Dr. Maria Fideliz de la Paz Dalisay is an ophthalmologist at the Oftalvist Barcelona and Oftalvist Tarragona clinics.
Education
- Doctor of Medicine and Surgery from the University of the Philippines.
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology (1987–1990): University of the Philippines, Diliman, Metro Manila, Philippines (state university, graduated cum laude).
- Degree in Medicine (1991–1996): University of the Philippines Manila – Philippine General Hospital, Manila, Philippines.
- Residency in Ophthalmology (1998–2000): East Avenue Medical Center, Metro Manila, Philippines (graduated as chief resident).
- Scholarship from the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation (AECI), granted by the Cervantes Institute in Manila for an observer role at the Barraquer Ophthalmology Center (2001–2002).
- Master’s in Anterior Segment (2001–2003) – Barraquer University Institute, Barcelona, Spain.
- Fellowship in Anterior Segment (2004–2007) – Barraquer Ophthalmology Center, Barcelona, Spain.
- PhD, Autonomous University of Barcelona (2016).
Professional Activity
Current Position: Anterior Segment Specialist at Oftalvist Barcelona and Tarragona clinics.
- Currently the only surgeon in Spain and neighboring countries performing osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis and tibial bone osteo-keratoprosthesis.
- The doctor was invited by the Philippine Cornea Society to perform the first osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis at St. Luke’s Medical Center in 2017–2018.
Teaching Activity
- Instructor for surgical training in keratoplasty and keratoprosthesis.
- Instructor for courses in ophthalmological emergencies, autoimmune diseases, and keratoprosthesis.
Research Activity
- Her main research activity has focused on keratoprosthesis (artificial cornea, including Boston keratoprosthesis, osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis, and tibial bone osteo-keratoprosthesis), congenital aniridia, limbal insufficiency, and dry eye syndrome.
- She has participated as principal investigator and co-investigator in over 10 clinical trials.
Awards
Key awards in the ophthalmologist’s professional career:
- European Vision for Eye Research/EVER (European counterpart of ARVO) Travel Research Grant awarded for Slovenia, 2008.
- ALCON Award for Best Publication in an International Peer-Reviewed Journal, Barraquer Eye Institute, 2010.
- ALCON Award for Best Publication in an International Peer-Reviewed Journal, Barraquer Eye Institute, 2016.
- Distinguished Keratoprosthesis Surgeon Award from Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard University, 2019.
Publications
Author of 45 publications in international peer-reviewed journals and over 20 chapters in national and international books.
Memberships
Member of the following associations:
- Cornea Society (member with thesis).
- European Dry Eye Society.
- Keratoprosthesis Study Group (member of the steering committee).
Areas of Interest
Her main areas of interest are dry eye syndrome, conjunctivitis, blepharitis, artificial cornea (keratoprosthesis), conjunctival tumors, autoimmune diseases, chemical burns, blood derivatives for the treatment of ocular surface pathologies, and amniotic membrane.
Languages
Spanish, English, Tagalog, French, Italian, Portuguese, and Arabic.
Pathologies treated
- Blepharitis
- Boston keratoprosthesis
- Conjunctival tumours
- Corneal dystrophies
- Dry eye
- Keratoconus
- Pterygium and pinguecula
- Vernal conjunctivitis