Pakistan Institute of Ophthalmology (PIO) is the academic wing of Al- Shifa Trust Eye Hospital. Concept of PIO was evolved in 1992 to have own set up for human resource development and availability of trained manpower for the hospital.

Construction of PIO started in 1992 and was completed in 1994 at a cost of Rs.100 million. Formal inauguration was done on 25 Sep 1997 by then President of Pakistan Farooq Laghari

PIO imparts training in ophthalmology, optometry and orthoptics, public health, ophthalmic technicians, Bio medical technicians, ophthalmic nurses and ophthalmic nursing assistants.  

Training program for resident doctors include: FCPS Part II, DOMS, Sub Speciality Fellowship in Paeds, Retina, Glaucoma etc

PIO is affiliated with:

• Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) Islamabad for Diploma in Ophthalmology Medicine and Surgery (DOMS) and Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH)
• With College of Physician and Surgeon Pakistan (CPSP) for post graduate FCPS Course
• With Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PM&DC) for FCPS and DOMS courses
• With National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) for paramedic courses
• With University of Health Sciences (UHS) for BSc (Hons) Optometry and Orthoptics course
• With Punjab Medical Faculty (PMF) for Ophthalmic Technician course