Advanced Ophthalmic Imaging Research & Ophthalmic Genetics International Fellow 

2022 - 2023 

Host: Casey Eye Institute 

Mentors: Yali Jia, Ph.D.; Mark Pennesi, M.D., Ph.D., Paul Yang, M.D. 

The Casey Eye Institute’s COOL Lab, Ophthalmic Genetics Clinic, and Global Ophthalmology Program are excited to welcome Nida Wongchaisuwat, M.D., as a visiting scholar for one year from Nov. 2022 – Nov. 2023. Dr. Nida Wongchaisuwat is a member of the vitreoretinal faculty at Mahidol University’s Siriraj Hospital. She received her M.D. from Mahidol University, trained as a general physician at Trang and Wangwiset Hospitals, and at Mahidol University’s Golden Jubilee Medical Center. Her Ophthalmology residency and Clinical Fellowship in medical retina and vitreoretinal surgery were also completed at Mahidol University. She has previously visited the U.S. to attend a one-month clinical observership in vitreoretinal surgery at the UCSF medical center in San Francisco, CA. 

Dr. Nida Wongchaisuwat will visit the Casey Eye Institute for one year starting in late 2022, to collaborate on research and observe in genetics clinic.

Pediatrics International Fellow 

2022

Host: Casey Eye Institute 

Mentors: Casey Eye Institute: Maggie Overstreet, O.D., Lorri Wilson, M.D., Kellyn Bellsmith, M.D., Allison Loh, M.D., Allison Summers, O.D., FAAO, MCR, Annie F. Kuo, M.D., and Leah Greenhill Reznick, M.D.; Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University: Dr. Pittaya Phamonvaechavan, Dr. Ngamkae Ruangvaravate 

The Casey Eye Institute’s Elks Children’s Eye Clinic and International Ophthalmology Program welcome Lily Myint, M.D., for her fellowship in pediatric ophthalmology from June 29 – September 23, 2022. Dr. Lily Myint graduated from the University of Medicine in Mandalay, with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (2010), and earned her M.D. in Ophthalmology (2021) from the Lumbini Eye Institute & Research Centre in Nepal as part of the National Academy of Medical Sciences Program. She also completed her International Council of Ophthalmology Fellowship (2022) during her time in Nepal.

During her time at Casey Eye Institute, Dr. Lily will complete her fellowship in pediatric ophthalmology with her mentors at the Casey Eye Institute Elks Children’s Eye Clinic, and Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok. On her return to her home country of Myanmar, she plans to serve as a pediatric ophthalmologist at Shwe Yatu Tipitaka Cakkhupala Eye Hospital, and looks forward to applying the knowledge and experience she is gaining from her time at the Casey.

Glaucoma International Fellow 

2020-2021 

Host: Casey Eye Institute 

Mentors: Associate Professor Darin Sakiyalak and Professor Ngamkae Ruangvarivate of Siriraj Hospital Mahidol University; Beth Edmunds, M.D., Ph.D.; Aiyin Chen, M.D. 

Maw Maw Aung finished her M.B.B.S at the University of Medicine Mandalay Myanmar in 2000.  As a general doctor, Dr. Maw Maw served at a station hospital in a rural village as a station medical officer for four years, where she provided emergency medical care, surgical and obstetric operations, and health education to improve the health status of the people. 

Dr. Maw Maw received ophthalmology training (M.Med.Sc. Ophthalmology) in 2008 at Yangon Eye Research and Training Hospital in University of Medicine 1 Yangon, followed by a 3 month fellowship in glaucoma at the Medical University of Vienna Austria in 2013. 

In 2014, Dr. Maw Maw earned her membership from Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (MRCS Ed. Ophthalmology). After becoming an ophthalmologist, she was posted as a team lead in Trachoma control and prevention of blindness in Region 3 Monywa in upper Myanmar in early 2014. At that post she provided clinical exams for early detection of eye diseases and delivered many presentations on the topic of primary eye care and prevention of blindness in rural areas.  In 2015, she was posted as a consultant ophthalmologist and lecturer at the Eye Ear Nose Throat Head and Neck Hospital and Department of Ophthalmology in University of Medicine Mandalay. In 2019, she received a doctorate degree in Ophthalmology (Dr. Med.Sc Ophthalmology), with her thesis paper on glaucoma. 

