Professor Ava Hossain is a former professor at the National Institute of Ophthalmology (NIO), Dhaka, and a widely recognized leader in blindness prevention across Bangladesh and the Asia-Pacific region. With over 44 years of experience, she has made significant contributions to ophthalmology, specializing in cataract, glaucoma, cornea, vitreo-retina, and ocular trauma. She served at the National Institute of Ophthalmology (NIO) for 17 years, mentoring both undergraduate and postgraduate students in Bangladesh. Prof. Hossain earned her MBBS in 1976 and obtained her FCPS in January 1985 from the Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons (BCPS). Following her fellowship, she pursued advanced training at the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion, University of Edinburgh, UK (1985), and the Institute of Clinical Ophthalmology, Kiryu, Japan (1988). Currently, she serves as President of the Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO) and Chairperson of the APAO Women-in-Ophthalmology (WIO) Standing Committee. Notably, she is the first woman to hold the APAO presidency in its 65-year history. She has been an APAO Council Member since 2009 and previously served as APAO Vice President for two consecutive terms (2015–2019).
