[The following announcement was submitted for publication to Kayhan Life by the family of the late Professor Hormoz Mirza Shams.]
It is with profound sorrow that we share, together with our beloved family, the passing of Professor Hormoz Mirza Shams—our cherished and distinguished uncle, a trailblazing figure in ophthalmology and a revered professor at the University of Medical Sciences, University of Tehran.
Born to Princess Nayer Afaq and Professor Mohammad Qoli Shams Malek Ara, Professor Hormoz Shams — widely recognized as the father of modern Iranian ophthalmology— carried forward a legacy of excellence and compassion. After completing his early education, he pursued studies in microbiology and microanatomy in the United States, followed by medical training in France. His specialization in ophthalmology led him to serve at the esteemed Hôpital National des Quinze-Vingts in Paris.
Encouraged by his father, he returned to Tehran prior to the 1979 Revolution and began his tenure at the Farabi Hospital. Over the years, he dedicated himself to the Farabi and Shariati Hospitals, conducting groundbreaking research on Behçet’s disease and sharing his findings at international conferences. His work extended to pediatric eye cancer and the ocular complications of leprosy, reflecting his deep commitment to advancing medical knowledge and patient care.
Professor Shams held leadership roles as a board member of the Iranian Ophthalmological Society and as editor-in-chief of the Iranian Ophthalmological Journal. In recognition of his lifelong contributions, he was honored with the Allameh Tabatabaei Award in 2012, along with numerous accolades from Europe and Australia.
Beyond his professional achievements, Professor Hormoz Shams was a man of warmth, generosity, and integrity. His kindness touched many, and his legacy will continue to inspire.
May his soul rest in peace.