Dr. Maw Maw began her glaucoma fellowship at Siriraj Hospital in Thailand in February of 2020.  Next she will visit the Casey Eye Institute for a glaucoma observership with Drs. Beth Edmunds and Aiyin Chen. 

Cornea International Fellow 

2019 

Host: Casey Eye Institute 

Mentor: Winston Chamberlain, M.D., Ph.D. 

Monthira Jermjutitham is currently on faculty and completing a fellowship in Cornea and Refractive surgery in the Department of Ophthalmology at Chulalongkorn University, where she also earned her M.D. and completed her residency in Ophthalmology. 

In 2019, she visited the Casey Eye Institute for a cornea observership, during which she was able to observe numerous patients with a broad range of pathology and injury. She also observed a numerous complex corneal transplant and anterior segment surgeries. 

Dr. Monthira comes from a part of the world that is unique to ours, that has a different distribution of diseases and a unique approach to treating them. In Thailand, she has access as well as limitations that differ from resources available in our setting. The exchange she developed with her mentor, Dr. Chamberlain, in collaborating on challenging clinical cases has been very helpful. They enjoy a collegial relationship, and have kept in touch since her fellowship. 

“I think we have begun a conversation with Dr. Monthira and her colleagues which will continue for some time…I think we have much to learn from each other and can help each other with mutual resources and intellectual troubleshooting of problems that we both face.” – Dr. Winston Chamberlain 

“It was my honor to join this program. I’d like to thank Dr. Chamberlain, Dr. Stutzman, Dr. Elizabeth Shen and all of the support team.” – Dr. Monthira Jermjutitham

Uveitis & Medical Retina International Fellow 

2019-2020 

Host: Casey Eye Institute 

Mentors: Kavita Bhavsar, M.D.; Brandon Lujan, M.D.; Jim Rosenbaum, M.D.; Phoebe Lin, M.D., Ph.D.; Merina Thomas, M.D.; Eric Suhler, M.D., M.P.H.; Associate Professor Adisan Trinavarat, Head of Retina Unit, and Assistant Professor Nattaporn Tesavibul, Head of Uveitis Unit, of Siriraj Hospital Mahidol University 

Khaing Zar Yu Shein is currently a practicing specialist assistant ophthalmologist in Mandalay Eye Hospital. She graduated from the University of Medicine in Mandalay, with a Bachelors in Medicine (2009) and Master in Ophthalmology (2017). She became a member of The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in 2019.  

Khaing Zar is currently completing her year-long fellowship in uveitis and medical retina with her mentors at the Casey Eye Institute and Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok. 

“Khaing Zar was a keen, compassionate, and insightful retina fellow.  She was beloved by my patients, who still inquire about her due to the lasting positive impression that she made.  I am certain she will be a key figure to enact impactful changes to the medical retina practice in Myanmar.  I am excited to continue our relationship as colleague and friend for years to come!” – Dr. Bhavsar 

“Dr. Khaing Zar improved her indirect ophthalmoscopy and OCT skills dramatically while at Casey.  Already an astute clinician, she gained an appreciation of subtleties in diagnosis.  Her vast experience in infectious ophthalmic conditions added to the team, and her ability to integrate this and her newfound precision will have a direct positive impact on her ability to care for patients in Myanmar.” – Dr. Brandon Lujan 

“Dr. Khaing Zar was a wonderful addition to our uveitis clinics.  She was always curious, engaged, asked great questions, and was well liked by our staff and our patients alike.  I have no doubt that the knowledge she gained here will benefit uveitis patients in Myanmar.” – Dr. Eric Suhler 

“We were so lucky to have Dr. Khaing Zhar in our retina clinics. She was always ready to learn and patients loved learning from her – they would often ask her questions about how her family is in Myanmar, the differences in how medicine is practiced there, and what she has learned during her time with us. We look forward to having her again soon!” – Dr. Merina Thomas 

