AKU Welcomes New Dean for Medical College, Pakistan

Professor Karim Damji has been appointed as the Dean of the Medical College, Pakistan. A globally respected clinician, academic and leader, Dr Damji brings decades of experience and a longstanding commitment to AKU’s mission. He will assume the role on August 11, 2025.

Dr Damji is the inaugural Laila Endowed Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at AKU, Pakistan. He has been part of the AKU family for the past three decades, having served as a volunteer with AKU in Pakistan, East Africa and Afghanistan.

“I’m humbled and honoured to serve AKU in this new capacity,” said Professor Damji. “As incoming Dean, I look forward to working with colleagues across AKU and beyond to advance research, innovate in medical education, and support the development of learning health systems in Pakistan and the region.”

He completed medical school and a research fellowship in ocular pathology at the University of British Columbia, residency in Ophthalmology at the University of Ottawa, a research fellowship in Ophthalmic Genetics and a clinical fellowship in Glaucoma at Duke University, in addition to an Executive MBA from Queen’s University.

Dr Damji began his academic career at the University of Ottawa as a clinician scientist and glaucoma specialist before moving to the University of Alberta where he was Professor for over 10 years. He served as ophthalmology residency programme director at both universities and Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of Alberta, where he is Professor Emeritus.

“Professor Damji’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for AKU’s Medical College,” said AKU President Sulaiman Shahabuddin. “His leadership will be instrumental in advancing our academic mission, strengthening research and innovation, and preparing future generations of physicians to meet the evolving health needs of Pakistan and the wider region.”

Dr Damji is a sought-after global speaker and has served as President of the Canadian Glaucoma Society and the Canadian Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology. He is a pioneer in selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) research. SLT is now used worldwide, including at AKU, to lower eye pressure in glaucoma. He has also contributed to global best practice standards related to glaucoma, including the use of telehealth approaches.

Dr Damji’s research now focuses on stem cell therapy for glaucoma, use of technology to improve access for underserved communities, benefits of minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, and an innovative ‘sandwich’ training model to develop eye care leaders, particularly in Sub Saharan Africa. He has authored over 180 peer-reviewed publications and is a senior editor for the Shields Textbook of Glaucoma. He also received prestigious awards for excellence in teaching, research, humanism and global health, including the 2017 University of British Columbia Alumni Global Citizenship Award.