WHAT is Global Eye SITE?
Global Eye SITE® is an innovative program that began at The Samuel & Ethel Balkan International Pediatric Glaucoma Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. Since 2016, Global Eye SITE® has hosted skilled surgeons in areas of need from around the globe to train in the treatment and management of Pediatric Glaucoma. However, the need for trained surgeons is ever growing.
HOW does it work?
We recognize that observers make a significant commitment by stepping away from their medical practice and family. This training is essential — without it, surgeons are unlikely to acquire these critical skills.
CGRN seeks to have a lasting and growing impact on reducing preventable blindness due to glaucoma worldwide by building local capacity. The Global Eye SITE® program promotes a culture of continuous learning by creating a referral network to tertiary care in a geographic region dedicated to saving the sight and changing the lives of children with glaucoma. The program’s curriculum includes the workup and clinical surgical management of childhood glaucoma, and pediatric ocular syndromes and genetics, by giving participants the opportunity of hands-on training with leading surgeons in the field in high patient volume settings.
WHO is a candidate?
Application to this program is open to all qualified candidates with a commitment and the ability to teaching in their home country.
Participants are given the opportunity to observe leading surgeons in the operating room and clinic, access a library of surgical videos and textbooks, and practice with model eyes and donor tissue in a DryWet Lab setting with one-on-one training.
Eligibility
Applicants should be early-to-mid career ophthalmic surgeons with training in either adult and/or pediatric intra-ocular surgery and associated with a university teaching program. Candidates must provide an official letter of support from their department chair, and surgery logs and videos. Additionally, candidates must provide a cover letter describing the challenges faced when caring for children with glaucoma in your region and what your plans are to impact care back home.
Dates
February thru October are the best months for Global Eye SITE® Observer candidates to attend due to holidays and seasonal conference travel.
Program
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Three-month International Observer - Early-to-mid career ophthalmic surgeons. A preference is given to this commitment as it offers the most complete training and has the highest impact.
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Four-week National Observer - Limited to qualified ophthalmic surgeons in rural communities across the United States.
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ORBIS Observer - By invitation only. Comprised of a two-week program at a participating Global Eye SITE along with a two-week program at University of California, Davis. This program pivots around the annual ophthalmology meeting (AAO) schedule. Application is processed via Dr. Jamie Brandt at UCD.
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A personalized curriculum can be created to adapt for skills and time.
Academic Commitments
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Online learning obligations prior to arrival: textbooks and surgical videos
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Home Academic Presentations: program and referral themed
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Progress Reports: following training observers are expected to provide impact reports and case presentations (including suitable photos. if appropriate).
Service & Voluntary Commitments
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The observer is expected to return to their home country and participate in efforts to share their knowledge, skills and management of the disorder.
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Membership and active participation in CGRN.
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Time and service to charity clinics is highly encouraged.
Applicants should have strategic access to other physicians caring for children by means of a personal network and formal professional association. Most importantly, applicants must be committed to establishing a dedicated pediatric glaucoma service for their community at large.
Donor Funded
The program is made possible through the generous support of donors, and scholarships may cover housing, airfare, and ground transportation. Because funding is limited, candidates are also encouraged to seek sponsorship from their home institution or community donors..