Pediatric Mid-level Ophthalmic Personnel International Fellows 

2019 

Host: Casey Eye Institute 

Mentors: Allison Summers, OD, MCR; Lorri Wilson, MD; Chris Bateman COA; Dusty Gronemyer, CO; Jessica Tegler, CO; Tosha Zaback, MPH 

Lae Lae Win, Wai Wai Aung and Nway Wut Yi participated in a hybrid mid-level ophthalmic personnel training program emphasizing children’s eye care with the Casey Eye Institute’s pediatric ophthalmology division. The mid-level ophthalmic personnel training consisted of periodic onsite training for over the course of a year in Myanmar, a 3-month online course designed by the Casey Eye Institute’s accredited orthoptist training program, in person training at the Casey Eye Institute for 3 months supplemented with technical training in ophthalmic technology at the Portland Community College. Concurrently, the Tipitika Eye Hospital Child Eye Health Program to be led by these three trained nurse aides was developed in the rural area of Sagaing where the monastery hospital (Tipitaka) is located.  

Prior to their enrollment in the Casey Eye Institute program, all three attended college in Myanmar, and then held positions as nurse aides in the rising international success story of Tipitaka Eye Hospital. Wai Wai and Lae Lae live in Htee Saung village, Myinmu Township and Sagaing Division. Nway grew up in small village named Alechaung near Ywarngan Township. This was the first time any of them had travelled to the U.S.  

After returning home, Lae Lae, Wai Wai, and Nway implemented an evidence-based screening and quality eye health monitoring program for the children of the broad central Irriwady river basin, comprising much of the country of Myanmar. They will coordinate treatment plans for those children needing care with our partner ophthalmologists from the Mandalay Eye Ear Nose and Throat Hospital.  Lae Lae has since initiated formal orthoptic training at Aravind Eye Hospital in Madurai, India. Wai Wai has assumed the role of the children’s eye clinic manager, and Nway has assumed the role as community liaison for outreach efforts.  All three plan to share their knowledge and skills with junior nurse aides. 

International Echography Fellow 

2019 

Host: Casey Eye Institute 

Mentors: Ellen Redenbo, Marika Yumang, Phil Turner 

Shoon Lae Nay Chi was trained at University of Medicine, Mandalay, Myanmar, finished her residency in 2018, and graduated as an ophthalmologist in 2019.  She is currently working as a Specialist Assistant Surgeon at Mandalay Eye Hospital.  

Dr. Shoon Lae completed the first international fellowship offered in ophthalmic ultrasound at the Casey Eye Institute. She developed skills necessary to perform and interpret ophthalmic ultrasound studies including A+B scan and UBM studies  that she can bring back to Myanmar to use in her clinical practice and share with her colleagues. Dr. Shoon Lae’s mentors hope to continue to empower and support international fellows and especially women in medicine. She was a great asset to their department during her time here. Her Myanmar cultural heritage which so highly values personal relationships combined with her innate kind and loving spirit helped model a way of interacting and caring for patients which we aspire to emulate. 

“I am always thankful to everyone who developed this program. I learn new things every day at Casey Eye Institute. People from the Echography Department are so good to me. It feels like home. This program showed me other steps I can take for my career.” – Dr. Shoon Lae 

International Biomedical Engineering Fellows 

2019 

Host: Clinical Technology Services 

Mentors: Angela Baltz, CBET; Thomas Brown; Jorge Jimenez, Keith Waters, David Orlando 

Zin Myo Htet, Khaing Zar Theint, Zaw Min Khaing (MK) visited OHSU for an intensive 6 week training that included maintenance and repair of ophthalmic equipment, service tracking, and systems inventory. Prior to their visit to OHSU, Khaing Zar attended Monywa University in Myanmar, and MK received his degree in Physics from Dagon University in Yangon. Zin, Khaing Zar, and MK all studied instrument maintenance at Aravind Eye Care Systems in India, and currently work in roles as nurse aides at Tipitaka Eye Hospital. MK grew up in Ayadaw, Sagaing Region, Myanmar.  In his free time, he loves to read and go bike riding.  Khaing Zar grew up in Monywa, and her hobbies are reading and gardening, which she says are relaxing for her. 

