Dr Stephen Cook – Ophthalmological Society of South Africa Humanitarian Award 2024
Congratulations to Dr Stephen Cook (Espin 1983, Head of School) who is the recipient of the Ophthalmological Society of South Africa Humanitarian Award 2024
The purpose of the Humanitarian Award is to recognise participation in charitable activities, indigent care, community service and other humanitarian activities. Individuals must perform this service in their capacity as an ophthalmologist.
The following qualifying criteria apply to this award:
- The nominee must have demonstrated a pattern of humanitarian service in Africa over a period of at least several years. Qualifying service might include, but is not limited to: care for the indigent; service in inner city or rural African locations with disadvantaged persons; and care for underprivileged individuals of specific racial or ethnic background and care in settings of high risk to the ophthalmologist.
- Service must have been above and beyond the usual service commitment required of an ophthalmologist.
- The service should have entailed personal sacrifice on the part of the ophthalmologist.
Only one such award may be given to an individual during his or her lifetime.
Dr Stephen Cook is a distinguished figure in the field of Ophthalmology, with an impressive career that spans multiple facets of the medical profession. Based in East London, South Africa, he has established himself as a prominent general ophthalmologist in private practice. His commitment to healthcare excellence is exemplified by his active involvement in a group practice which has a rich history spanning over 65 years.
Dr Cook’s contributions extend beyond his private practice. He holds a position as a lecturer at Walter Sisulu University, where he imparts his knowledge and expertise to the next generation of medical professionals. Additionally, he serves as a part-time Consultant at the Frere-Cecelia Makiwane Hospital Complex, further enhancing his impact on patient care. He and Dr Andrew Boliter founded the African Eye Foundation, an NPO that supports training and start-up pilot projects that are important, but not commercially sustainable.
His entrepreneurial spirit shines through as the Managing Director of the East London Day Hospital, a healthcare facility in the development of which he played a pivotal role. Dr Cook’s areas of specialization encompass glaucoma surgery, vitreoretinal surgery, and oculoplastic surgery, highlighting his diverse skill set within the field of Ophthalmology.
In the realm of research, Dr Cook has been at the forefront of advancing disease screening methodologies. He has championed the development of systems for delivering screening services, often harnessing cutting-edge technology. A notable achievement is the creation of the Glaucoma Score model, a tool designed to aid non-medical graders in identifying glaucoma and informing appropriate referrals to Ophthalmology.
Dr Cook’s dedication to preventive medicine is evident in his “Screen for life” programme, which emphasizes the importance of diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening as a biomarker for systemic neuro-vasculopathy. This programme advocates for early detection, not only of DR, but also for glaucoma and AMD, underscoring their significance as medical imperatives at the primary care level. In the surgical arena, Dr Cook specializes in the interface between vitreoretinal and glaucoma surgery, with particular expertise in the placement of tube shunts during vitreoretinal procedures. His advocacy for the concept of prophylactic tube shunts in non-glaucomatous eyes sparks valuable discussions within the field.
Education-wise, he is an alumnus of St Andrews Prep and College and received tertiary and specialist training at the University of the Witwatersrand. His dedication to professional associations is evident through his service on the executive committees of the South African Vitreoretinal, Glaucoma, and Oculoplastic societies. The innovative “Screen for life” methodology, which he developed, informs guidelines set by the Ophthalmology Society of South Africa and the Endocrinology Society.
In his personal life, Dr Cook finds joy in his family; he is married to Penny and has three adult children who are part of the South African diaspora. He is an avid sports enthusiast, engaging in activities such as stand-up paddle surfing, doubles squash, and Padel. Dr Cook’s artistic and creative side shines through his pursuits in pottery, photography, poetry, and fly-fishing, demonstrating a well-rounded and multifaceted personality. His contributions to both the medical field and his personal interests showcase a remarkable individual dedicated to improving healthcare and enriching his life through diverse experiences.