Prestigious award for West Midlands cataract surgeon who has helped thousands of patients
A leading cataract surgeon based in Solihull, who has performed tens of thousands of successful operations, has won a prestigious award for his work with the next generation of ophthalmologists.
Kenan Damer, a Consultant Ophthalmologist at SpaMedica - the UK’s largest independent provider of NHS cataract surgery - has been presented with the Philip I. Murray Outstanding Trainer Award for 2023-2024. The award, presented by the West Midlands School of Ophthalmology, was won by Mr Damer against stiff competition from other experts in the sector.
Nominated by his trainees, Mr Damer was recognised for his dedication to his students, his exceptional attention to detail and his ability to foster a supportive and encouraging learning environment.
Originally from Syria, Mr Damer - who is a Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists - completed his medical degree at the University of Damascus, followed by specialist training.
He relocated to the UK in 2010, where he has made remarkable contributions to the field of ophthalmology, performing thousands of surgeries as well as holding various positions at the Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre and Milton Keynes University Hospital.
Mr Damer joined SpaMedica in 2019 and took on a training position in 2022. He credits his own supervisors with shaping his outlook on the profession: “I remember one of my consultants saying to treat each eye as if it were the only eye, and that is how I approach teaching my students now.
“Training for me isn't just about asking the trainer to copy my skills or simply following instructions; it's about recognising that mental and emotional responses to surgery are crucial for a successful and safe outcome. Establishing a set of safety rules and consistently adhering to them, regardless of the situation, is one of the most important principles in the operating room.”
Talking about the moment he found out he had won, Mr Damer says: “Receiving the award was a fantastic surprise! It was an incredible feeling, and I’m deeply grateful for this recognition from my trainees.”
He went on to say: “My experience with SpaMedica has been amazing. From a patient's perspective, the service is excellent, timely, and results in positive outcomes with a low complication rate. For surgeons, it provides a supportive, welcoming and respectful training environment, allowing trainees to focus on learning and developing their surgical confidence. Through the training programme, SpaMedica is supporting the NHS and contributing positively to the trainees' skills and knowledge, helping to build a new generation of ophthalmologists.”
Mr Damer attended an awards ceremony in October, where he was presented with a certificate of recognition, and he looks forward to mentoring more trainees in the future.
