EyeWorld India June 2020 Issue

NEWS & OPINION EWAP JUNE 2020 57 Contact information Kahook: malik.kahook@cuanschutz.edu Macdonald: susanmacdonaldeyecorps @gmail.com Pettey: jeff.pettey@hsc.utah.edu This article originally appeared in the March 2020 issue of EyeWorld . It has DGGP UNKIJVN[ OQFKƂGF CPF CRRGCTU here with permission from the ASCRS Ophthalmic Services Corp. by Vanessa Caceres EyeWorld Contributing Writer Global ophthalmology: A growing interest among eye surgeons W ith a growing interest in global ophthalmology, more eye surgeons want guidance on how to effectively participate in efforts to w}…Ì Lˆ˜`˜iÃà >˜` ۈȜ˜ impairment around the world. During the 2019 ASCRS ASOA Annual Meeting, several ophthalmologists shared insights during the symposium “Global Efforts in Addressing Avoidable Blindness and Models of Care/ Training.” Here are some highlights from three of the presenters to help surgeons turning their eye toward global ophthalmology. Expanding academic offerings A 2015 survey found that 63% of medical students in eyecare had a strong interest in global ophthalmology, said Jeff Pettey, MD. 1 “The question is, how do we give the residents the exposure that they want?” Dr. Pettey asked during his talk on academic-based global programs. Dr. Pettey described global ophthalmology programs as “the Wild West,” which he said is not a criticism. “There’s extraordinarily little in common with the programs. They can vary anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks, and can range from voluntourism to rigorous academics,” he said. At each university, the connection with global training can be as small as one person in the department with connections overseas to well-developed programs in various countries, such as what the John A. Moran Eye Center offers. Dr. Pettey suggested several ways to add structure to the global ophthalmology experience that residents have, ˆ˜VÕ`ˆ˜} ̅i ÕÃi œv ÀiyiV̈Ûi journals, deep research dives into global ophthalmology, trip reports, and the use of resources from the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Moran CORE (Clinical Ophthalmology Resource for Education). “As we build more robust «Àœ}À>“Ã] Üi ÃÌ>ÀÌ Ìœ w˜` Ü>Þà to help young people with their skills,” he said. Considering skillsets and a glaucoma wish list Malik Y. Kahook, MD, discussed questions that are important for any eye specialty abroad, although he focused his remarks on glaucoma. Finding answers to these questions can help surgeons and their global programs offer the most effective care. For instance, consider what resources may be available locally as this can differ È}˜ˆwV>˜ÌÞ L>Ãi` œ˜ ܅i̅iÀ it is an urban or rural location. In urban areas, just like in the 1°-°] ÞœÕ ˆŽiÞ ܈ w˜` “œÀi skilled surgeons and basic access to glaucoma medications. However, there may be limited access to skills transfer, and local doctors may not have access to the newest devices or techniques. In rural areas, there often are a limited number of trained surgeons and a higher number of patients with end- stage disease. When getting ready to go abroad, give some serious thought to your skillset, Dr. Kahook advised. Some volunteer programs may require a minimum number of years in practice out of fellowship, for example. Also, consider if you have a niche specialty/subspecialty. “One example is pediatric glaucoma. Concentrating on aspects where you are strongest will add a lot of value,” he said. Plan to communicate with surgeons onsite in advance œv ÌÀ>Ûiˆ˜} ̜ w˜` œÕÌ Ì…iˆÀ stressors, both clinically and economically. Ideally, you can continue to communicate with your new surgical contacts after the trip as well, so everyone can continue to teach and learn from each other. Sustainability is a major