Zin, Khaing Zar, and MK visited Clinical Technology Services, where they excelled in their curriculum in biomedical equipment maintenance and repair. On their return home, they implemented their skills as part of the foundational workings of their hospital. They look forward to sharing what they learned from at OHSU with other nurse aides and Tipitaka Hospital. 

“When I came back [from] OHSU, I [had] more experience - I [used] inventory method and…detail for daily maintenance and weekly maintenance. I want to share "Do and Don´t" for our staff at Tipitaka because they don't know exactly how to do it.” – Khaing Zar 

Vitreoretinal International Fellowship 

2019 

Host: Casey Eye Institute 

Mentors: Andreas Lauer, M.D.; Samuel Farmer, M.D.; Craig Lemley, M.D.; Matt Oliva, M.D., Govinda Paudyal, M.B.B.S., M.D., F.V.R.S., Sanyam Bajimaya, M.B.B.S., M.D., F.V.R.S.

Dr. Hlaing Win is currently a Lecturer in Ophthalmology at the Eye Ear Nose Throat Hospital in Mandalay, Myanmar, where he earned his medical degree. Formerly, he completed a 3 month fellowship in vitreoretinal surgery at the Medical University of Vienna, Austria, and has earned his membership in the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. Prior to his arrival in Oregon, Dr. Hlaing trained at the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology in Nepal as part of his Casey Eye Institute fellowship. 

Dr. Hlaing participated in his vitreoretinal fellowship at the Casey Eye Institute under the direction of Andreas K. Lauer, M.D. Dr. Hlaing Win's vitreoretinal training was supported through the cooperation and collaboration of Casey Eye Institute and the Himalayan Cataract Project. Matt Oliva, M.D. of the Himalayan Cataract Project made arrangements during Dr. Hlaing’s time in Oregon for him to observe vitreoretinal practice with Craig Lemley, M.D. in Medford. 

As a result of his Casey Eye Institute fellowship, Dr. Hlaing Win has been able to treat a broader group of patients with retinal disorders that would otherwise cause irreversible blindness. His surgical repertoire expanded immensely. Dr. Hlaing Win will be able to prevent blindness for thousands of people in Myanmar. We are thankful to be able to collaborate with the Mandalay Eye Hospital and Siriraj Eye Hospital to support the delivery of high quality retinal surgery care in Myanmar. 

We are also extremely thankful to Dr. Samuel Farmer who volunteered his valuable time and immense experience and expertise in teaching retina surgery to Dr. Hlaing Win onsite in Myanmar. His focused and dedicated teaching was essential and invaluable in elevating Dr. Hlaing Win's already strong surgical capabilities. 

“Dr Hlaing Win is a calm and kind physician with excellent insight and tremendous dedication and caring for his patients.  It is reassuring to know that the world over, there are outstanding physicians and surgeons to look after vulnerable people in their communities.” – Dr. Lauer 

“I had the good fortune to spend 4 weeks in Mandalay with Dr. Hlaing Win, a physician of extraordinary stamina, humility, generosity and good humor. In addition to his full-time academic position, he worked 7 nights per week in a private clinic, and held his own clinic on Sundays. On Saturdays, his only personal time, he would teach me about the beauty, mystery, and complexity of his native Myanmar — and how to wear a longyi. In spite of the terrible gap in Burma between medical needs and available resources, Hlaing Win could find a way to make the most of each dilemma in a creative, practical and helpful way, remaining calm, cheerful and kind all the while. Beloved by patients, staff, and residents alike, Hlaing Win shines with the best qualities of our humanitarian profession.” – Dr. Farmer 

Pediatric International Fellow

2019

Host: Kevin Winthrop, M.D., M.P.H.

