Ayala Pollack, MD, Professor and former Chair of Ophthalmology Department, Kaplan Medical Center. Former Head of Eye Research Laboratory and of Ophthalmology Clinical Trials Unit, Kaplan Medical Center.
Currently, Retina unit, Department of Ophthalmology, Tel Aviv Medical Center
Graduated medical school at the Tel Aviv University Sackler Medical School and completed residency at Kaplan Medical Center. Spent two years of Research and Clinical Fellowship in Vitreo-Retinal Diseases with late Paul Henkind at Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein Medical School New York.
Main clinical research was pioneering observations on the course of maculopathy following cataract surgery in eyes with diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. Basic science research focused on the relationship between retinal pigment epithelial cells and choriocapillaris during repair process following laser photocoagulation in experimental model. Lead author in scores of publications that appear in prestigious peer reviewed medical journals, Invited as guest speaker, presenting numerous papers in meetings all over the world. Her work was rewarded for Excellent Papers presented at conferences and meetings.
Served as principal investigator in many of the most important multicenter clinical trials, related to age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, vein occlusion and others, including collaboration with leaders in the fields in writing papers describing the results of trials
Established a Basic Science Eye Research Laboratory, focusing on research on dry-AMD and Proliferative Vitreo-Retinopathy
Involved in many academic and professional activities. Served as the Chairperson of the Academic Teaching Program in Ophthalmology at the Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, and as the Chairperson of the Residency Education Committee, Kaplan Medical Center. Served in committees within the Faculty of Medicine of Hebrew University, as the Chairperson of the Scientific Meetings Organizing Committee of the Israel Ophthalmological Society, and as the Chairperson of Committee for Profession Board Certification in Medicine appointed by the Israel Medical Association Scientific Council and others
A member of many international and national societies, AAO, ARVO, Macula Society, Retina Society, ASRS, Gonin Club. Served as a reviewer for the journals such as, American Journal of Ophthalmology, investigative Ophthalmology and Ophthalmology Journal
Awardee Prize of Excellence in Teaching for many years. Awardee number of prestigious research grants including grants of the Israeli Ministry of Health, awards of honor from the American Society of Retina Specialists, and the Clalit Health Services General Manager Award