Host an Ophthalmologist Program
As part of its commitment to education, the Host an Ophthalmologist Program assists ophthalmologists from developing countries with attending the Academy's annual meeting, so they can learn new knowledge, skills and techniques and then return home and share the information.
Hosts are Academy members, ophthalmic organizations, foundations and the ophthalmic industry. If interested in hosting an international guest, contact Wendy Ovaitt at wovaitt@aao.org or +1.415.447.0281.
Rotary Host Program
Through a partnership between the Academy and individual Rotary clubs/districts, carefully selected and highly talented ophthalmologists from developing nations are brought to the United States for a two-week educational, cultural and social immersion program, beginning in the sponsoring Rotary club's local community and concluding at the Academy's Annual Meeting.
The Rotary clubs ensure a wide range of avenues through which the guests can gain new professional insights -- including observing surgery in hospital operating rooms, visiting area ophthalmology offices and simply having one-on-one time to learn from colleagues from the United States and developing nations. In addition, they provide for different social and cultural activities so the guests have a flavor for life in their particular communities.
The program lives on long after the time in the United States. Not only do participants continue to share new information and skills with colleagues at home, they continue nurturing the relationships -- both personal and professional -- established during their stay.
The 2007 Rotary Host Project (PDF 285K) included six ophthalmologists who were sponsored by six Rotary clubs. Rotary clubs/districts that are interested in participating should contact Wendy Ovaitt at wovaitt@aao.org or +1.415.447.0281.
Project Wins ASAE Award
The Rotary Club Host Project was awarded the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE)'s "Associations Make a Better World Award" at ASAE’s Annual Meeting in Chicago in August 2007.
Kenneth D. Tuck, MD, chairman of the Rotary Club Task Force and Academy Past President, was on hand to accept the award.
