Worldwide Vision International Ophthalmology Opportunities

By Vinay A. Shah, MD (bio) and Srinivas Iyengar, MD

Introduction by Dr. Shah

According to the World Health Organization, 45 million people worldwide are blind — yet 80 percent suffer needlessly. Their blindness could have been prevented or treated. Ninety percent of the blind reside in the developing countries. ORBIS is a non-profit, global development organization, whose mission is to eliminate avoidable blindness in developing countries, by strengthening the capacity of local eye health partners to prevent and treat avoidable blindness. Through capacity building, their partners gain self-sufficiency in providing quality eye care, and residents enjoy quality treatment that is affordable, accessible and sustainable.

Capacity building encompasses:

Clinical training
Technical assistance
Institutional development
Community education
Behavioral change
Health care reform

ORBIS long-term capacity building projects are taking place in Bangladesh, China, Ethiopia, India, Vietnam, Peru and Jamaica. Additional projects are underway in many other countries around the globe. All projects are geared toward making a lasting impact and allowing activities to continue long after ORBIS assistance has ended.

When interviewing medical students for ophthalmology residency, a common question that we ask applicants "what are your long term plans in ophthalmology" or "why do you want to do ophthalmology" and at least 50% of the applicants' answers include "I would like help people in the developing world" be it by mission work or international work. However, by the end of residency, most individuals have placed that idea low on the priority list. Dr. Srinivas Iyengar is one of the few exceptions to the rule. After his residency at the University of Kansas, he dedicated one year of his life by working as a staff ophthalmologist with ORBIS international and made a difference in the lives of many patients by the "gift of sight". Dr. Iyengar is presently a first year ASOPRS fellow in Los Angeles, CA. Congratulations to him and we hope that many more of us will seek opportunities to improve vision around the world.

For more information on ORBIS, visit their website at: http://www.orbis.org/


International Ophthalmology Opportunities (By Srinivas Iyengar, MD)

So many of us choose to pursue a career in ophthalmology having heard the stories of applying our training abroad, but what opportunities are there for young ophthalmologists? For residents reviewing the Basic Sciences series, many may be surprised to know that there is actually another book that likely was not included in your set—no not the Master Index, but a full book on International Ophthalmology. I have yet to meet someone who traveled abroad, be it on a volunteer trip, or pursuing additional training that regretted the experience. The chance to meet and develop collegial relationships with people studying the same field, and often reading the same textbooks as you, on the other side of the globe is a delightful way of widening one’s perspective on the field as a whole. The impact of treating patients that would otherwise not get care is often equally amazing to the patient and the physician. That said, this section is primarily focused on what those opportunities are and how to get involved in international ophthalmology.

ORBIS International -- Flying Eye Hospital

ORBIS International (http://www.blogger.com/www.orbis.org) is a non-profit global development organization (NGO) whose goal is to eliminate preventable blindness through capacity building around the world. Each ORBIS program lasts 2 weeks and the general schedule involves a weekly screening day, where the best teaching cases are selected, followed by 3 days of operations and lectures, and usually a final symposium day.

What roles are there for a resident? Associate staff ophthalmologists usually join the team for 1-2 weeks. Associate staff ophthalmologist positions involve teaching surgical simulators, giving lectures, seeing patients, working closely with volunteer faculty from around the globe, and assisting the rest of the team in various duties. Emailing HR (hr@orbis.org) about 6-9 months prior to when you may be able to commit 1-2 weeks is the best way to begin applying. The application process may take a few months, between letters, visas, and other forms. Discussing potential funding options with your residency program will facilitate the process.

What roles are there for a graduating resident?

Staff ophthalmologist: As a member of the medical team on the ORBIS Flying Eye Hospital, the Staff Ophthalmologist facilitates the Flying Eye Hospital ocular disease programs in developing countries. He or she ensures that the predetermined medical objectives of the program are achieved by actively participating in the design, planning, implementation and evaluation of the Flying Eye Hospital programs.

This clinical, non-surgical position focuses on screening patients, teaching local medical staff, delivering patient care, conducting site planning visits, participating in the development and evaluation of specific program objectives, and performing hands-on administrative and logistical program preparation activities. It requires up to 45 weeks of worldwide travel per year, mostly to developing countries. Those interested in the position should consider applying near the start of their third year of residency and I would STRONGLY suggest applying as an associate ophthalmologist first, to better understand the role and responsibility.
For further information please contact: hr@orbis.org

Website: http://www.orbis.org/