Dr. Maria Fideliz De la Paz

Qualifications

• Doctorate in Medicine (PhD), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain (2016)
• Fellowship in Anterior Segment, Centro de Oftalmología Barraquer, Spain (2004–2007)
• Master’s in Anterior Segment, Institut Universitari Barraquer, Spain (2001–2003)
• Observership (AECI Scholar), Centro de Oftalmología Barraquer, Spain (2001–2002)
• Residency in Ophthalmology, East Avenue Medical Center, Philippines (1998–2000)
• Doctor of Medicine (MD), University of the Philippines Manila – Philippine General Hospital (1991–1996)
• Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Cum Laude), University of the Philippines Diliman (1987–1990)

Professional Memberships:

• Corresponding Member, Royal Academy of Physicians of Catalonia
• Member, Cornea Society (Member with Thesis)
• Member, European Dry Eye Society
• Steering Committee Member, Keratoprosthesis Study Group

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Areas of Expertise

• Cornea and Ocular Surface Disorders
• Keratoprosthesis (Boston, Osteo-Odonto, Tibial Bone)
• Dry Eye and Autoimmune Eye Diseases
• Ocular Oncology and Conjunctival Tumors
• Oculoplastic and Eyelid Surgery
• Refractive Surgery and Corneal Transplantation
• Amniotic Membrane and Blood-Derived Therapies

Dr. Maria’s recent publications include:

• Keratoprosthesis in dry eye disease, Sharma S, Donthineni PR, Iyer G, Chodosh J, de la Paz MF, Maskati Q, Srinivasan B, Agarwal S, Basu S, Shanbhag SS, Indian J Ophthalmol 2023.
• Anatomical and functional outcomes of Boston Type 1 Keratoprosthesis as Primary Penetrating Corneal Procedure in high-risk and non-high-risk cases. Lazaro-Rodriguez V, Barraquer RI, Julio G, Bolaños J, Alvarez de Toledo J, De la Paz MF. Greafe´s Arch Clin Ophth 2023
• Long-term anatomical and functional survival of Boston Type 1 keratoprosthesis in Congenital Aniridia. Dyer A, De Faria A, Julio G, Alvarez de Toledo J, Barraquer RI, De la Paz MF. Front Med (Lausanne). 2021
• Optisol-GS storage of cultured human limbal epithelial cells at ambient temperature is superior to hypothermic storage. Jackson CJ, Pasovic L, Raeder S, Amer S, Borghild R, De la Paz MF, Tonseth A, Utheim TP. Curr Eye Res. 2020

Brief Profile

Dr. María Fideliz de la Paz Dalisay is a globally respected expert in cornea and ocular surface surgery, with a subspecialty in keratoprosthesis and ocular oncology. She is currently a Consultant at Oftalvist Barcelona, and is widely recognized as the only surgeon in Spain and neighboring countries performing osteo-odonto and tibial bone keratoprosthesis procedures.

Dr. María received her medical degree and residency training in the Philippines, before earning a scholarship from the Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional for advanced ophthalmic training in Spain. She went on to complete a Master’s and Fellowship in Anterior Segment and earned her PhD with distinction from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona.

She has served as principal and sub-investigator in over 10 clinical trials and authored over 45 publications in international peer-reviewed journals, in addition to more than 20 book chapters. Her teaching contributions include surgical training in keratoplasty and keratoprosthesis and emergency ophthalmology courses.

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Research and Innovation

• Lead researcher in keratoprosthesis (Boston, osteo-odonto, tibial)
• Investigated limbal insufficiency, congenital aniridia, and autoimmune diseases of the eye
• Actively contributes to surgical advancements in ocular surface reconstruction

Recent publications include:

• Keratoprosthesis in dry eye disease, Sharma S, Donthineni PR, Iyer G, Chodosh J, de la Paz MF, Maskati Q, Srinivasan B, Agarwal S, Basu S, Shanbhag SS, Indian J Ophthalmol 2023.
• Anatomical and functional outcomes of Boston Type 1 Keratoprosthesis as Primary Penetrating Corneal Procedure in high-risk and non-high-risk cases. Lazaro-Rodriguez V, Barraquer RI, Julio G, Bolaños J, Alvarez de Toledo J, De la Paz MF. Greafe´s Arch Clin Ophth 2023
• Long-term anatomical and functional survival of Boston Type 1 keratoprosthesis in Congenital Aniridia. Dyer A, De Faria A, Julio G, Alvarez de Toledo J, Barraquer RI, De la Paz MF. Front Med (Lausanne). 2021
• Optisol-GS storage of cultured human limbal epithelial cells at ambient temperature is superior to hypothermic storage. Jackson CJ, Pasovic L, Raeder S, Amer S, Borghild R, De la Paz MF, Tonseth A, Utheim TP. Curr Eye Res. 2020

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Awards and Recognition

• Distinguished Keratoprosthesis Surgeon, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard University (2019)
• Corresponding Member, Royal Academy of Physicians of Catalonia (2021)
• ALCON Award for Best International Publication, Barraquer Eye Institute (2010, 2016)
• Research Travel Grant, European Vision for Eye Research (EVER), Slovenia (2008)

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