The Department of Ophthalmology at Gulab Devi Teaching Hospital in Lahore was formally established in 2017. The department stands as a fully functional and integral unit within the hospital’s multidisciplinary framework. Under the leadership of Prof. Arshad Mahmood, the department has evolved into a comprehensive eye care centre, addressing a wide spectrum of ophthalmic conditions through both medical and surgical interventions. In 2020, the department achieved a significant milestone by securing accreditation for Membership of the College of Physicians and Surgeons (MCPS) training, enhancing its role in postgraduate medical education. This accreditation complements its existing educational programs, which include undergraduate training for MBBS students, as well as specialized courses for optometry, ophthalmic technicians, and operation theatre technicians. 

The department’s core functions encompass outpatient services, inpatient care, and a range of surgical procedures. Common surgeries performed include phacoemulsification for cataract removal, squint correction, ptosis repair, dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR), and pterygium excision. Additionally, the department has established a low vision clinic equipped with specialized instruments, addressing a critical need in the region.