2015 Emory Eye Magazine | Page 14

News | Outreach Global Ophthalmology Emory T he idea for what is now called Global Ophthalmology at Emory (GO-Emory) originated in 2009 when Danny Haddad, then director of the International Trachoma Initiative (ITI), joined Emory Eye Center Director Timothy Olsen and faculty member Paul Courtright in a seminal conversation about building a global vision initiative at Emory. The idea took hold, aided by some dedicated advocates and partners. Courtright and fellow faculty member Susan Lewallen helped provide framework and architecture for the program early on. Emory Global Health vice president Jeffrey Koplan and world-renowned epidemiologist Willam Foege provided guidance to help the program take shape. The group sought partnerships with Atlanta organizations such as ITI, The Carter Center, and the CDC and with 12 E m o ry E ye | 2015 vision-focused groups such as the Lions Lighthouse and Center for the Visually Im Z\