinic. He has an office in Monterrey, and came four days a week. In 1994 AIES moved their activities to Baja California and the clinic thenceforth operated directly under the University.

Dr. Pedro Gomez became the chief of the clinic in September of 1996, and continues as chairman of the department.

Dr. Cesar Puesan from the first graduating class of resident(1994), returned in 1997 as associate to Dr. Gomez.

The Ophthalmology program grew rapidly from 1996.