Mahar Safdar Ali Qasim
BIOGRAPHY
Safdar Ali is an accomplished optometrist and a passionate researcher in investigative ophthalmology. He served as the Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Optometry & Orthoptics at Riphah International University in Lahore, Pakistan from October 2020 to January 2024. He obtained his M.Phil. degree in Investigative Ophthalmology from College of Ophthalmology and Allied Vision Sciences, K.E.M.U Lahore, a prestigious institution of optometry in Pakistan. He has more than eight years of academic experience, including leading roles as a faculty member and a department head. He also has over seven years of clinical and research experience in optometry. He is skilled in using various ophthalmic diagnostic tools and has excellent communication and collaboration skills. He has published several papers in peer-reviewed journals on vision and eye health related topics. He is a leader in his field and holds positions in professional organizations such as the Society of Optometrist, Orthoptics & Ophthalmic Technologist Pakistan (SOOOP).
Research Title: Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency in Contact Lens wearers.
Supervisors:
- Nicole Carnt
- Michele Madigan
- Pauline Kang
Research Abstract:
Limbal stem cells play a vital role in maintaining vision by continual replacement of corneal epithelium. The niche environment should be protected and controlled so that stem cells remain unaffected which can help keep vision clarity. The vision that is affected due to the pathologies of the cornea can be treated by maintaining the stem cell integrity. LSCD affects visual function severely. LSCD is associated with many eye diseases and its earlier diagnosis can save it from severe consequences which can ultimately preserve vision. Limbal stem cell function and development of LSCD in contact lens wearers, chemical burns and other corneal pathologies will also help us to understand its role, impact and prognosis of the disease.
- Publications
- Mahar Safdar Ali Qasim, Muhammad Suhail Sarwar, Maher Mustansar Ali Qasim. Laser in situ keratomileusis (Lasik) versus trans epithelial photorefractive keratectomy (T-PRK) in astigmatism patients. Pakistan Journal of Ophthalmology. 2022 January:38(01):04-8. https://pjo.org.pk/index.php/pjo/article/view/1250
- Mahar Safdar Ali Qasim, et al. Effect of Phacoemulsification Surgery on Central Macular Thickness. Ann Med Health Sci Res. 2021;11:1536-1539. https://www.amhsr.org/articles/effect-of-phacoemulsification-surgery-on-central-maclar-thickness-8720.html
- Muhammad Suhail, Mahar Safdar Ali Qasim, Shaheer Suhail Sarwar, Muhammad Ayaz Sadiq, Asad Aslam Khan, Qasim Latif Chaudhry. Retinal Sensitivity with Pupil Dilatation and Without Pupil Dilatation Measured on Central Static Threshold Perimetry. Ophthalmology Pakistan. 2015 Apr 1;5(02):7-12. https://www.ophthalmologypakistan.com/op/index.php/OP/article/view/67
- Saba Akram, Kiran Shakeel, Komal Mubarak, Mahar Safdar Ali Qasim. Ayesha Arshad, Sidra Qamar. Corneal wavefront measurement in amblyopic patients. Ophthalmology Update. 2018 March:17(01): 4-6. https://ophthalmologyupdate.org/public/site/jan-march2019.pdf
- Muhammad Suhail Sarwar, Ghulam Rasool, Muhammad Ali Sadiq, Asad Aslam Khan, Shahid Dogar, Qasim Latif Chaudhry, Mahar Safdar Ali Qasim. Ultrasound Contact Biometry with and without pupil dilation. Ophthalmology Pakistan. 2015 Jan 1;5(01):12-8. https://www.ophthalmologypakistan.com/op/index.php/OP/article/view/75
- Sadaqat Ali, Hina Manzoor, Saba Akram, Asma Batool, Nisar Latif, Mahar Safdar Ali Qasim. Relationship Between Axial Length and Chorio retinal Atrophy in Pathological Myopia. Ophthalmology Update. 2021 October:19(04): 4-6. http://ophthalmologyupdate.org/index.php/OphthalmologyUpdate/article/view/150
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- Post Graduate Diploma in Professional Ethics & Teaching Methodology (2021-2022). Riphah International University, Islamabad – Pakistan.
- M.Phil. Investigative Ophthalmology. (2016-2018) College of Ophthalmology and Allied Vision Sciences – King Edward Medical University, Mayo Hospital Lahore.
- B.Sc. (Hons) Vision Sciences (Investigative Ophthalmology) (2011-2014) College of Ophthalmology and Allied Vision Sciences – King Edward Medical University, Mayo Hospital Lahore.
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- Awarded University International Postgraduate Award (UIPA) in 2024 for the PhD Study.
- Gold Medalist from Ophthalmic Society Pakistan (OSP) Lahore Branch, in OSP conference December 2018, as a scientific Presenter in Optometry Free paper session.
- Receive research grant of PKR=125,000/- from the Office of Research, Innovation & Commercialism (ORIC), Riphah International University – Pakistan on title “Role of an optometrist in screening and their knowledge and attitudes regarding glaucoma” Project No: R-ORIC-22/FR&AHS-71.
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- Organizer of 4th ICRS & 1st ICAHS in 6 – 8 October 2023 at PC hotel Lahore.
- Participated as Scientific Presenter in Ophthalmic Society of Pakistan (OSP) Lahore division in December 2023.
- Participated as Scientific Presenter in Ophthalmic Society of Pakistan (OSP) Lahore division in December 2022.
- Participated as Scientific Presenter in Ophthalmic Society of Pakistan (OSP) Lahore division in December 2018.
- Participated as Scientific Presenter in Ophthalmic Society of Pakistan (OSP) Lahore division in December 2017.
- Participated as Scientific Presenter in Ophthalmic Society of Pakistan (OSP) Lahore division in December 2016.
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- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
- College of Ophthalmology and Allied Vision Sciences, Kind Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan.
- Member – World Council of Optometry 2022-2023
- President – The Society of Optometrist, Orthoptics & Ophthalmic Technologist Pakistan (SOOOP) from September 2019 to December 2021.
- President-Elect – The SOOOP from September 2018 to September 2019.
- Full member – SOOOP since September 2015.