Asia Pacific Ophthalmology awardee Dr Ronel Soibam of Manipur honoured

Imphal: Eminent ophthalmologist Dr. Ronel Soibam was among a few doctors of the country who were honored as “International Ophthalmic Heroes of India” by the All India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS) at the society’s Dreamcon Annual Conference held at Jio Convention Centre, Mumbai, last week.

Ronel, who specialized in Vitreo-Retina, was feted by AIOS for winning the Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO) achievement award held in Hong Kong in September last year, said the 47-year-old doctor.

Other doctors of the nation, who were honored in the Mumbai event, too bagged awards in several international conferences, said Ronel who specialized in Vitreo-Retina.

Former senior consultant of Sankaradeva Nethralaya, Guwahati, Ronel, and his spouse, Dr. Surpriya Hawaibam, a former consultant of the same healthcare unit, is setting up a private eye hospital in Imphal this year. Dr. Supriya did her specialization in “Orbit and Oculoplasty”.

Ronel, who chief-authored and co-authored a battery of national and international publications, also won several awards in his professional line.

Currently, he is a professional member of the All India Ophthalmological Society, Delhi Ophthalmological Society, All Assam Ophthalmological Society and Vitreo Retinal Society – India. He is also a lifetime member of the Ocular Trauma Society of India.

A resident of Heirangoithong Keibung Makha in Imphal West district, Ronel did his MBBS in GR Medical College, Gwalior in 1999 and PG (MS) in Assam Medical College, Dibrugarh in 2007. Later, he completed General Ophthalmology fellowship from August 2007 to July 2008 and Vitreo-Retinal training from November 1, 2008 to October 31, 2009, added Ronel.

Ronel also took part in hordes of national and international conferences, including “Allergan Regional Ophthalmology Congress”, held in March 2012 in Bangkok, “Euretina Congress”, held in September 2012 in Milan, “Euroretina Hamburg” in September 2013, “Asia-Pacific Vitreo-retina Society, Sydney 2015”, “Instanbul Retina Meet, 2015”, “Frankfurt Retina Meet, May 2017”, “APAO Singapore, March 2017” and “Euroretina Barcelona, 2017”.

Besides his medical profession, Ronel has a deep passion for cycling and long-distance run as he joined these sporting events across the nation. He even came down to Manipur to join one marathon event during Sangai Festival earlier.