AIOS Times is the newest entrant in the AIOS publication portfolio. It aims to disburse practical information to all AIOS members through an easy to read format, both in a print and online version. AIOS Times focuses on providing the latest information from the various ophthalmic sub specialties, news from the field of education and research, and current affairs in ophthalmology. It shares traditional and contemporary views on subjects and provides a platform for AIOS members to share experiences and knowledge about different aspects of ophthalmology. This magazine cum- newsletter is your very own and welcomes all of you to send your contributions. These could be articles regarding your views on any happenings in the ophthalmic field, interesting snippets and learning’s from some cases or incidents, experiences in managing ophthalmic practices and highlights of significant research work in your fields of specialization.
In the recent past we have come across many incidents of postoperative infections, a few of which were cluster infections. These have led to medico legal issues and disrepute of some ophthalmologists and hospitals. While there is no doubt that any surgeon would ever willfully be negligent, it is generally a break in processes for infection control and patient safety that lead to such unfortunate incidents. This issue of AIOS Times recognizes the danger of postoperative infections and focuses on infection control in the OT and clinical establishment. Articles on the process of sterilization including proper methods to use steam, chemical and low temperature sterilization aim to provide and refresh the basic knowledge of sterilization and disinfection. Additionally, the issue contains updates from some of the organizations evaluating inflation control and patient safety practices. One of the key ways to maintain quality and prevent infections is to follow processes which have been peer reviewed and well established. This can be done through the process of acquiring a hospital or eye care organization accreditation. In this issue, key assessors and opinion leaders in the field of accreditation have been interviewed to give you a taste of how accreditation can benefit your organization and what common lapses they usually observe which may cause surgical site infections. Updates and recently published research in various sub specialties would make for an interesting read as will views of some prominent teachers on the state of ophthalmic education in India.
We look forward to interacting with all of you through this magazine and know for certain that there is a lot you want us to hear too! So here’s to a new platform for all of us.
Dr. Digvijay Singh
Managing Editor, AIOS Times
aiostimes@gmail.com