Photography in this article is by: Chris Hildreth/Rooster Media
Building a program with the power to transform people’s lives and economies worldwide.
Recent statistics on global blindness are dramatic and tell a complex story. A story that begins with 36 million; the number of people around the world who are living with blindness. Most of these individuals — nearly 90 percent —reside in low resource countries where corrective medical treatments are not readily available.
Collectively, the most common causes of vision impairment and blindness in emerging nations are conditions familiar to patients in developed countries; issues such as cataracts, glaucoma, corneal trauma and uncorrected refractive errors like astigmatism or myopia. Regrettably, when they go untreated, these disorders often have devastating effects on a person’s overall health and wellness, as well as on the social and economic circumstances of their family and community. In short, sight loss and the lack of accessible eye care contribute to a cycle of poverty and the potential onset of other debilitating health conditions.
Fortunately, the story doesn’t have to end here. There is hope. Over half of those 36 million people could have their sight completely restored through procedures that can be performed for less than $100 (the average American’s monthly coffee allowance). What’s more, according to the World Health Organization, for an estimated $15 billion, needless blindness worldwide could be solved and glasses provided to the nearly 371 million people whose vision is impaired.
In response to this large-scale need for skilled ophthalmologists and transformative care, the Duke Eye Center has launched Duke GO — the Division of Duke Global Ophthalmology. Led by corneal specialist, Lloyd Williams, MD, PhD, Duke GO is aiming to make a positive and lasting impact on eye health worldwide, bridging the gap by offering essential treatments and training doctors to become warriors in the fight against preventable blindness.
Visionary Leadership
At the forefront of this progressive initiative are distinguished doctors whose vision and commitment are helping shape the future of global ophthalmology. Williams — with support from Duke Eye Center and in partnership with passionate colleagues including glaucoma specialist, Leon Herndon, Jr., MD and cataract surgeon Anupama Horne, MD, — is spearheading Duke GO. This extraordinary team is dedicated to building a program that transcends borders and delivers solutions to the problem of preventable blindness through direct patient care, formal education and training and a sustainable infrastructure.
The Joy of Vision
From Honduras and South Sudan to Sierra Leone and Nepal, hands-on patient care is of utmost importance in countries where there is a lack of skilled ophthalmologists.
“On my first trip to Honduras, we conducted surgeries, provided clinical care to patients in need of basic eye health screenings and offered much-needed medicines that are otherwise not readily available,” shared Horne. “This year I am excited to return — leading a talented and committed team comprised of two fellow surgeons, three technicians and three O.R. nurses. Together, we’ll conduct operations and routine treatments that will make a huge difference in the lives of individuals with emerging conditions that may not have otherwise been detected or addressed.”
Duke GO is helping bring the joy of vision to thousands suffering unnecessarily with diminishing eyesight made worse by the lack of diagnosis or available treatments. Despite challenging conditions, intricate surgical procedures including corneal transplants, cataract surgeries and glaucoma therapies are delivering extraordinary results — restoring vision and the hope of a bright future to patients and their families.
Skilled Training
The mission of Duke Ophthalmology is “curing eye diseases worldwide through excellence in research, training and patient care.” Through Duke GO, the opportunity to fulfill this commitment has never been greater.
"Our objective is to enable local doctors with the knowledge and skills to make a real difference in the lives of fellow citizens who are suffering from treatable eye conditions," said Williams. “Through collaboration and education, we are creating a powerful network of global ophthalmologists dedicated to combating preventable blindness."
By way of regular face-to-face training and partnering with in-country physicians and institutions in locations like South Sudan, Roatan and Sierra Leone, Williams and other Duke GO leaders are changing patient outcomes today and for the future. For example, Herndon, who currently serves as the president of the American Glaucoma Society, has teamed up with experts nationwide to teach surgical techniques – virtually – to ophthalmologists in Nigeria who are treating glaucoma patients.
“The need for adequate eye care is everywhere, and through our teaching we are creating access to proper diagnoses and treatment which will close the gap between the haves and have nots,” shared Herndon. “For nearly 30 years, I’ve been privileged to take an active role in preparing the next generation of physicians – I’m thrilled to be part of a passionate team who’s helping to change lives through empowerment.”
Building the Future
A robust infrastructure is crucial for the success of the Duke GO division. Active participation by Duke Eye Center specialists in pediatrics, corneal disease, glaucoma and retinal disease, the addition of a staff assistant and the potential for a formal fellowship program is providing the fuel necessary to power the global ophthalmology program for years to come.
“As we generously invest in Duke GO and the division continues to evolve and thrive, I envision a future where preventable blindness is minimized, if not eliminated,” shared Williams. “Through ongoing research, partnerships and outreach, we can impact lives and become a catalyst for positive change on a global scale.”