BOARD oF DIRECTORS
Hugh Parsons
M.D., F.R.C.S.C.
Dr. Hugh Parsons is aClinical Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of British Columbia. He received his medical training and fellowships from Dalhousie University, McGill University, the University of Toronto, and Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia.
Dr. Parsons has led the development of retinal services in Fraser Health since 1989 and was formerly the Chief of Surgical Services at Surrey Memorial Hospital from 2013-2017, one of the province’s largest tertiary care facilities. Since 2011, Dr. Parsons has led the team responsible for the transformation of the entire surgical program to better meet the current and future needs of the 20,000 patients who receive surgical services in the region.
As part of his tenure, he has also established a Centre of Excellence in Retinal Surgical Services, which is the first of its kind in Canada. He is extensively involved in clinical research trials, including the evaluation of new drugs for the treatment of macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and the development of novel instrumentation for posterior vitrectomy. In addition, teaching has always played a major role Dr. Parsons’ career. Over the last 30 years, he has mentored medical students, residents, and over 20 retinal fellows from Canada and overseas.
Dr. Parsons leads the development of international medical programs in Vietnam, the Philippines, Israel and Mongolia. Dr. Parsons’ contributions in this field have been recognized when he was granted the Award of Excellence, the highest award for physicians from the Minister of Health in Mongolia. In 2020, he was also awarded the Vision Excellence Awards by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness.
Christine Tuano
BScN, Registered Nurse
Christine has been practicing as a registered nurse since 2008. She specialized in perioperative nursing, with specific interest and experience in Ophthalmology and Plastic Cosmetic Surgery. She has worked in the public (hospital) and private (clinic) sectors in multiple sites and cities throughout British Columbia. In 2015, she was offered the position of Clinical Research Nurse for a retinal practice where she established and developed their research program and conducted clinical trials. Being a Clinical Research Nurse further enhanced her organizational, leadership and critical thinking skills; it also provided her valuable learning experiences in the subspecialty of Retina.
Her first trip to Mongolia was in April 2017. She is a dedicated and passionate member of the team.
Richard Bullock
Business Consultant
Richard is a private management consultant and has an interest, experience and expertise in systems and procedures, governance, financial and strategic planning. His broad organizational background is invaluable to the Board proceedings in his responsibility as Treasurer. Richard has been an active participant and advisor to overseas medical programs for 20 years. He is part of the team who initiated the Mongolian Canadian Medical Project and is a founding member of the Laurel Retina Foundation Board.
Geoff Law
MD, F.R.C.S.C.
Dr. Law is a comprehensive ophthalmologist from Vancouver, B.C. He is the directory of the residency program at UBC. He is dedicated to teaching residents medical and surgical skills in the wet lab.
Ari Giligson
M.D., F.R.C.S.C.
Dr. Ari Giligson is a comprehensive ophthalmologist who has an active practice in Delta, B.C. He is a Clinical Professor at the UBC Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. As former director of the residency program, Ari brings his skills and experience to the development of the ophthalmology residency training program.
Bold Batsukh
Business Consultant
Bold provides a Mongolian perspective by sharing the Mongolian culture and how it relates to our projects. He is an avid advocate for LSF in Mongolia.