Admissions in PIO Rawalpindi 2026

Introduction

The Pakistan Institute of Ophthalmology (PIO) is the academic wing of the Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, Rawalpindi. It was established to develop human resources and ensure the availability of trained manpower for the hospital. The institute is a major center for ophthalmology training in Pakistan.

History

The concept of PIO was developed in 1992, with construction starting the same year and completing in 1994 at a cost of Rs. 100 million. It was formally inaugurated on 25 September 1997 by the then President of Pakistan, Mr. Farooq Laghari.

Location and Campus

The institute is located on Jhelum Road within the Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital grounds in Rawalpindi. The campus is surrounded by lush green lawns and provides a serene environment.

Academic Programs

PIO offers a wide range of training programs for doctors, allied health professionals, and paramedical staff.

Training Programs for Doctors

• FCPS Part II (Ophthalmology) – 4 years

• Diploma in Ophthalmic Medicine & Surgery (DOMS) – 2 years

• Sub-specialty fellowships in Paediatric Ophthalmology, Retina, and Glaucoma

Courses for Allied Health Professionals

• BSc (Hons) Optometry – 4 years

• BS Public Health

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) – 2 years

• Ophthalmic Technician Course – 2 years

• OT Technician Course – 2 years

• Ophthalmic Nursing Assistant – 1 year

• Dispensing Optician – 1 year

Affiliations

PIO is affiliated with several national bodies:

• Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU), Islamabad – for DOMS and MSPH

• College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP) – for FCPS

• Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PM&DC) – for FCPS and DOMS

• University of Health Sciences (UHS) – for BSc Optometry and Orthoptics

• National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) – for paramedic courses

• Punjab Medical Faculty (PMF) – for Ophthalmic Technician course

Training Impact

To date, PIO has trained more than 450 doctors and over 1,600 paramedical staff.

Al-Shifa Research Centre (ASRC)

The Al-Shifa Research Centre was established in September 2017 at Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, Rawalpindi. It is a DRAP-licensed clinical trial site and conducts world-class biomedical research.

Al-Shifa Trust Overview

Al-Shifa Trust was established in 1985 by Late Lt. Gen Jahandad Khan as a non-governmental, charitable organization. It began operations in 1991 with a mission to prevent and control blindness in Pakistan. The trust operates seven eye hospitals across Pakistan in Rawalpindi, Sukkur, Kohat, Muzaffarabad, Chakwal, Gilgit, and Haveli Lakha. Approximately 82% of patients are treated free of cost.

Contact Information

• Address: Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, Jhelum Road, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

• Phone: +92-51-5487821-25