By collaborating with international institutions, supporting student-led initiatives, and launching innovative programs for doctors from developing nations, the University of Iowa’s (UI) Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences is enhancing eye care access and quality for underserved populations worldwide, including in its own backyard.
Under the leadership of Dr. Kanwal Matharu, co-director of UI Global Eye, the department is forging connections with institutions across the globe, including a collaboration with India's prestigious LV Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI). This initiative has provided transformative experiences for medical students like Aditya Somisetty.
"My time at LVPEI was a turning point in my journey toward global ophthalmology, showcasing the transformative power of low-cost, innovative solutions for preventable eye diseases in underserved communities," said Somisetty, a second-year medical student. "Observing how a quick, reproducible procedure can profoundly enhance a patient's life, especially in resource-limited areas, underscored the field's unique potential."
The department's global efforts also extend to Africa, where medical students like Brian Young are engaging in cutting-edge research on conditions like juvenile glaucoma. Working alongside faculty mentors Dr. John Fingert and Dr. Olusola Olawoye, Young sees great value in the department's international collaborations.
"Borders are just lines in the sand, and countless people need our help right now," said Young, a second-year medical student. "There's a place for you in this community, and no matter how you choose to contribute, you'll find many people eager to support you."
Young also emphasizes the importance of local-global ophthalmology through his volunteer work with local underserved communities. "Patients receive care through several outreach clinics, including the University of Iowa Mobile Clinic, KidSight, Operation Hawkeyesight, and the Free Eye Clinic. These organizations provide services including free surgery, medical devices, exams, medication, and follow-up to individuals. Volunteering at these locations, and being able to speak Spanish, has deepened my understanding of healthcare disparities in other countries and strengthened my passion to make a difference abroad. Though the world is vast, I have found that I can effect global change right here in Iowa."
Dr. Kanwal Matharu, who joined the department in 2023 as an assistant professor and member of the Cornea Service, brings a wealth of experience in global ophthalmology. After completing his medical education and training at McGovern Medical School, Baylor’s Cullen Eye Institute, and fellowships at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and Stanford University, Dr. Matharu has been instrumental in expanding UI’s global eye care initiatives.
Dr. Matharu has a strong background in global eye care, having completed a global ophthalmology fellowship this past year at Stanford and working with the Himalayan Cataract Project, a major nonprofit in the field. "Since I've been at Iowa, I keep pinching myself because in a very neat and tidy way, all the different things I've been studying are coming to fruition and coming together in synergistic ways,” said Matharu.
Dr. Matharu emphasizes the importance of building relationships with local communities to create sustainable eye care systems, as well as the critical role of education.
"What I saw during my global ophthalmology fellowship was the global yearning for more education, and Iowa has been one of the best educational institutions—not only for ophthalmology but also in terms of our eye banking and just the ethos here—it's second to none."
"In academia, there are three parts: direct patient care, research, and education. What I saw during my global ophthalmology fellowship was the global yearning for more education, and Iowa has been one of the best educational institutions—not only for ophthalmology but also in terms of our eye banking and just the ethos here—it's second to none."
Dr. Matharu envisions Iowa becoming a global leader in ophthalmology over the next two decades, beginning with establishing the university as a training hub for physicians from low- and middle-income countries. His long-term strategy involves building partnerships with institutions in developing regions to strengthen local care standards and create a replicable model for global eye care programs. The department's reputation has already opened doors. "Because of Iowa's prestige in ophthalmology, we were invited to participate in the Global Ophthalmology Consortium," said Matharu. "Though we're just starting to organize our international efforts, we're already engaging at the national level."
"The goal is to develop solutions that resonate within each community, whether in India or rural Iowa."
"The goal is to develop solutions that resonate within each community, whether in India or rural Iowa," said Somisetty. "True change in healthcare arises from addressing barriers to access and empowering local providers."
For the University of Iowa, this work underscores its commitment to global health and education, demonstrating the far-reaching benefits of academic and medical collaboration. UI’s International Programs office plays a crucial role in facilitating these global partnerships, assisting with Memorandums of Understanding and other agreements.
“International Programs is pleased to support the work of the Department of Ophthalmology, which has a strong record of global engagement,” said Russell Ganim, associate provost and dean of International Programs. “One of our chief goals is to facilitate connections within the data science community, enhancing clinical practice and research to develop innovative solutions that transform lives.”
The University of Iowa's Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences is transforming global healthcare—one patient at a time. By connecting across borders and empowering local communities, they’re turning medical treatment into a human mission.
"Ophthalmology captivated me with its capacity for immediate, life-changing impact," said Somisetty. "These experiences [in India] reminded me that while ophthalmology can be highly technical, it remains deeply human."
International Programs (IP) at the University of Iowa (UI) is committed to enriching the global experience of UI students, faculty, staff, and the general public by leading efforts to promote internationally oriented teaching, research, creative work, and community engagement. IP provides support for international students and scholars, administers scholarships and assistance for students who study, intern, or do research abroad, and provides funding opportunities and grant-writing assistance for faculty engaged in international research. IP shares their stories through various media, and by hosting multiple public engagement activities each year.