Our sights are set on solving one of the biggest global health problems of our time.

Our Vision

At the Global Retina Project, we envision a world where every individual, regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographic location, has access to quality eye care. We believe that vision is a fundamental human right, and we are determined to make this vision a reality.

Our Mission

Our mission is to eradicate preventable blindness and visual impairment caused by retinal diseases by offering accessible, high-quality eye care services to underserved communities worldwide. We achieve this through a threefold approach:

1. Point-of-Care Retinal Disease Screening

We bring state-of-the-art retinal imaging technology to the heart of underserved communities. Our team of skilled eye care professionals and volunteers conduct comprehensive retinal disease screenings, ensuring early detection and diagnosis. By identifying retinal diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and glaucoma in their early stages, we can prevent irreversible vision loss.

2. Treatment and Management

The Global Retina Project doesn't stop at screening; we are dedicated to comprehensive care. Our state-of-the-art mobile clinics, manned by experienced ophthalmologists and healthcare professionals, go beyond immediate treatment by providing personalized care plans. This commitment extends to ongoing support, ensuring a continuum of care that fosters sustained well-being and continually improves retinal health outcomes for all individuals we serve.

3. Global Connection and Equity

The Global Retina Project operates on a global scale, reaching remote and underserved communities in countries around the world. Our international network of volunteers, partners, and supporters allows us to extend our services to those who need them most. Through these collaborative efforts, we strive to dismantle geographical barriers and ensure that individuals in even the most distant and marginalized areas have access to the essential eye care they deserve.

Our Values

Compassion

We approach our work with empathy and kindness, understanding the unique challenges faced by underserved communities.

Dedication

We are unwavering in our commitment to improving global eye health and preventing unnecessary blindness.

Empowerment

We empower individuals to take control of their eye health by providing education and resources to promote eye health awareness.

Collaboration

We collaborate with local healthcare providers, governments, and organizations to create sustainable, long-term solutions for eye care.

Innovation

We embrace innovation and continually seek new ways to improve our services and impact.

Meet the Team

  • Ethan James

    FOUNDER & CEO

    • University of Colorado Boulder

    • University of Colorado School of Medicine

    • Rocky Mountain Retina Associates

    • Colorado Retina Associates

  • Alexander Pinhas, MD

    CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER

    • New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai

    • Sight is a Right

  • Geeta Lalwani, MD

    PRESIDENT

    • Rocky Mountain Retina Associates

    • Vit-Buckle Society

    • Boulder Community Health

  • Natalia Vergara, PhD

    VICE PRESIDENT

    • University of Colorado School of Medicine

    • Colorado Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute

    • Gates Institute for Regenerative Medicine

  • Murtaza Adam, MD

    DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

    • Colorado Retina Associates

    • Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine

  • Savannah Huyvaert

    DIRECTOR OF PHILANTHROPY

    • Boulder Community Health

    • University of Colorado Boulder

    • COMPASS

    • University of Colorado School of Medicine

  • Justin Hein

    DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

    • University of Colorado Boulder

  • Michael Ha, MS

    DIRECTOR OF FINANCES

    • University of Colorado School of Medicine

  • Miguel Flores-Bellver, PhD

    BOARD CHAIRMAN

    • University of Colorado School of Medicine

  • Abigail Jeong

    BOARD MEMBER

    • University of Colorado Boulder

    • Boulder Community Health

    • NAMI Boulder County

  • Evan Wood

    BOARD MEMBER

    • University of Colorado Boulder

    • COMPASS

  • Brendan Lintner

    BOARD MEMBER

    • University of Colorado Boulder

  • Gus Solis

    BOARD MEMBER

    • University of Colorado Boulder

    • University of Colorado School of Medicine

  • Piper Espinosa

    BOARD MEMBER

    • Swedish Medical Center

    • University of Colorado Boulder

  • Jack Ferguson

    BOARD MEMBER

    • University of Colorado Boulder

Contact us.