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  • Providing Resources to Physicians From Around the World

    Through the Rotary Club Host Project, selected ophthalmologists from developing nations visit the United States for two weeks, ending their stay at the Academy’s annual meeting. Participants posed for a photo in the exhibit hall during AAO 2018.

    Through global outreach programs, the Academy provides support for ophthalmology residents in developing nations with limited educational resources. By connecting physicians to global training opportunities and providing access to innovative tools and resources, we’re investing in a much brighter future for these individuals and the profession.

    Notable achievements in 2018 include:

    • Granted ONE Network access to 46,922 ophthalmologists in 64 developing countries.
    • Distributed more than 400 tote bags full of Academy books and DVDs to AAO 2018 attendees from developing countries.
    • Increased use of the Global Ophthalmology (GO) Guide, a valuable resource for planning international ophthalmology projects and regional management of specific diseases and conditions. The guide also includes the Global Directory of Training Opportunities, a listing of fellowships and observerships for members in training.
    • Provided 275 full sets of the 13-volume BCSC® (Basic and Clinical Science Course™) through the Education Distribution Project — 165 sets were sent in partnership with the International Council of Ophthalmology.

    Supporting ophthalmologists from developing nations

    The Rotary Club Host Project is a collaborative effort between the Academy and individual Rotary Clubs to provide educational opportunities to ophthalmologists from developing nations. Carefully selected ophthalmologists are brought to the United States for two weeks. The program begins in the community of the sponsoring Rotary Club and concludes at the Academy’s annual meeting. Since the Rotary Club Host Project’s start in 2000, we have:

    • Hosted 132 guests (10 this year)
    • Provided educational opportunities to ophthalmologists from 61 countries (four new countries in 2018 — Gabon, Micronesia, Niger and Mozambique)
    • Partnered with 34 Rotary Clubs

    The program’s impact outlasts the participants’ visit to the U.S. Not only do they continue to share information and skills with their colleagues at home, they also nurture the professional and personal relationships they established during their stay.