Supervisors: Daniel J. Karr, M.D.; Michael Chiang, M.D.; Annie Kuo, M.D.; Leah Reznick, M.D.; Lorri Wilson, M.D.; Allison Summers, M.D.  

Dr. Bajracharya is a pediatric ophthalmologist who currently practices at Lumbini Eye Institute in Bhairahawa, Nepal. He received his medical training in ophthalmology at the National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS) in Kathmandu, and in 2014, he completed his fellowship in pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus at Lumbini Eye Institute. Dr. Bajracharya received support for this training opportunity from the Seva Foundation.

During his training with the physicians at the Elks Children’s Eye Clinic, Dr. Bajracharya increased his confidence and skills in treating complex cases with new techniques. He is pleased at the opportunity to transfer these new skills to the fellows and residents he teaches at Lumbini Eye Institute. To all of the kind doctors and staff at Elks Children’s Eye Clinic, he sends a heartfelt “thank you”.

Thank you also to Dr. Bajracharya for his presentation at the CEI International Ophthalmology conference, “Role of mindfulness practice in quality eye care services.” Dr. Bajracharya holds a Masters of Arts in Buddhist Studies (Tribhuvan University, 2006) and enjoys sharing his knowledge within the ophthalmology community. During his time in Portland, he led mindfulness practice sessions with residents and CEI Operating Room nurses.

Uveitis and Neuro-ophthalmology International Fellow

2019

Host: Kevin Winthrop, MD, MPH

Supervisors: Eric Suhler, MD, MPH; Phoebe Lin, MD, PhD; James Rosenbaum, MD; Julie Falardeau, MD; William Hills, MD;

Dr. Nalcacioglu is an ophthalmologist from Ankara, Turkey. She received her ophthalmology training at the Ankara Ulucanlar Eye Research and Training Hospital and is an Associate Professor at the Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University Medical School. In addition to her interest in ophthalmology, Dr. Nalcacioglu is an animal lover and travel enthusiast. She enjoys experiencing other cultures and cuisines, reading, riding her bike, and ice skating.

Dr. Nalcacioglu is a trained neuro-ophthalmologist and recently started subspecialty work in uveitis in 2017. In her clinic, she is the only uveitis subspecialist. She applied for the International Council of Ophthalmology’s (ICO) fellowship award to obtain more experience in the diagnosis and management of uveitis. She commented, “It is difficult to make the correct diagnosis [uveitis], and during treatment, it is essential to discontinue the medication if the treatment is not able to control ocular inflammation. In that area… I need more experience.” Now, she feels better equipped to apply her new knowledge when caring for her patients in Turkey.

"This was a great experience for both Pinar and our faculty. We had some exciting cases during her time here, and she was able to see diseases with which she had previously little or no experience. She also brought knowledge and insights to us about several conditions more commonly found in Turkey. It was a wonderful two-way learning experience for all." - Kevin Winthrop, M.D., M.P.H.

“I had the opportunity to observe patients and learn how to change the treatment based on improved or worsening symptoms. In addition, I have more knowledge and confidence now on how to start treatment with the most effective drugs and how to manage the side effects of those drugs.” - Dr. Pinar Nalcacioglu, International fellow

International Neuro-Ophthalmology Fellow 

2018-2019 

Host: Casey Eye Institute 

Mentors: Julie Falardeau, M.D.; Kimberly Winges, M.D.; William Hills, M.D., O.D.; Niphon Chirapapaisan, M.D.; Wanicha Chuenkongkaew, M.D. 

Dr. Aye Kyaw Maung began her year-long fellowship in April 2018 in subspecialty training in the field of neuro-ophthalmology. She graduated from the University of Medicine in Mandalay, with her Bachelors in Medicine, and her Master in Ophthalmology. In 2016, she earned her membership in the Royal College of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland, in Ophthalmology. She also completed an in-country program in Neuro-ophthalmology provided by Sight-for-all, an Australian-based philanthropic organization.  

