Tribute to Paulo Dantas

We created a pterygium study group headed by our mentor Paulo Dantas, and we would like to honor him.
We wanted to honor him first as an individual because his character, goodwill, patience, and education serve as an example to us all and for being a friend for all hours.
Furthermore, we would like to honor him as an ophthalmologist for his dedication to patients and vast knowledge, which served as an example.
Finally, we would mainly like to honor the teacher and mentor. Always present in our education, discussing cases, and teaching surgical techniques in detail, without haste, aiming to improve all his students , continuously raising the level of ophthalmology and contributing immensely. To complete our tribute, we must praise his mentor side, encouraging his colleagues altruistically. He was the founder of the pterygium group PAC, always present in creating our courses, studies, and others, without aiming for promotion.
We would especially like to thank you for always opening doors and showing new paths to be followed.

Teachers are like lighthouses for ships. They are there to smooth navigation, bringing safety and lightning along the way.
For many years, Professor Paulo Elias Correa Dantas has been the beacon for residents and fellows of the courses that form ophthalmologists and specialists in Cornea and External Diseases.
His teachings transcend medical teaching: respect, honesty, patience, integrity make him an extraordinary mentor. He inspires us with his didactics, his perseverance and his irreverence.
He is a tireless motivator. Always with a new idea and a new proposal.
And as time goes on, former students become friends with him. We thank the Professor for all his teachings.
May he always continue with his light, strength and brightness, illuminating the path of his disciples.

with apprciation,

Pterygium Alliance Consortium

Dra. Debora Felberg, Dr. Sergio Felberg, Dr. Fernando Heitor, Dra. Catarina Ventura, Dr. Bernardo Moscovici, Dr. Fernando Eiji, Dr. Diego Ruiz, Dr. Arthur Schaeffer,
Dr. Francisco Bandeira, Dr. Victor Bergamasco

Tribute to Lorenz Zimmerman

To my mentor, teacher & friend from whom I learned some of the most important lessons of my life. The father of modern Ocular Pathology who influenced so many with his knowledge and his kind words & actions.

With love & gratitude,

Miguel & Nora Burnier

Tribute to Dr. Camila Ventura

This is a tribute to a very special person who has already left an indelible mark in ophthalmology and will continue this path of helping patients improve their lives by combating blinding diseases. Her leadership at all levels of her involvement make those of us around her want to join her team.”

Eduardo C. Alfonso MD

Tribute to Dr. Guillermo Pereira

My professor, mentor, and friend. Dr. Pereira had a tremendous influence in ophthalmology in Venezuela and Latin-America. His influence in my career was determinant. Thank you for believing in me! You were always right my friend…

J. Fernando Arevalo, MD PhD FACS

Tribute to Dr. Dario Fuenmayor-Rivera

My professor, mentor, and friend. Dr. Fuenmayor had a tremendous influence in my career and that of many others in Venezuela and Latin-America. We wrote many papers together in my early career, and marked my love for angiography of the retina and choroid."

J. Fernando Arevalo, MD PhD FACS

Tribute to Rich and Chita Abbott

In honor of my mother and father, Cecilia and Richard Abbott; as well as the profession of Ophthalmology. My parents have dedicated their lives to this incredible and honorable work and we have all received so much in return. Thank you to all of our friends at the PAAO for supporting our family, and especially, Dad, during this very difficult time.

Alison Abbott Chassin

Tribute to Rich and Chita Abbott

In tribute to Chita Abbott, a kind, compassionate and loving partner to Rich Abbott. As a couple they have contributed so much to ophthalmology on a global basis and all the while doing so with the greatest humility and respect to all. We will miss you Chita.

Giulia and Schalon Newton

Tribute to Miguel Burnier

Professor Miguel Burnier Jr. has been my professor, mentor, role model, and friend even before I entered medical school. He was fundamental during my postgraduate studies since he was the reason why I chose ocular oncology as my area of academic research. More than 50 colleagues from Brazil and other parts of the world are as lucky as I am for having Professor Burnier as their PhD advisor and as their friend; hundreds more have learned from him at his laboratory. It is truly a pleasure for me to donate to the Foundation of the Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology in honor of Professor Burnier.,

Rubens N. Belfort III