Despite common stereotypes about ophthalmologists’ roles in trauma and emergency care, we were privileged to host Dr Yasser Khan, an oculoplastic surgeon from McMaster University, who has been actively involved in providing ophthalmic care in war-torn regions.
Amid the hosting of the Part 2 examinations on 12 November 2025, we had the honour of welcoming Dr Yasser for a Tea Talk session. The audience included consultants and professors from our esteemed conjoint institutions.
Dr Yasser shared his firsthand experiences managing ocular injuries encountered during his time in the Gaza conflict zone. Many of these injuries were devastating and, given the severely limited medical resources, were beyond reconstructive repair, necessitating the difficult decision to perform enucleation.
He also spoke about daily life in a war-torn environment—how civilians learned to distinguish the sounds of different warheads, and how, despite the pervasive uncertainty, resource scarcity, and bleak circumstances, the people remained remarkably resilient, warm, and hospitable, often sharing what little they had.
Dr Yasser’s sharing was both sobering and inspiring, highlighting the role of ophthalmologists not only as surgeons, but also as humanitarian caregivers in times of crisis. His experiences served as a poignant reminder of the far-reaching impact of our specialty and the enduring strength of humanity in the face of conflict.
Written by,
Dr Elicia Chieng
Last Update: 21/05/2026