Dr. Aye Kyaw became interested in Neuro-Ophthalmology because she thinks it is one of the most medically interesting, complex, and rewarding sub-specialties. She came to the Casey Eye Institute with a general ophthalmology background. During her time at the Casey Eye Institute and Siriraj, her neuro-ophthalmic knowledge steadily improved. Dr. Aye Kyaw also brought a new perspective to the Casey Eye Institute, such as different types of pathology more common to her country and diagnosing with much less ancillary tests due to major limitations from a neuroimaging standpoint in Myanmar. Following her fellowship experience at the Casey Eye Institute and Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok, she assumed the role of Neuro-Ophthalmologist at a tertiary eye care center in Mandalay, Myanmar.  Since her return to Myanmar, she has gained an impressive amount of neuro-ophthalmic examination skills and knowledge, and is a much more confident clinician. 

“The impact [of Dr. Aye Kyaw’s OHSU experience on Myanmar] has and will be significant. She is the only neuro-ophthalmologist in her region and one of very few trained in neuro-ophthalmology in the country. She is extremely involved in educational activities with the residents, which is an important part of our mission. I believe that patient-centered outcomes will be markedly improved because of her expertise and her compassionate nature.” – Dr. Falardeau 

“Her experience in neuro-ophthalmic pathology in Myanmar is so different from ours. She sees a huge number of patients with optic neuritis or ischemic optic neuropathy, but very very few of them receive systemic workups for etiology. She told me that she had never seen Giant Cell Arteritis in Myanmar, which is a very common source of optic neuropathy in my American veteran patient population. We laughed that perhaps we do not know what we do not test for, but at the same time, her patients have completely different exposures, genetics, and nutrition, thus both extrinsic and intrinsic determinants of disease are likely different.  She had such an enthusiasm and respect for our entirely different approach to diagnosis, usually through more extensive testing but also through very similar exams, and I think I learned as much from her as she did from me.” – Dr. Winges 

“I am so grateful for Casey's effort to raise me up. I am lucky to have found my mentors who are friendly and always willing to help me. My mentors inspire me every day to be better than the day before. I greatly enjoyed my training experience at Casey Eye Institute. Words can't express how thankful I am for the opportunity to participate in CEI and Siriraj hospital's Neuro-Ophthalmology training. I am extremely impressed with all I have learned. I will try my best to serve Neuro-Ophthalmology service for the people in need in Mandalay, Myanmar.” - Dr. Aye Kyaw 

Pediatric International Fellow 

2018-2019 

Host: Casey Eye Institute 

Mentors: Allison Summers, OD, MCR; Lorri Wilson, M.D.; Daniel Karr, M.D.; Dr. La-ongsri Atchaneeyasakul, M.D.  

Dr. Moe Moe Hlaing's interest in microscopic surgery and fine arts led her to Ophthalmology. After training in India, she realized Pediatric ophthalmology was the perfect fit for her. She was trained at University of Medicine, Mandalay, Myanmar, receiving her M.B.B.S. in 2005 and completing her residency in ophthalmology in 2012.  She also recently received training from the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital program. She is currently working as a Junior Consultant Ophthalmologist at Mandalay Eye Hospital, and as a Pediatric Ophthalmologist for the Tipitaka Eye Hospital Child Eye Health Program in collaboration with the Casey Eye Institute.   

Dr. Moe Moe believes that her mentors at the Casey Eye Institute encouraged her towards her goals of personal and professional fulfillment as a highly skilled and experienced provider of child eye care. She enjoys traveling to beautiful places, and enjoyed her experience of Oregon's natural beauty. 

“I feel more confident after getting hands on training in pediatric cataract surgery and complex strabismus surgery from Dr. Lorri Wilson's visit in Jan 2020. Dr. Lorri added [to] and upgraded my surgical skill and confidence level. So I really appreciate her support.” – Dr. Moe Moe 

Glaucoma International Fellow 

2018 – 2019 

Host: Casey Eye Institute 

Mentor: Associate Professor Darin Sakiyalak and Professor Ngamkae Ruangvarivate of Siriraj Hospital Mahidol University; Beth Edmunds, M.D., Ph.D. 

