Working in proximity to many trainees through YoungMD Connect, BMC’s platform for young and aspiring ophthalmologists, I regularly hear that one of the most appealing aspects of ophthalmology is its community feel. People in the field are perceived as welcoming, connected, and collegial. Although community may seem synonymous with closeness, the concept itself may be broader than that.
For some, community is not defined solely by shared geography, nationality, or other social or cultural ties. In this issue of GT, ophthalmologists recount experiences in which they traveled abroad to serve and support others from different backgrounds, in different settings, and with different resources—but with a common goal to combat blindness. The anecdotes and photographs they share are snapshots of comprehensive initiatives and continuous collaborations. For example, after observing unmet needs in trabeculectomy care in Bali, Oluwatosin Smith, MD, is now working to establish a program within her home practice to address this obstacle. Annette L. Giangiacomo, MD, communicates regularly with providers she has met on past trips to remain an active part of their support team. Shawn Gulati, MD, MPH, is participating in a dedicated global ophthalmology fellowship.
While ophthalmologists are a tight-knit group, the ophthalmic community, for some, is expansive. I hope you enjoy learning more about these select outreach efforts and feel more informed and connected to the world of ophthalmology as a result.
