Global Ophthalmology Leader Dr. David Khorram Appointed Senior Clinical Advisor
Earlier this month, Cure Blindness Project announced the appointment of Dr. David Khorram as Volunteer Senior Clinical Advisor, Residency & Quality (CARQ). A longtime leader in global ophthalmology and cataract surgery training, Dr. Khorram will help strengthen surgical training and quality initiatives across the organization’s global partner network while supporting ongoing efforts to expand access to high-quality cataract care worldwide.
Cure Blindness Project works alongside hospitals, residency programs, and ministries of health to expand access to high-quality cataract surgery in underserved regions. The creation of the Senior Clinical Advisor, Residency & Quality position reflects the organization’s commitment to continually strengthening surgical training standards and supporting implementing partners as they deliver sight-restoring care in communities around the world.
“Quality has always been central to our work,” said Dr. Matt Oliva, Cure Blindness Project Board Chair. “This position reflects the organization’s commitment to continually refining training standards and supporting implementing partners as they elevate the quality and quantity of sight-restoring care in underserved communities.”
Dr. Khorram currently serves on the organization’s Program Board Committee and, as CARQ, will help facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing between the committee and Cure Blindness Project staff. He will work closely with global programs and country teams—particularly in Ghana and Ethiopia—to strengthen the alignment of quality and residency initiatives.
In this volunteer role, Dr. Khorram will:
- Represent the organization’s goals and objectives for Quality and Residency programs, ensuring they are clearly communicated and understood by implementing partners.
- Work with global programs and country teams to strengthen and unify surgical program design and training systems.
- Ensure residency program faculty are familiar with Cure Blindness Project’s residency guidelines and expectations.
- Advise staff on partner resource needs related to surgical training and quality improvement.
- Provide guidance to teams responsible for quality metrics and program performance recommendations.
- Review curriculum design for cataract surgery skills development for residents and trainers.
- Serve as faculty in training workshops for residents, working closely with the tertiary training team.
- Collaborate with country staff to design and implement quality-focused training workshops.
Dr. Khorram, who is based in Portugal, brings extensive experience in global ophthalmology and surgical training. He currently serves as the Director of Global Ophthalmology at the University of Virginia and is co-founder and Medical Director of the Marianas Eye Institute. His work focuses on expanding access to cataract surgery, strengthening surgical training in low-resource settings, and combating global blindness, including significant program engagement in Ethiopia.
“Improving surgical quality and training systems is essential to ensuring patients receive safe, effective care,” said Dr. Khorram. “I’m honored to support Cure Blindness Project’s mission and work alongside its partners to continue strengthening cataract surgery programs around the world.”
This position is an unpaid, volunteer appointment, reflecting the deep commitment of global ophthalmology leaders who contribute their expertise to advance Cure Blindness Project’s mission of eliminating avoidable blindness.
