Dr. Md Iftekher Iqbal (Raju)

Consultant Ophthalmologist: Glaucoma and Cataract.

Doctor Biography

Dr. Md. Iftekher Iqbal is a highly acclaimed young ophthalmologist who has quickly risen to prominence as one of Bangladesh’s leading glaucoma specialists. He is honored as an APAO Young Ophthalmologist (YO) Rising Star by the Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology, reflecting his outstanding contributions to eye care. Dr. Iqbal serves as a Consultant Ophthalmologist specializing in Glaucoma, Cataract and Complex Anterior Segment Surgery at Bangladesh Eye Hospital (Mirpur and Uttara Branches), and is also a Consultant in the Glaucoma Department at Ispahani Islamia Eye Institute and Hospital. In addition to his clinical roles, he is a passionate educator actively involved in teaching and mentoring future Glaucoma Specialists and Cataract Surgeons from home and abroad at his institute.

After completing his M.B.B.S. at Ibrahim Medical College in Dhaka, Dr. Iqbal earned a Master of Surgery (M.S.) in Ophthalmology from Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU). He then pursued an intensive long-term surgical fellowship in Glaucoma at the country’s state-of-the-art subspecialty training institute, Ispahani Islamia Eye Institute and Hospital. This strong educational foundation underpins his expertise and innovative approach to patient care.

Dr. Iqbal has a wealth of experience in managing complex and challenging eye cases, mostly related to cataract, and glaucoma. He is highly skilled in advanced surgeries for glaucoma and cataract, including the use of Glaucoma Drainage Devices (GDD), pediatric glaucoma surgeries, and specialized laser procedures such as Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI), Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT), and cyclophotocoagulation. Notably, he is a pioneering figure in Bangladesh for cutting-edge glaucoma treatments – Dr. Iqbal introduced and popularized Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) in the country, and was the first to adopt the TrabEx+ system (a novel MIGS device) in routine surgical practice. By leading the charge with MIGS techniques like TrabEx+, Gonioscopy-Assisted Transluminal Trabeculotomy (GATT), Bent ab Interno Needle Goniotomy (BANG), he has improved treatment options for glaucoma patients nationwide. He regularly shares his surgical innovations and techniques on his dedicated YouTube channel, helping to educate peers and patients alike.

For his dedication to combating the “silent thief of sight” (glaucoma), Dr. Iqbal has earned recognition as a true thought leader. He was selected as a Young Glaucoma Expert (YGE) and currently serves as an Associate Board Member of the Asia-Pacific Glaucoma Society (APGS), representing Bangladesh in this international forum. He is also an Extraordinary Member of the European Glaucoma Society (EGS), underscoring his active engagement with the global ophthalmology community. His voice as an expert is often sought beyond the clinic – he has appeared on national television (ATN News’s health program “Live Prescription”) and has been featured in international ophthalmic media, including interviews with CAKE Magazine by Media MICE. In addition to his clinical and advocacy work, Dr. Iqbal remains an avid clinical researcher and ophthalmic photographer, continually exploring new frontiers in eye care and sharing insights to advance the field.

Research works:

  • - Focuses on clinical research in glaucoma and cataract, continually seeking better ways to manage these leading causes of visual impairment.
  • -Interested in ocular manifestations of systemic diseases and rare genetic disorders, reflecting a drive to understand and treat complex cases holistically.
  • - Achieved a national milestone as the first Bangladeshi ophthalmologist to publish a case on Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) in a PubMed-indexed journal, highlighting his commitment to advancing glaucoma care in Bangladesh.
  • - His innovative ideas have led to numerous publications in peer-reviewed, indexed journals.

