Host an Ophthalmologist
"Host an Ophthalmologist" assists ophthalmologists from developing countries to attend the Academy's Annual Meeting, where they learn new skills and techniques. The information is then shared with colleagues upon their return home.

Hosts are Academy members, ophthalmic organizations, foundations and the ophthalmic industry. If interested in hosting an international guest, contact the Academy's International Outreach Department at intoutreach@aao.org.

Rotary Club Host Project
The host project is a collaborative effort of the Academy and individual Rotary clubs/districts to provide educational opportunities. Every fall carefully selected ophthalmologists from developing nations are brought to the United States for two weeks. The program begins in the community of the sponsoring Rotary club/district and concludes at the Academy's Annual Meeting.

Rotarian host, Baxter McLendon, MD
with Kham Khoune Holanouphap, MD, from Laos
Sponsored by the Sea Island Rotary Club, Beaufort, SC

A Wide Range of Opportunities
The Rotary Clubs ensure a wide range of opportunities for guests to gain new professional insight, such as:

• observing surgery in hospital operating rooms;
• visiting area ophthalmology offices; and
• simply having one-on-one time to learn from colleagues.

In addition, the clubs offer social and cultural activities. Learn more about the 2010 Rotary Club Host Project (PDF 531K).

After the United States
The program lives on long after a participant's visit to the United States. Not only do they continue to share information and skills with their colleagues at home, they nurture the professional and personal relationships established during their stay.

We are grateful for the additional support provided by the International Retinal Research Foundation in memory of their founder, Alston Callahan, MD, FACS.

Contact
Rotary clubs/districts that are interested in participating should contact the Academy's International Outreach Department at intoutreach@aao.org.

 
From left: Rotarian host, Kenneth Tuck, MD;
Lala Ceklic, MD, PhD from Bosnia and Herzegovina
(Sponsored by the Roanoke, VA Rotary Club and the IRRF);
IRRF Executive Director Sandra Blackwood, MPA