The University of Iowa Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences continues to strengthen its role as a leader in global eye care, both by welcoming international colleagues to Iowa City and by contributing expertise at the recent Global Ophthalmology Summit in Chicago. This past August, the department hosted a series of distinguished global guests whose work spans continents and communities. Their visit offered faculty, trainees, and staff an invaluable opportunity to learn from professionals working on the front lines of international eye health.
On August 18, Dr. Sarah O’Connor, an ophthalmologist and epidemiologist who serves as a consultant for Orbis and as Director of Research for Advanced Center for Eyecare Global in Honduras, shared insights into expanding access to care in low-resource settings. Joining her was Lori Pacheco, RN, Associate Director of Volunteer Experience and Engagement at Orbis International, who spoke about the vital role of ophthalmic nurses worldwide. Together, their talk, “Orbis and University of Iowa, Partners in the Fight Against Preventable Blindness,” highlighted how collaboration fuels progress against avoidable vision loss.
Two days later, Professor Hugh Taylor, AC, MD, FRANZCO, delivered his lecture, “Global Eye Care and Indigenous Eye Health.” Widely recognized for his lifelong work to prevent blindness among underserved populations, Professor Taylor has advanced the fight against trachoma and onchocerciasis and will receive the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s prestigious Laureate Award in 2025.
On August 21, the department hosted Drs. Brighton Samoyo and Frederick Imamga from Zambia’s Zimba Eye Hospital. Dr. Samoyo, an ophthalmologist with nearly a decade of surgical and teaching experience, discussed unusual oculoplastics cases in rural Zambia. Dr. Imamga, an optometrist with a special interest in pediatric eye care, spoke on managing amblyopia in resource-limited settings. Their talks underscored the ingenuity and resilience of providers working in rural communities.
Reflecting on the week, Kanwal Matharu, MD, Co-Director of UI Global Eye, noted: “The people around the world doing the work are the most inspiring and generous. As Dr. Hugh Taylor said, these caregivers are with their people, in the dirt, giving hope where there would be none. I find that same spirit everywhere here throughout our department.”
Just days before hosting these visitors, Iowa ophthalmologists had already been contributing their expertise on a global stage. At the Fourth Global Ophthalmology Summit in Chicago, faculty and trainees joined colleagues from around the world to discuss innovation, advocacy, and collaboration in international eye care.
Dr. Matharu served as a panelist in the “Expanding Networks: The Power of Volunteer Work in Eye Health for Women” symposium and co-organized the “Advocacy for the Underserved” session. Dr. Erin Shriver, MD, FACS, also co-organized “Advocacy for the Underserved” and co-moderated “Advocacy for the Eye Health Team.” Keith Carter, MD, FACS, participated in multiple leadership roles, including serving as a panelist on “Advocacy for the Eye Health Team” and presenting insights on educational programs that prepare residents for international service.
At the Fourth Global Ophthalmology Summit in Chicago, Iowa faculty and trainees played a central role in shaping the conversation around advocacy and innovation. Dr. Kanwal Matharu contributed to discussions on the power of volunteer work in advancing women’s eye health and helped lead a session on advocacy for underserved populations. Dr. Erin Shriver also guided that session and co-moderated a conversation on the importance of teamwork in global eye health. Adding his perspective as a longtime leader, Dr. Keith Carter spoke about how Iowa’s educational programs prepare residents for international service, while also helping to lead a session devoted to the role of eye health teams.
Together, these efforts—hosting global guests in Iowa and engaging in international conversations at the Chicago summit—illustrate the department’s commitment to ensuring that eye care knows no borders. The University of Iowa community continues to extend its reach and amplify its impact, reaffirming that collaboration is the key to reducing preventable blindness worldwide.