Eyes on Ukraine: a Canadian Ophthalmological Society Foundation Humanitarian Aid Initiative

Authors: Michael T. Kryshtalskyj, Natalia Baziuk, Cindy M. L. Hutnik, George Beiko, Lesya Shuba, Eugene Hladky, Stephen E. Kosar, Alexander C. Tokarewicz, Paul Harasymowycz, Andrew Iwach, Stuart Seiff, Robert Mazzoli1, Guillermo Rocha, Larissa A. Derzko-Dzulynsky. 

Author Disclosures: M.T. Kryshtalskyj:  None.  N. Baziuk:  None.  C.M.L. Hutnik:  None.  G. Beiko:  None.  L. Shuba:  None.  E. Hladky:  None.  S.E. Kosar:  None.  A.C. Tokarewicz:  None.  P. Harasymowycz:  None.  A. Iwach:   Any direct financial payments including receipt of honoraria

Abstract Body:

Purpose: To report on the progress of a major global health initiative created to support the care of eye injuries arising from the war in Ukraine. To report financial, material, educational and other humanitarian aid generated during this period. 

Study Design:  A descriptive summary of the progress of a Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) Foundation humanitarian initiative.  

Methods:  Multifaceted campaign to 1) raise funds, 2) raise surgical and medical ophthalmic equipment, and 3) support telemedicine and education for doctors and ophthalmologists responding to traumatic eye injuries in Ukraine.  

Results:  Over $600,000 CAD worth of surgical equipment and monetary donations were raised. Eyes on Ukraine helped organize international participation in a series of 4 international wartime symposia hosted by the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (ASOPRS) and the British Oculoplastic Surgery Society (BOPSS). The US Department of Defense’s Joint Trauma System Clinical Practice Guidelines on the field management of eye injuries was translated into Ukrainian and disseminated to frontline surgeons and medics. Ongoing collaboration with or-ganizations, including the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS), ASO-PRS, and the Ukrainian Vitreoretinal Society, will provide ongoing opportunities to raise supplies and facilitate opportunities for knowledge transfer. A host of Canadian initiatives raised local sup-port. For these contributions, Eyes on Ukraine was recognized by the American Academy of Oph-thalmology in receiving its Secretariat Award.  

Conclusions:  This flagship initiative of the COS Foundation has provided considerable and multifaceted support to victims of eye trauma in Ukraine.