The Wills Eye Center for Academic Global Ophthalmology (CAGO) is dedicated to leadership in ophthalmology by bridging the gaps in education, research, and clinical care that exist across the globe in an effort to prevent blindness worldwide.
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION DEADLINE:
MAY 20, 2026
Links:
Global Ophthalmology Summit -https://www.globalophthalmologysummit.org/
Global Ophthalmology Consortium https://www.globalophthalmologysummit.org/consortium
Register by May 20 to save on early registration - https://www.globalophthalmologysummit.org/registration
The Global Ophthalmology Summit (GOS) is the annual gathering of ophthalmologists, trainees, industry leaders, and global health experts to address the most pressing topics in international eye care. Launched in 2022, the GOS is a collaborative effort of the Global Ophthalmology Consortium and serves as a bridge between diverse stakeholders in global eye health. In 2026, we convene in the historic city of Philadelphia to explore the future of vision care through our theme: "Innovation, AI, and Technology: Expanding Access to Healthcare Worldwide."
The Summit will provide attendees with:
• Visionary Leadership: Direct engagement with global ophthalmology pioneers through interactive panels and keynote sessions.
• Technology & AI Showcases: Dedicated segments exploring how artificial intelligence and portable diagnostic tech are revolutionizing outreach.
• Immersive Simulation: Hands-on experience with cutting-edge surgical simulation technology.
• Tailored Networking: Intimate events designed to build collaborations across specific regions and specialized fields of work.
• Trainee-Focused Programming: Specialized tracks for medical students, residents, and fellows to foster the next generation of global leaders.
• The Global Hackathon: A high-stakes, "capstone" competition where teams crowdsource innovative, tech-driven solutions to real-world eye health inequities.
International Scholars Program
The Wills Eye experience touches every corner of the globe. We are excited to share our world class eye hospital with you through our expert physicians teaching overseas, physicians from around the globe visiting the Wills Eye Hospital, and our web-based educational resources.
ACADEMIC GLOBAL OPHTHALMOLOGY FELLOWSHIP
The Wills Eye experience touches every corner of the globe. We are excited to share our world class eye hospital with you through our expert physicians teaching overseas, physicians from around the globe visiting the Wills Eye Hospital, and our web-based educational resources.
WILLS INTERNATIONAL RESIDENT EXPERIENCE
The Wills International Resident Experience (WIRE) places our residents at partner sites for up to two weeks to learn, teach, and serve in high-need settings
Rwanda International Institute of Ophthalmology
ORBIS International
SEE International
Tenwek Hospital,
Kenya
LV Prasad Eye Institute
Himalayan Cataract Project
My passion is to educate and equip the next generation of African physicians to meet the challenges of their world and to pass on what they have learned to those who come after them.
John Cropsey, Partner, Burundi
Wills Eye hosts an annual David Paton Lectureship in Academic Global Ophthalmology as well as multiple lectures and wet labs aimed at engaging our trainees and community in global ophthalmology.
