Medical Personnel Exchange Program

The main focus of the program is to provide training in modern cataract and intraocular lens implantation surgery techniques and the teamwork approach. World Cataract Foundation has trained 47 ophthalmologists, 2 nurses and 1 technician through this program.

Typically, the study program is for 3 months, but can be tailored for different length of time if necessary. The majority of the training takes place in Memphis Eye and Cataract Associates with Dr. Jerre Minor Freeman and Dr. Thomas Gettlefinger and their associates. If a visiting physician has a specialty area that they would like to learn more about, WCF will schedule visits with other ophthalmologists in Memphis. Some of the surgeons in Memphis area that partner with WCF are: Dr. Howard Beale, an ophthalmic plastic surgeon; Dr. Fred Hidaji, pediatric ophthalmologist; Dr. Peter Netland, glaucoma specialist; Dr. Steven Charles, a retina specialist; and Dr. Barrett Haik, Chariman, College of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tennessee.

Month One and Two:

• Clinic surgery and instrumentation/equipment orientations and reviews
• Surgery observation (2-3 days per week )
• Clinic observation ( 2-3 days per week )
• Reading and video program ( 1-2 afternoons per week )
• Practice surgery techniques on animal eyes (1/2 day per week )
• Attend other medical and social functions as opportunities arise

Month Three

In addition to above, incorporate visits to other local hospitals, and private offices to observe other specialties ( glaucoma, plastics, pediatrics, etc.).

Most Recent Visitors

Dr. Li Zenghi Xin Hua Hospital
April/May 1999
Shanghai, China

Dr. Jiang Qian Sino-American/Hua Shen Eye Center
September/October 1999
Shanghai, China

Dr. Juan Carlos Carrea-Sanchez Central Estatal de Oftalmologia
November 99/October 2000
Acapulco, Mexico

Dr. Quifang Cheng/People's Hospital
March/April 2000
Beijing, China

Dr. Ding Lin/Beijing Tongren Hospital
May 2000/October 2000
Beijing, China

Dr. Juan Raul Hernandez Silva/Ramon Pando Ferrer Hospital

July/August 2001

Havana, Cuba

Dra. Belkys Rodriguez Suarez/Ramon Pando Ferrer Hospital

September/October 2001
Havana, Cuba