Keeler presents scholarship to UK surgical specialist

Keeler has named British surgical specialist Richard Scawn as the recipient of its 2012 Keeler Scholarship, organised in conjunction with the Royal College of Ophthalmology.

The 30,000 pound award will allow Mr Scawn to travel to the University of California, San Diego for a fellowship in orbital and oculofacial plastic reconstructive surgery lasting two years.

During this time, he will gain expertise in endoscopic surgery, thyroid eye disease treatment and facial reconstruction, as well as participating in ongoing university research.

Mr Scawn said: "I am extremely grateful to Keeler for providing such a generous scholarship to make this experience possible. I look forward to utilising my knowledge and contributing to ophthalmology on my return to the UK."

This scholarship programme was established in 1990 and is awarded every two years, with 12 people having benefited from the scheme thus far.

Earlier this year, previous scholarship winner Rob Henderson was tasked with carrying out an eye examination on a silverback gorilla during his clinical fellowship at the Royal Victorian Ear and Eye Hospital in Melbourne.