Professor Harminder S Dua, CBE, DL, honoured in NHS Parliamentary Awards | Latest news

The NHS in the Midlands has today revealed the ten individuals and teams chosen as regional champions for the prestigious NHS Parliamentary Awards. The awards, which have ten categories, launched in 2018 in line with the NHS’s 70th birthday, with the aim of recognising the contribution of staff, volunteers and all working in the health and care sector.

Winning the regional Lifetime Achievement award, distinguished British Ophthalmologist Professor Harminder S Dua, CBE, DL, will be representing the Midlands at the national finals in July. Nominated by Darren Henry, MP, Professor Dua, CBE, DL, has led a remarkable career across the world, and continues to contribute significantly in the field of ophthalmology, both in the UK and worldwide, at the age of 70.

A member of Nottingham University Hospitals for 28 years, he is an esteemed clinician, academic and researcher, and the accolades collected throughout his career are many. Awarded Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2019, he has also held the posts of President of the Royal College of Ophthalmologist (2011-12), as well as Editor-in-Chief of the British Journal of Ophthalmology (2007-14). As well as this, he has held the post of The High Sheriff for Nottinghamshire; one of the oldest roles in the UK - over a thousand years, appointed by the Queen. In this role, he supported various communities, cultures, religions and professions in the county, and supported interfaith harmony. Last week, he was appointed as Deputy Lieutenant, a role in which he will assist Sir John Peace, the Lord-Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire.

His work has changed clinical practice and has been adopted worldwide. For example, he discovered a new layer in the cornea, Dua’s layer, which was a significant finding and led to the innovation of three novel surgical procedures. As President of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (2011-14) one of his achievements of lasting impact was the inclusion of an eye health indicator in the Public Health Outcomes Framework.  Acknowledgement of his contributions include the grant of Honorary Fellowships of The Royal College of Physicians, Edinburgh, The College of Optometrists, The Royal College of Ophthalmologists, UK,  and The All India Collegium of Ophthalmologists.

 

Professor Dua lives in Nottingham with his wife, a Consultant Anaesthetist. He has three children; Tanuj Dua, who is a Senior Accountant for a national bank and twins, a daughter, Aarti Dua who is an Optometrist, and a son, Anuj Dua, who is pursuing his studies. Speaking of his award, Professor Dua said:

“I would like to say thank you to Dalia Said, for nominating me. I would also like to say that this achievement is for the whole team; it’s not a single person effort, it’s always a team effort. Thank you to our patients, who teach us so much and are the reason why we do what we do.”

Dalia G Said, Consultant Ophthalmologist and Cornea Specialist, Ophthalmology Undergraduate Medical Education Lead, said:

"I am extremely thrilled that Prof Dua has been awarded the midlands regional lifetime achievement award, and I am keeping my fingers crossed for the national finals as I do believe he truly deserves it for his manyfold contributions to ophthalmology, his patients and the community"

Dr Jo Lamb, Consultant Anaesthetist and Ambulatory Care Divisional Director said:

"Professor Harminder S Dua, CBE, DL, is an outstanding Ophthalmologist and colleague, who has achieved several significant clinical advancements and innovations for the betterment of patients worldwide. His unwavering dedication to ophthalmology is second to none, and we are very proud that he is part of Nottingham University Hospitals."