Peer-reviewer:

Serves as a verified peer reviewer for several prestigious international journals, including:

  • - European Journal of Ophthalmology (SAGE Publishing)
  • - Case Reports in Ophthalmological Medicine (Wiley)
  • - Cureus (Springer Nature) – also recognized as a Cureus Laureate reviewer
  • - Clinical Case Reports (Wiley).
  • - Digital Journal of Ophthalmology (Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary)
  • - Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Journal (BSMMU)

Presentations:

Presented and showcased his research and surgical innovations at numerous national and international conferences, seminars, and webinars, including:

  • - Asia-Pacific Glaucoma Congress (APGC) – where he has been noted as one of the “movers and shakers” among young glaucoma specialists.
  • - Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO) Congress – speaker and poster presenter on glaucoma advancements
  • - European Society of Ophthalmology (SOE) Congress – representing Bangladesh on the European stage.
  • - Bangladesh Glaucoma Society (BGS) Conference – frequent presenter on emerging glaucoma treatments.
  • - Ophthalmological Society of Bangladesh (OSB) Conference – contributor to scientific sessions locally.
  • - Young Ophthalmologist (YO) forums and webinars (e.g., YO Global Connect by TNOA, BYOS International Webinar) – actively sharing knowledge with the next generation of eye specialists.
  • - Pan Ophthalmologica Online 2024 – invited speaker, underscoring his international reach.

Awards:

  • - APAO YO Rising Star 2024 – Recognized by the Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology for leadership and potential among young ophthalmologists.
  • - APAO Prof. Yasuo Tano Travel Grant 2024 (Bali, Indonesia) – Awarded a prestigious travel grant to attend and present at an international conference.
  • - APVRS Prof. Yasuo Tano Travel Grant 2024 (Singapore) – Received a travel grant from the Asia-Pacific Vitreo-retinal Society, emphasizing his contributions that bridge subspecialties.
  • - Dr. S. M. Masud Parvez Memorial Photo Contest Winner (2023) – Winner of the ophthalmic photography contest at the 8th BEH Annual Conference 2023 in Chittagong, showcasing his skill in medical photography.

Surgical Experiences

Beyond conventional cataract and glaucoma surgeries, Dr. Iqbal has hands-on expertise with advanced and specialized procedures (many of which are featured on his YouTube channel):

  • - Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS): Pioneering less invasive glaucoma procedures that improve patient recovery and outcomes.
  • - Glaucoma Drainage Devices (GDD): Proficient in implanting devices like shunts and valves for refractory glaucoma cases.
  • - Pediatric Glaucoma Surgeries: Experienced in delicate glaucoma operations for children, a rare skill set that prevents childhood blindness.
  • - Laser Procedures: Skilled in therapeutic lasers for glaucoma and other anterior segment diseases (including LPI, SLT, and transscleral cyclophotocoagulation).
  • - Lens-based Refractive Surgeries: With Premium IOLs.
  • - Complex Anterior Segment Surgeries: Capsular tension rings and segments, Yamane Technique, Belt-loop technique, Pupilloplasty, Iris Cerclage.

Contact/Links:

For more information or to follow Dr. Md Iftekher Iqbal’s work and updates, please visit:

Education

  • M.B.B.S. - Ibrahim Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
  • Master of Surgery (MS) in Ophthalmology - Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Experiences

  • Phaco Surgery
  • Trabeculectomy
  • Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS).
  • Glaucoma Drainage Devices (GDD).
  • Pediatric Glaucoma Surgeries.
  • Laser procedures (e.g., LPI, SLT, and cyclophotocoagulation).

Training

  • Long-term Fellowship in Glaucoma – Ispahani Islamia Eye Institute and Hospital, Dhaka (advanced surgical and clinical glaucoma training).
  • Assistant Registrar (Ophthalmology) – BIRDEM General Hospital, Dhaka (early career training with broad ophthalmic experience in a tertiary hospital setting).

Membership

  • Associate Board Member, Asia-Pacific Glaucoma Society (APGS): Active role in the Young Glaucoma Experts program, representing Bangladesh in this regional society.
  • Extraordinary Member, European Glaucoma Society (EGS): Part of a select group of members contributing to glaucoma care discussions in Europe.
  • Life Member, Bangladesh Glaucoma Society (BGS): Supporting national initiatives to fight glaucoma.
  • Life Member, Ophthalmological Society of Bangladesh (OSB): Involved in the country’s general ophthalmology community.
  • Registered Physician, Bangladesh Medical & Dental Council (BMDC): Holding an active medical license in Bangladesh.