College of Ophthalmology & Allied Vision Sciences (COAVS)

The College of Ophthalmology & Allied Vision Sciences (COAVS), associated with King Edward Medical University and Mayo Hospital in Lahore, stands as a premier institution for ophthalmic education in Pakistan. Evolution of the institute began in 1999 as a single-room initiative, eventually becoming the Punjab Institute of Preventive Ophthalmology (PIPO) in 2004 before being elevated to its current status as a full-scale college in 2007. COAVS is dedicated to the eradication of blindness through the development of specialized human resources, offering training to doctors, nurses, optometrists, and allied eye care professionals while spearheading provincial blindness control programs.

Strategic Mission and Global Partnerships

Through strategic partnerships with international organizations such as Sightsavers International, Aus-Aid, and CBM Germany, COAVS has expanded its scope to include advanced research and postgraduate subspecialty courses. The college manages significant provincial initiatives, including childhood blindness surveys and the District Eye Care Programme, supported by both government funding and individual philanthropists. Its mission centers on leading the endeavor to achieve Sustainable Development Goals through an integrated, people-centered approach to eliminate avoidable blindness across Pakistan.