Growing Wisdom and Expertise

  The Japanese Society of Comparative and Veterinary Ophthalmology (JSCVO) has selected Kohji Tanaka, DVM, PhD to take on the role as the 12th president.
  His involvement in JSCVO dates back to 1985 when Prof. L. F. Rubin was invited from the University of Pennsylvania, USA to the annual meeting as a guest speaker. During that period of time, ophthalmologic examinations of laboratory rats was not valued much in Japan because ocular lesions of spontaneous origin had not been well recognized in this animal species. However, the lecture given by Prof. Rubin triggered our interest, leading to cases of rat ocular lesions reported from many institutions since then. This evolution extended the awareness of spontaneous and chemically induced ocular lesions to other laboratory animals as well. Increased opportunities in learning and improvement of techniques together with the exchange of knowledge in ophthalmology have further enhanced comprehension of fundamental ophthalmology. A big wave of another evolution took place in 2000. A new group of members joined to JSCVO to establish the Clinical Division that primarily stemmed from veterinary therapeutic ophthalmology. Subsequently, a counter-group was named Fundamental Division wherein activities were based on experimental ophthalmology. Having these two driving forces in JSCVO has enabled us to cover the entire spectrum, basic through applied science, of veterinary ophthalmology. In addition, the number of members and papers in the annual meetings as well as all the activities held across the year in JSCVO has also exponentially increased.
  One of the peculiar features of JSCVO lies in the fact that both basic and applied aspects of science consolidate in one community, that they closely cooperate in a unified manner to deal with biology of one particular organ system and that an attractive environment is provided to those who are interested in learning what ophthalmology is all about. On the other hand, the structure of two distinct fields of ophthalmology with diverse activities makes steering the JSCVO rather complicated. Expected programs in the year may include annual meeting, workshops and seminars organized by each division, journal publication, examination and maintenance of diploma, post-graduate education, scientific interaction with pertinent organizations in foreign countries etc. Board members will not spare any effort to achieve these programs and to make further progress in JSCVO activities. However, what matters most will be the heavy support offered from each individual of the membership.
  Please find a message left herewith on behalf of all the representatives of the JSCVO that active and continuous participation of all the members of JSCVO will be highly appreciated in order for us to establish a group within a monolith alignment.

Kohji Tanaka, DVM, PhD