More than 40 of the world’s most esteemed ophthalmologists, vision researchers, and public health/policy experts are gathering in Mexico for the 2nd Mexico-U.S. Symposium on Vision Health to share data and work together to develop a comprehensive plan to tackle the global burden of diabetes-related eye disease, a leading cause of blindness. Their discussions and findings are sure to shape the future of vision health for years to come.
Dr. Rohit Varma is a renowned clinician, epidemiologist and global leader in eye disease research in the Latino community. He has earned international recognition for his pioneering work in this field and is sought after as a leading expert in the area.
The Symposium, a collaboration between the Government of Mexico and the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), and National Eye Institute (NEI), is co-chaired by three esteemed individuals: Dr. Maria Julia Marinissen, Health Attaché, U.S. Embassy – Mexico City; Acting Director, U.S. Section – Border Health Commission, HHS; Dr. Van Charles Lansingh, Chief Medical Officer, HelpMeSee and Director of Research, “Instituto Mexicano de Oftalmología (IMO);” Voluntary Associate Professor of Ophthalmology and Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; and Dr. Gyan “John” Prakash, Director, Office of International Program Activities, NIH/NEI. This dynamic trio of experts is working together to bring about a joint initiative that will benefit the health and wellbeing of people in Mexico and the U.S.
The symposium “Strengthening International Partnerships to Reduce the Impact of Diabetes on Eye Health” is set to take place on January 26 and 27, 2023 in Mexico City, both onsite and virtually. With renowned speakers such as Dr. Michael F. Chiang, Director of NIH/NEI and Dr. Rohit Varma, Founding Director of Southern California Eye Institute, this event promises to be a truly insightful and engaging experience. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to hear from experts and come away with a better understanding of how to combat diabetes-related eye health issues!
Dr. Varma is a renowned clinician and epidemiologist and the world’s leading expert on eye disease in Latinos. His research, as principal investigator of the Los Angeles Latino Eye Study (LALES) funded by the NEI, NIH, and the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities, has made a significant impact in the field. LALES is the nation’s largest and longest epidemiologic study of eye disease in Latinos, running from 1998 to 2014.
Latinos are particularly vulnerable to visual impairment, blindness, and diabetic eye disease – a burden that is only increasing as diabetes becomes more prevalent around the world. This means that the Latino community is facing a greater risk of developing these conditions than non-Hispanic whites, and it is an issue that needs to be addressed with urgency. LALES is working to combat this growing burden of vision loss and eye disease, in order to ensure the best possible health outcomes for Latinos.
The symposium seeks to develop an ambitious plan to tackle the growing global diabetes epidemic and its associated diabetic eye disease. As the burden of diabetes continues to increase, it is incumbent upon us to devise a strategy that will help stem the tide of this burgeoning public health crisis.
About Southern California Eye Institute
At the Southern California Eye Institute, our expert physicians and scientists are leading the way in vision care. With the most advanced technology, treatments and therapies available, we are dedicated to providing the best outcomes for our patients in Los Angeles and from around the world. We are also on the cutting edge of stem cell and regenerative therapies, artificial intelligence, and bioelectronic implants to aid in the prevention, early detection, and treatment of eye diseases and conditions. Founded by renowned ophthalmologist Rohit Varma, MD, MPH, SCEI is located in the heart of Los Angeles at CHA Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center.