Amy S. Chomsky, MDAssociate Professor of

Ophthalmology

InceptionNovember 2009Chair of The Vanderbilt Eye Institute

(VEI),Paul Sternberg, wanted to have VEI involved in an international humanitarian outreach project

The VEI Humanitarian Global Outreach Committee was formed- January 2010

VEI Humanitarian Global Outreach CommitteeAmy Chomsky, Appointed ChairCommittee Members: Denis O’Day, Laura

Wayman, Brian Carlson, Sarah Reynolds, Edward Cherney, Jeffrey Kammer, Stephen Kim, David Calkins, Janet Nicotera

GoalsProvide eye service to an underserved

underprivileged population in an international setting.

Instill a sense of global healthcare service to VEI staff, faculty and residents.

Potential for training of local physicians and staff

Potential for researchPotential for resident/medical student

rotation

Why Haiti?NeedVanderbilt Institute of Global Health’s

involvement in Haiti- Les Centres GHESKIO

Denis O’Day, MD, former VEI chair is actively involved in health care initiative in Haiti: Visitation Hospital in Petite Riviere de Nippes

GHESKIO

In Port-au-PrinceHistory of Vanderbilt and Cornell

collaboration with GHESKIOAlready working with Visitation Hospital in

HIV outreach testingCommitted to: SERVICE, RESEARCH,

TRAINING

Visitation HospitalIn Petite Riviere de NippesVisitation Hospital Foundation (VHF)-

Founded in 1999. Its first componentThe Visitation Outpatient Clinic, opened its

doors in January 2008. 250,000-300,000 otherwise without access to

healthcareDr Denis O’Day vice chair of the board of

VHF

Denis O’Day, MD Paul Sternberg, MD William Pape, MD

Eye Care needsNo sound epidemiological statistics

availableHigh prevalence of Glaucoma, Diabetes,

HIVUV exposure issues- Pingecula, Pterygia,

CataractsHyperopia> myopiaPresbyopia- OTC readers

Over-all PlanSet up a clinic in Port-au-Prince at

GHESKIOOutreach clinic to Visitation Hospital-

every few monthsPeriodic trips by VEI Ophthalmologists to

see patients and perform surgery.Have a local Haitian Ophthalmologist

funded at GHESKIO in collaboration with VEI

Set up screening devices that can be used for telemedicine

Outpatient Services to be provided:Comprehensive eye

examinations/screeningsProvide spectacles, medical glaucoma

treatment, infectious disease treatmentSurgical services- Cataracts, Pterygia,

Oculoplastics, Strabismus, Lasers, Injections, prosthesis

Low vision

Teaching and Mentoring

Work with local Ophthalmology community (SHO and the medical school training program)- help support speakers, symposia, etc

? Help with the training of a Haitian Ophthalmology residents

? Train ancillary support staff that can: assist the physician and train others to be assistants.

Also support local Ophthalmologists with equipment up-keep/service

The TimelineTo date we have made four trips and have seen

approximately 300 patients- both at GHESKIO and Visitation Hospital

Provided medications, glasses, performed several lasers

Brought an Ophthalmic equipment Technician on most recent visit who performed ophthalmic equipment maintenance locally

Equipment for the clinic has arrived through customs

Space under construction for clinic and OR now at GHESKIO

Interviewing of potential Haitian Ophthalmologist

BudgetVEI is committed to at least two years of

funding- the hope is with success of the program, this will be expanded.

Have had some donations already to date: Plan is for potential future fundraising as the program grows.

**Although the plan is initially part-time, the hope is to expand to fulltime.

ChallengesFundsShipping/CustomsOngoing stocking of supplies/medicationsDonations- Fundraising and industry supportTraining

Visit to SHO Clinic- November 2011

Special Thanks!William Pape, MDBrigitte Hudicourt, MDFranz Large, MDNancy Martelly Garnier, MDPascale Pelissier Auguste, MDPaul Sternberg, MDArmie Harper, MDDenis O’Day, MDAbel VillarrealJanet NicoteraBrian Carlson