Zaw Nyein Chan completed his one year glaucoma fellowship training at the Casey Eye Institute under the direction of Dr. Beth Edmunds. Prior to his arrival in Oregon, he trained at Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok in glaucoma as part of his one-year fellowship. He currently serves as a Lecturer in Ophthalmology at the University of Medicine in Mandalay with a busy glaucoma practice.   

While at Casey, Dr. Zaw learned new surgical techniques and specialist management of adult and pediatric glaucoma. Dr. Zaw earned his membership of the Royal College of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland, in Ophthalmology. He enjoys ophthalmology as it offers what he calls "the total package"; interesting research issues, comfortable life style (though he works seven days a week when in Myanmar) and is medically and surgically challenging. Dr. Zaw says that, "I love everything that I have learned in Oregon in terms of culture, as well as professionally, it is very different from my home country." 

Dr. Edmunds remembers Dr. Zaw's year at the Casey Eye Institute, as well as the two trips she made to the Mandalay Eye Ear Nose and Throat hospital while training him. She recounts that it has been one of the most gratifying moments in her career, to see Dr. Zaw's growth from fledgling to accomplished glaucoma surgeon and to see the contribution the Casey Eye Institute has been able to make to improving eye services in another country.

"Dr. Zaw brought us a view into another way of life, became part of our family, and continues to pass on knowledge and care to others in a very demanding environment; it has been truly a wonderful experience for us all on many personal and professional levels.” - Beth Edmunds, M.D., Ph.D.

Oculoplastics International Fellow 

2018 

Hosts: Associate Professor Kanograt Pornpanich, Pimkwan Jaru-ampornpan, M.D.; Aravind Eye Care System 

Zin Mar Oo is current working as a Specialist Assistant Ophthalmologist at Kyaukpadaung township hospital in Mandalay division. She graduated from the University of Medicine, Mandalay, with a bachelor's in Medicine in 2007, and Master in ophthalmology in 2016. She is now a member of the Royal college of Surgeons of Edinburgh as of 2020.  

As part of her fellowship supported by the Casey Eye Institute, she completed an Ocularist fellowship with Aravind Eye Care System in India in 2018, to further her own learning, as well as to help meet the demand for this specialty care at her home hospital in Myanmar. In 2019, she attended a skill building course at Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok for further her knowledge as an Ocularist.  

Oculoplastics International Fellow 

2017-2018 

Host: Casey Eye Institute 

Mentors: John Ng, M.D., M.S., F.A.C.S.; Eric Steele, M.D.; Claudia Campbell; Julie Falardeau, M.D.; Philip Custer, M.D.; Dr. Kanograt Pornpanich, M.D. 

Thi Thi Tin became an ophthalmologist due to the encouragement of her mother, who is also an ophthalmologist. Dr. Thi Thi chose to follow in her footsteps, receiving her training at the University of Medicine in Myanmar, and eventually earning a Gold medal in the MRCS from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in 2015. Prior to her arrival in Oregon, she trained at Siriraj Hospital at Mahidol University in Bangkok in oculoplastic surgery as part of her fellowship, under the guidance of Associate Professor Kanograt Pornpanich.   

During her visit to the Casey Eye Institute, she built skills learning surgical anatomy, instrumentation and surgical procedures. She brought insight to the Oculoplastics team regarding different types of pathology seen in her country, how our techniques could be applied in those situations, and discussion of how procedures could be performed with less equipment and supplies.  

Two of her Casey Eye Institute instructors, Dr. Ng and Falardeau had this to say - “The impact [of Dr. Thi Thi’s experience at OHSU] has and will be significant. She is one of a few trained in this subspecialty. In visiting the country and proctoring there, compared to previous visits, the only proctoring needed is now for more complex cases. Her abilities actually exceed what she is currently being allowed to do in country. Her surgical skills are outstanding and I believe many of the cases that were delayed until one of us was able to assist her on, she could have easily accomplished on her own with local 1st assist.” – Dr. Ng 

“Patient outcomes will be significantly improved due to her outstanding surgical skills, knowledge, and compassionate nature.” – Dr. Falardeau 

After her return to Myanmar, she has been sharing knowledge & experience she received regarding Oculoplastics from Dr. Ng and Dr. Steel with her Ophthalmology residents. What she learned at the Casey Eye Institute is valuable not only for her but also for her residents. She is currently working as a lecturer in the Ophthalmology Department, University of Medicine Mandalay and at Mandalay Eye ENT Government Hospital as a consultant and the only Oculoplastic surgeon.

