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In memory of Prof. Kazuichi Konyama, 1928 to 2016
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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Prof. Kazuichi Konyama, a great leader and mentor of ophthalmology in Japan and Thailand and around the Asia-Pacific region.
Although Prof. Konyama was born in Kagawa, Japan, he began his medical training in Thailand in the 1950s. In 1960, he received a doctorate from Juntendo University in Tokyo, where he was later an instructor. He also completed a master’s degree in public health from Johns Hopkins University in 1982.
As part of a collaboration between the Japanese and Thai governments, Prof. Konyama was instrumental in establishing blindness prevention programs and raising awareness about public health in Thailand. He developed the training course on the prevention of blindness and eye care management at the Institute of Public Health in Ophthalmology in Nakorn Ratchasima, Thailand (also known as the Korat course), which has educated a new generation of public health professionals working to prevent blindness.
Prof. Konyama worked as a consultant for the World Health Organization and was co-chair of the Western Pacific Region of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness. Through his work, he helped foster and create blindness prevention programs in India, Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific. He promoted international exchange and cooperation through workshops and training programs.
For his efforts, Prof. Konyama received many awards, including the esteemed Jose Rizal Medal from the Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology in 2008.
Prof. Konyama passed away peacefully on June 21 in Japan. He is survived by his son. More information about his life and testimonials to his memory can be found at http://www.forevermissed.com/kazuichi-konyama/#about.