GREEN BAY (NBC26) — A Green Bay ophthalmologist is taking her expertise in glaucoma treatment around the world.
Dr. Annette Giangiacomo, an ophthalmologist based in Green Bay, has made seven trips with Orbis International, a global nonprofit specializing in ophthalmology training.
"In low and middle-income countries, the infrastructure and educational training opportunities are not as strong as we would want them to be," Giangiacomo said.
Her most recent trip took her to Mongolia, a country with some of the highest rates of glaucoma anywhere on Earth. During her week there, she assisted with about 17 surgeries involving new procedures to treat the disease. She worked alongside three trainees.
"She's one of our best when it comes to treating glaucoma," Dr. Hunter Cherwek, vice president of clinical services at Orbis International, said of Giangiacomo.
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Glaucoma damages the optic nerve connecting the eye to the brain.
"It's the first cause of irreversible blindness in the world," Giangiacomo explained.
The disease affects both children and adults. While it is not curable, doctors can control it — making early detection critical.
Giangiacomo said the international experience is mutually rewarding.
"It's a lot of fun," Giangiacomo said. "I mean, I learn a lot from them, you know, as much as they learn from me."
Her goal on each trip is to leave a lasting impact that extends beyond her visit.
"I'm just really committed to teaching," Giangiacomo stated. It drives her to keep traveling.
Last year alone, Orbis volunteers trained more than 48,000 doctors around the world.