“I always thanks everyone in CEI. I will never forget the time I spent in CEI. Each and every day in CEI clinic and CEI OR was invaluable." -  Dr. Thi Thi 

Dr. Newman is a Venezuelan ophthalmologist currently practicing in Mexico. He received his ophthalmology training in Merida, Venezuela at The University of the Andes, followed by a retina fellowship in Monterrey, Mexico at the Monterrey Institute of Technology. He currently practices as a retina specialist at a small clinic in Culiacan, Mexico. In addition to his interest in ophthalmology, Dr. Newman is a talented vocalist;during his stay in Portland, he performed a variety of pop melodies at a local SW cafe. 

We were fortunate to share three months with Dr. Newman, who trained in Casey Eye Institute's Uveitis department. Dr. Newman was excited to be exposed to new treatments and research studies in his specialty field. He admits that treatment of uveitis in a developing country can be challenging, as they do not have all of the necessary diagnostic equipment and treatment options to offer their patients. Despite the lack of resources, he said they always have "the best disposition to help people," which is evident in Dr. Newman's shining personality. Dr. Newman hopes one day to return to Venezuela to provide free eye care to fellow citizens who cannot afford medical care. Thank you Dr. Newman for this shared experience. We hope the new knowledge gained during your fellowship will make a positive impact in your specialty practice abroad.

"I am really happy to have spent three months at the Casey Eye Institute, because all the staff have an incredible way to treat the patients, always with a smile. I learned not only about ophthalmology, but I learned how to be a good doctor. I can't say thank you enough to everyone. I am really going to miss Casey Eye." - Dr. Oscar Newman Sanchez 

May 9, 2016 - August 3, 2016

Tayseer Elshaikh, M.D., is a Sudanese retina specialist who participated in a three month long fellowship at Casey Eye Institute, under the sponsorship of the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO). 

While her focus was clinical retina disease management, guided by Casey faculty Christina Flaxel, M.D., and Ambar Faridi, M.D., Dr. Elshaikh also had the opportunity to gain interdisciplinary training in uveitis and genetics with Eric Suhler, M.D., M.P.H., and Paul Yang, M.D., Several other faculty members contributed to Dr. Elshaikh's learning experience, including J. Peter Campbell, M.D., M.P.H., Steven Bailey, M.D., Thomas Hwang, M.D. and Phoebe Lin, M.D., Ph.D.

The teamwork, time and dedication demonstrated by Casey doctors sharing a common goal of improving global ophthalmology is truly inspiring. Dr. Elshaikh wholeheartedly agrees. She expressed great gratitude at the opportunity to train alongside our skilled physicians, stating that "all of the doctors were very helpful and generous in sharing their knowledge and experience." She carried back to Sudan "wonderful memories" of Portland, a "beautiful and charming" city. She also enjoyed the spirit of comradery at Casey, appreciative of the thoughtful care put into "challenging cases and fruitful discussions." 

Dr. Elshaikh showed a great dedication to learning, choosing to audit two public health courses in Epidemiology and Fundamentals of Randomized Controlled Trials, on top of her already busy clinic schedule. She thanks Kevin Winthrop, M.D., M.P.H., co-director of international ophthalmology, for this opportunity: "I am really thankful to Dr. Kevin Winthrop who gave me the opportunity to learn from the best and learn a lot about the American culture." Dr. Winthrop works closely with ICO to bring top international ophthalmologists to Casey for specialty training, in addition to public health training through the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health. 

We wish Dr. Elshaikh the best in her future endeavors in Sudan. For those that had the pleasure of knowing her, her shining personality and commitment to improving eye care in Sudan will not soon be forgotten.