Advancing Global Eye Health and Honouring Dr. Myrna Lichter
The Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences at the University of Toronto remains deeply committed to advancing eye health equity through its Global Health Program. These initiatives create meaningful learning opportunities for faculty, staff, and trainees, while strengthening our collective impact in reducing preventable and treatable blindness worldwide.
Led by Dr. Myrna Lichter, the program provides a vital forum for discussion and collaboration through Global Health Rounds, inspiring the next generation of leaders in global ophthalmology. Dr. Lichter’s lifelong dedication to improving access to eye care for marginalized populations has earned her national and international recognition, including the Governor General’s Meritorious Service Decoration (Civil Division) in 2024 for her work with homeless, refugee, and underserved communities.
Also in 2024, Dr. Lichter was appointed University of Toronto Lead for Orbis International, a global non-profit organization that builds sustainable eye care systems. Through this role, she has engaged residents in initiatives such as the “Plane Pull” fundraiser and encouraged their participation in Cybersight, Orbis’s global education platform—further connecting our trainees to the international ophthalmology community.
Building on Dr. Lichter’s leadership, the Department continues to expand its global and local reach with new initiatives, including a community clinic at the Kensington Eye Institute serving marginalized populations, research on portable diagnostic technologies to improve care in remote regions, and the development of Canada’s first fellowship in global ophthalmology.
Through these collective efforts, we proudly honour Dr. Lichter’s vision and reaffirm our commitment to making quality eye care accessible to all.
