Global ophthalmology is a growing field essential to address avoidable blindness in the global community. According to the World Health Organization, half of the world’s 2.2 billion people who suffer vision impairment or blindness could be helped by treatment or surgery. Cataract surgery is considered the only global health intervention as effective as vaccinating children to alleviate human suffering.
Duke Global Ophthalmology (Duke GO) led by Lloyd Williams, MD, PhD, was formed to advance research, education, and access to eye care across the globe.
Fellowship Overview
Duke GO Fellowship was created to develop outstanding ophthalmologists trained specifically to advance global ophthalmology and contribute to curing blindness worldwide.
The fellow will be trained as a cornea fellow, but with required global travel and training. They will be trained in MSICS—manual small incision cataract surgery—and in trachoma surgery, both of which are highly uncommon at Duke. The Global Fellow will understand the global deficits in care and the differences between American and international eye care. They will also be expected to do a research project regarding a global challenge and travel to a foreign country to perform eye care.
Bonnie Sklar, MD, former Duke cornea fellow performing surgery at Connaught Hospital in Sierra Leone.
Eye bank training will be critical for the fellow to develop an especially thorough understanding of eye banking. Working with our partner, Miracles In Sight, the fellow will learn an eye bank’s inner workings and how to build and manage an eye bank in a foreign country.
Spencer Harris, MD, former Duke cornea fellow standing outside the Connaught Hospital in Freetown, Sierra Leone while on a trip with Dr. Williams.
Duke GO Fellows Blog
We are proud to offer a Global Ophthalmology fellowship beginning fall 2025. Follow along with us as Sheena Song, DO, our inaugural fellow shares her experience throughout the year.
Why Duke Global Ophthalmology?
Wrapping up my formal ophthalmology training with a global ophthalmology fellowship was a no brainer—after all, it’s what sparked my interest in the field in the first place. Choosing the right fellowship can seem overwhelming since global ophthalmology fellowships are inherently diverse and ever changing based on social landscapes. Here are some things that drew me to Duke GO as an applicant:
Duke GO at AAO Global Ophthalmology Summit 2025
Every year, I eagerly anticipate attending AAO’s Global Ophthalmology Summit. What began as an initial gathering of around 200 people in Park City, Utah in 2022 has evolved into a vibrant international community—most recently held at the 4th Global Ophthalmology Summit in Chicago. The global ophthalmology summit has always been a place of inspiration, fresh ideas, and a community that I proudly call “my people.”
First Global Ophthalmology Mission of the Year: Off to Guyana
This trip to Guyana marks the beginning of my global ophthalmology fellowship year with Duke University. Ever since I was a premed, I have eagerly looked forward to building a career inspired by international work. After years of medical school, residency, and fellowship, I can’t believe that this year is finally here! I look forward to an amazing year of growth, learning, and sharing.