A new online training program developed by a world-renowned University of Wisconsin pediatric ophthalmologist is making training more accessible to eye care providers worldwide.
“One World One Vision Comprehensive Video Course on Strabismus and Amblyopia,” developed by Burton Kushner MD, was released for free on YouTube in mid-July.
The project was the brainchild of the charitable organization One World One Vision (OWOV). OWOV is dedicated to improving outcomes in individuals with strabismus, a common eye condition in children that occurs when the eyes are not aligned properly.
“Dr. Martin Lederman, co-founder of One World, approached me in November 2022,” recalls Dr. Kushner, a professor emeritus in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (DOVS). “He wanted to talk about an idea he had for addressing global health needs in pediatric ophthalmology. His idea was to develop readily accessible content that would teach evaluation and treatment techniques to ophthalmologists worldwide, including those in medically underserved areas. He asked me if I would be interested in taking on the project, and I readily agreed.”
The result was a 17-part lecture series. Each course is designed for comprehensive ophthalmologists wanting to improve their skills in treating amblyopia and strabismus, pediatric ophthalmology fellows, ophthalmology residents, and other providers of ophthalmic care. As course director, Dr. Kushner developed the program outline and selected the lecturers, who are experts in various aspects of strabismus and amblyopia.
“I was honored to be invited to participate in this important work,” said Yasmin Bradfield, MD, a pediatric ophthalmologist UW Health and the John W. Doolittle Pediatric Ophthalmology Professor with DOVS. She contributed a lecture amblyopia, commonly known as ‘lazy eye.’ “This project will have a positive impact on the field of pediatric eye care for generations to come,” she said.
The lectures are given in English and translated into French, Spanish and Mandarin.
“I am really proud of the final product.” Dr. Kushner said.
For more information: https://oneworldonevision.org/videos