Global Impact Lab
There are relatively few published studies about eye care in developing countries, and Unite For Sight mentors its Global Impact Fellows to design and implement research studies that contribute to knowledge about global eye care needs and solutions.
Table of Contents
- Recent research by Global Impact Fellows
- Methodology
- Steps for prospective Global Impact Fellows interested in research
Recent Research By Global Impact Fellows
India
- "Predictors of and Barriers Associated With Poor Follow-up in Patients With Glaucoma in South India," Bradford Lee, MSc, Medical Student, Stanford University School of Medicine. [Publication: Arch Ophthalmol. 2008 Oct;126(10):1448-54.]
- "The Use of Visual Aid in Informed Consent for Cataract Surgery in an Indigenous, South Indian Population," Abraar Karan, Undergraduate, Yale University; Unite For Sight Global Impact Fellow in Chennai, India and Program Development Fellow in Honduras [Manuscript Summary; Presentation: Unite For Sight Global Health and Innovation Summit, April 2009]
- "Prevalence of Visual Impairment and Surveys on Patient Perception and Knowledge of Eye Care in Chennai, India," Zhuo Su, Undergraduate, Yale University & Bing Qing Wang, Undergraduate, University of Toronto; Unite For Sight Global Impact Fellows in Chennai, India
- "Patient Barriers to Cataract Surgery in Southern India," Nicole Nishanian, California State University San Bernardino; Unite For Sight Global Impact Fellow in Chennai, India
- "Survey of Patient Opinions on Eyeglasses and Eye Care in Rural and Slum Populations in Chennai," Kashmira Chawla, Undergraduate, Drake University; Unite For Sight Global Impact Fellow in Chennai, India
- "The Prevalence, Use, and Perceived Effects of Complementary Alternative Medicines and Treatments in Bihar, India," Kristin Ow Chapman, Medical Student, NYU School of Medicine; Unite For Sight Global Impact Fellow in Bihar, India [Presentation: Unite For Sight Global Health and Innovation Summit, April 2009]
Ghana
- "Analysis of Age and Severity of Presentation of Open Angle Glaucoma in a Ghanaian Population," Andrew Francis, Medical Student, Boston University School of Medicine; Unite For Sight Global Impact Fellow in Ghana
- "Outcome of Trabeculectomies With Adjunctive Antifibronic Agents in the Management of Primary Open Angle Glaucoma," Naveed Chaudhry, Undergraduate, University of Maryland; Unite For Sight Global Impact Fellow in Ghana
- "Patient Perceptions Regarding Eyeglasses in Ghana," Dimas Espinola, MPH Student, University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Health; Unite For Sight Global Impact Fellow in Ghana
- "Lens Couching For Cataract in Rural Regions of Northern Ghana," Ee Rah Sung, Undergraduate, Dickinson College; Global Impact Fellow in Ghana
- "A QALY-Based Analysis of Eyecare Valuation in Ghana," Erica Leavitt, Undergraduate, Princeton University; Unite For Sight Global Impact Fellow in Ghana
- "Seeing The Self: Portaits and Self-Perception Among Ghanaians With Varying Visual Capacity," Rebecca Burger-Caplan, Undergraduate, Haverford College; Unite For Sight Global Impact Fellow in Ghana
- "Patient-Perceived Barriers To Eye Care in Remote Rural Villages Around Accra, Ghana," Katherine Wu, Undergraduate University of Pennsylvania; Unite For Sight Global Impact Fellow in Ghana
- "Socioeconomic Challenges of Patients with Clinical Blindness in Rural Ghana," Yuen Chan, Undergraduate, University of Kentucky; Unite For Sight Global Impact Fellow in Ghana
- "Quality of Life and The Importance of Sight: Ghanaian Versus American Utility Values," Blair Irwin, MBA, MS, Medical Student, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey; Unite For Sight Global Impact Fellow in Accra, Ghana [Presentation: Unite For Sight Global Health and Innovation Summit, April 2009]
- "Seeing Past The Symptoms: Medical Narratives of Ghanaian Eye Patients," Ashley Kilp, Undergraduate, Carnegie Mellon University; Unite For Sight Global Impact Fellow in Ghana
- "Accessibility to Health Care: A Survey-Based Study of the Barriers Facing Patients in Rural Ghana," Amogh Sivarapatna, Undergraduate, University of Virginia; Unite For Sight Global Impact Fellow in Accra, India [Presentation: Unite For Sight Global Health and Innovation Summit, April 2009]
- "Demographics and Prevalence of Eye Problems in Northern Ghana and Rationale for Treatment," Katherine Hill, Undergraduate, University of Utah; Unite For Sight Global Impact Fellow in Tamale, Ghana
Honduras
- "Patient-Related Barriers To Eye Care in Tegucigalpa, Honduras: Urban versus Rural Setting," Monica Sangal, Undergraduate, University of Michigan; Unite For Sight Global Impact Fellow in Honduras
Methodology
Unite For Sight and its partner eye clinics compile research study questions for Global Impact Fellows to pursue. In collaboration with Unite For Sight and the partner eye clinic, the Global Impact Fellow works with a university mentor to design the research study. Global Impact Fellows are required to receive Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval from their university prior to implementing their study. They are also required to complete Unite For Sight's International Research Online Course and Research Methodology Online Course. Both courses prepare researchers for the critical ethical and methodological issues involved with research in the developing world.
Steps For Prospective Global Impact Fellows Interested in Research
- Apply to become a Unite For Sight Global Impact Fellow. Before beginning to work on a research study, it is necessary to first apply and be accepted to the Unite For Sight program.
- If accepted to the program, you would next contact Unite For Sight's Global Impact Lab Coordinator (TBryant@uniteforsight.org) about your interest in pursuing a research study.
- Review topics and ideas for research studies: http://www.uniteforsight.org/volunteer-abroad/entrepreneurial-volunteering/module6
- Discuss your research ideas and goals with Unite For Sight's Global Impact Lab Coordinator.
- Find a faculty mentor (professor or physician ideally affiliated with your university).
- Design research study with your faculty mentor.
- Submit research design to Unite For Sight for guidance, review, and approval.
- Submit application and research design to your university's Institutional Review Board (IRB) for approval.