Niagara Heath Ophthalmologist Dr. Patricia Teal has been recognized with the distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award by the Eye Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (EPSO).
The organization, which represents more than 450 of Ontario's ophthalmologists, made the announcement at its Annual General Meeting in Toronto on Saturday, Feb. 22.
“It was unexpected and appreciated," Dr. Teal said. “I didn't do these things for an award of any kind. I did them because I cared about the profession and was trying to help it."
Dr. Teal, who obtained her fellowship in Ophthalmology at the University of Toronto in 1974, is being recognized for her distinguished career. Some of her career highlights include serving as president of the Canadian Ophthalmological Society, the Canadian Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery, a member of EPSO's Executive and the Ontario Medical Association Board, Chief of Surgery at Douglas Memorial, and Chief of Ophthalmology at Niagara Health.
“I've always enjoyed ophthalmology. It was a great career choice," said Dr. Teal, a Fort Erie resident who also has a practice there. “There are not many fields in medicine where you can totally cure someone as you can with cataract surgery. It's a very rewarding profession."
Dr. Teal will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award this spring at an event with her peers.
“On behalf of the Niagara Health team, I would like to congratulate Dr. Teal for receiving this great honour," said Dr. Johan Viljoen, Niagara Health's Chief of Staff and Executive Vice President Medical. “Dr. Teal has not only been a dedicated and longtime ophthalmologist, but is also an integral part of her community. This recognition from the Eye Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario is a well-deserved honour."
“Dr. Teal is deserving of this reward secondary to all the contributions she has given to our profession of medicine and section of ophthalmology," added Dr. Amber Sheikh, Chief of Ophthalmology at Niagara Health. “But above all, she has led and proved to be a mentor to women and men in ophthalmology by demonstrating a balanced life one can lead by being a leader and giant in her field while also a mother, grandmother and supportive colleague to all of her peers."
About the Eye Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
The Eye Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, a section of the Ontario Medical Association, represents more than 450 of Ontario’s ophthalmologists who are dedicated to preserving and restoring the vision of Ontario residents. Ophthalmologists are leaders of the eye care team with more than nine years of medical training. Ophthalmologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases by providing comprehensive eye exams, prescribing corrective lenses and administering medications. Ophthalmologists are the only professionals that may perform eye surgery to help restore vision in patients.
