Patna: A former Head and professor of ophthalmology at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) New Delhi, Dr Rajvardhan Azad is now going to head as the chairman of the revived Bihar State University Service Commission.

In the notification issued by the Government of Bihar, Dr Azad was appointed for the post which will carry out the appointment of teachers in the understaffed universities of the state.

Dr Azad hails from Patna and presently an advisor (Ophthalmology) to Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India and Armed Forces Medical Services and Vision 2020 India. He is also Honorary Professor of Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China. He is on the Board of Trustee of International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO), the highest body of Ophthalmologists in World.

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He has been an examiner for under and post graduate students in over 20 universities in India and abroad. He has published 12 books, 200 research papers in peer-reviewed journals and over 60 chapters in books and periodicals. He is Principal / Co-Invesgator in more than 25 clinical trials ( Multicentric Global -15, ICMR funded-4, AIIMS funded-3) primarily on AMD, Diabetic Retinopathy and Retinopathy of Pre-maturity (ROP).

He serves on the Editorial Board and as a scientific reviewer of Ophthalmology (AAO), IJO, APJO, JAPOS, BJO, CEO, Eye, Journal of Ophthalmology Acta Ophthalmology and OJO. He is a recipient of more than 40 prestigious awards and orations including De O'campo Oration by APAO for achieving highest excellence in teaching and research and Dr. B.C. Roy National Award for Best Medical teacher in India.

He has also been a recipient of more than 40 prestigious awards and orations including De O'campo Oration by APAO for achieving highest excellence in teaching and research and Dr. B.C. Roy National Award for Best Medical teacher in India.

He is the first from India to achieve the most coveted and prestigious post of the President of Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology, a body of more than 50,000 Ophthalmologists of World. He is a named Honorary Physician to President of India. He is also the Member of Global Advisory Committee of American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO).

Speaking about the appointment, Dr Azad told the Hindustan Times, “I have devoted my entire life to teaching. I have served in various capacities and will strive to give my best to the commission for strengthening Bihar’s higher education.”