Conferences that Shape the Future of Eye Care
In 2025, Cure Blindness Project staff and partners are active participants in scientific conferences. This August, attendees contributed to the Global Ophthalmology Summit in Chicago and COECSA in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Opportunities like these are vital for professional development and growth, to stay current and expand knowledge, for networking and collaboration, and to gain insights into industry trends and innovations as well as other benefits.
US-based conferences also present opportunities for partner doctors to participate in US-based observerships (learning new techniques by watching) immediately before or following a conference.
Global Ophthalmology (GO) Summit (Chicago)
Cure Blindness Project co-founder Dr. Geoff Tabin along with this year’s Stanford Global Ophthalmology Fellow Dr. Blake Snyder joined other thought leaders in Chicago at the 4th annual Global Ophthalmology Summit in Chicago. Multiple research posters were presented by Cure Blindness Project volunteers that contributed to the overall content and success of the 3-day meeting.
- Long-time partner Dr. Hugh Taylor was awarded the Visionary Award for his lifelong contributions to the field of global ophthalmology. He also participated on multiple panel discussions.
- Past Cure Blindness Project global fellow, Dr. Kanwal D. Matharu moderated a conference discussion on Advocacy for the Underserved.
- Dr. Hornametor Afake attended an observership rotation with Dr. Abenet Michael and Dr. Ahmed Aref at the University of Illinois Chicago after attending the GO Summit.
- Dr. Vera Adobea Essuman attended an observership with Dr. Jakpor at University of Michigan’s Kellogg Center after attending the GO Summit. Dr. Essuman also served as a conference panelist.
- Dr. Abeba Tesfay Gessessew attended a pediatric observership with Dr. Daniel Maidana at University of Illinois Chicago after attending the GO Summit where she won the Hunter Cherwek, MD Award for her research “Barriers to Essential Eye Care Services Among Visually Impaired Individuals in Conflict-Affected Tigray, Ethiopia”.
COECSA (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia)
*College of Ophthalmology of Eastern, Central and Southern Africa
Hosted in Ethiopia’s capital city of Addis Ababa, Cure Blindness Project staff and partners joined ophthalmologists and eye care professionals for a 3-day conference to learn from selected research, to attend both didactic and hands-on trainings, and to network and strengthen new and existing partnerships.
Dr. Geoff Tabin was one of the 12th Annual Congress’ highlighted speakers. Cure Blindness Project Program Chief Josie Noah and Ethiopia Team member Dr. Liknaw Adamu moderated insightful discussions with area leaders. COECSA recognized Cure Blindness Project for its role in organizing the conference and its sponsorship of COECSA exams for residents.
Six research projects supported by Cure Blindness Project grants were presented.
- Dr. Getasew Nurie Bogale (Hawassa University): “Barriers to Cataract Surgery Utilization among Rural Patients in Aleta Wondo District, Sidama Region, Southern Ethiopia” (poster)
- Dr. Meseret Ejegu (Addis Abba University): “Preliminary results from the National Ethiopian Multicenter Eye Injury and Trauma Project”
- Dr. Kirubel Tesfaye Luiseged (Addis Ababa University): “anti-VEGF Treatment Outcome of Neovascular Age Related Macular Degeneration: A Low-Income Country Experience”
- Dr. Tewedros Mengesha Newatu (Hawassa University): “Biometry Prediction Error and Determinants among Patients after Cataract Surgery” (poster)
- Dr. Sadik Taju Sherief (Addis Abba University): “The SECURE Study: Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS) Efficacy in Campaign vs Urban-Hospital-Based settings in Ethiopia”
- Dr. Abeba Tesfey (Mekelle University): “Barriers to Essential Eye Care Services Among Visually Impaired Individuals in Conflict-Affected Tigray, Ethiopia”
Country Director Dr. Zelalem Habtamu was a member of the COECSA Organizing Committee and headed the resource mobilization sub-committee which allowed the Ethiopia team to play a significant role in COECSA’s success.
