KARACHI: The Aga Khan University (AKU) is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Karim Damji as the new Dean of the Medical College, Pakistan, effective August 11, 2025. A distinguished clinician, educator, and global health leader, Professor Damji brings with him decades of academic and clinical excellence, and a deep commitment to AKU’s mission of improving health and education in the developing world.
Currently serving as the Laila Endowed Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at AKU, Professor Damji has been part of the AKU community for over 30 years. His service includes significant contributions across AKU’s campuses in Pakistan, East Africa, and Afghanistan.
“I’m humbled and honoured to serve AKU in this new capacity,” said Professor Damji. “As incoming Dean, I look forward to working with colleagues across AKU and beyond to advance research, innovate in medical education, and support the development of learning health systems in Pakistan and the region.”
Professor Damji earned his medical degree and completed a research fellowship in ocular pathology at the University of British Columbia. He trained in Ophthalmology at the University of Ottawa, and pursued fellowships in Ophthalmic Genetics and Glaucoma at Duke University, followed by an Executive MBA from Queen’s University in Canada.
His academic journey includes roles as a clinician-scientist and glaucoma specialist at the University of Ottawa, and over a decade as Professor and Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of Alberta, where he now holds the title of Professor Emeritus.
“Professor Damji’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for AKU’s Medical College,” said AKU President Sulaiman Shahabuddin. “His leadership will be instrumental in advancing our academic mission, strengthening research and innovation, and preparing future generations of physicians to meet the evolving health needs of Pakistan and the wider region.”
Internationally recognized for his work in glaucoma care and innovation, Professor Damji has led pioneering research in Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT), a technique now widely used to reduce intraocular pressure. His contributions extend to global standards of care, especially through the use of telehealth technologies and capacity-building models like the innovative ‘sandwich’ training system for developing eye care leaders in Sub-Saharan Africa.
He has served as President of both the Canadian Glaucoma Society and the Canadian Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology, and currently contributes as a senior editor of the Shields Textbook of Glaucoma. His work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the 2017 UBC Alumni Global Citizenship Award, reflecting his excellence in teaching, research, humanism, and global health.
With over 180 peer-reviewed publications, Professor Damji continues to lead groundbreaking research in areas such as stem cell therapy for glaucoma, minimally invasive surgery, and access to care for underserved communities.
AKU looks forward to Professor Damji’s vision and leadership as the Medical College enters a new chapter in its journey to transform health and education across the region.
