Why Global Ophthalmology (GO-E)?
More than 2.8 million people, worldwide, are visually impaired or blind. Global Ophthalmology - Emory (GO-E) was established in 2011 by clinicians who wanted to address this gnawing public health statistic.
For more than a decade, GO-E has addressed the ongoing disparities in vision care among under-resourced populations in Georgia and around the world. The program has partnered with like-minded organizations like the Emory Global Health Residency Scholars program, Georgia Vision 2020 and countless charitable foundations to deliver high-quality eye care, train ophthalmologists, and to leave behind a sustainable infrastructure for future care.
What does GO-Emory do?
With support from Emory University, local partners, and multiple charitable organizations, GO-Emory provides trained clinicians, direct patient care and program planning to enhance vision health in three ways:
Patient care and outreach
Each year, we bring physicians and technicians to under-resourced communities around the world. By establishing local clinics, working in existing ones, building new medical facilities, and training local medical professionals, the program ensures the sustainability of our efforts.
Education
GO-E educates patients in under-resourced communities on how to address their impaired vision and to maintain regained or enduring vision health. The program also offers the select ophthalmic residents and fellows a chance to teach and work alongside their vision care colleagues in other countries. The program also welcomes visiting fellows, residents, and ophthmalogical students to the Emory Campus for continued mentorship.
The GO-E Fellowship program offers medical school graduates, residents, and fellows a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of ophthalmological care through the lens of an internationally based learning experience. The Emory University School of Medicine offers a Global Track of Distinction for residents who seek to develop clinical, and academic skills that will enable them to practice in resource-limited settings.
Research
Partnering with the research team at Emory University, GO-E fellows have tailored their research to address the burden and causes of blindness in other regions of the world, focusing particularly on the development of sustainable, culturally appropriate approaches to treatment and prevention of vision loss.
Who is GO-E?
Currently administered by Jacquelyn O’Banion, MD, MSc, the GO-E program directly engages eight practicing ophthalmologists from the Emory Department of Ophthalmology. We also involve Emory ophthalmic residents and ophthalmic specialty fellows, who contribute to programs that align with their training. Each year, charitable organizations, NGOs, and public health groups from around the world support our mission through collaboration and support.
Where is Global Ophthalmology Emory?
Over the course of 10+ years, GO-Emory has worked with thousands of medical students, residents, doctors and patients of all ages. Our goal – to increase access to vision care and to address vision impairment – is always the same. But no one project is the same. Partnering with local organizations and physicians, we develop an approach and a strategy that is as unique as the people we serve. Here are some of our current and previous projects