Who we are.
The Global Ophthalmic Institute is an international clinical academy and non-governmental organisation working to reduce geographic inequalities in access to high-quality ophthalmic education.
We connect clinicians and communities with peer-reviewed knowledge, practical learning and accessible clinical education designed to strengthen eye care capacity where it is needed most.
Accessible Learning
Expanding access to quality ophthalmic education beyond traditional geographic and institutional boundaries.
Clinical Knowledge
Supporting clinicians through peer-reviewed educational content, clinical insight and practical learning tools.
Workforce Capacity
Strengthening local eye care workforces with sustainable skills that can translate into improved patient care.
Building capacity where it matters.
The Global Ophthalmic Institute was founded in response to a critical challenge in global public health: unequal access to high-quality ophthalmic education. Traditional training models and educational pathways do not always reach the regions carrying a significant burden of avoidable blindness and visual impairment.
The Institute was established as a borderless clinical academy and non-governmental organisation with a clear commitment to extending educational opportunity beyond conventional geographic and institutional boundaries.
By connecting established academic knowledge with clinicians working in underserved settings, GOI seeks to support the development of sustainable local expertise and strengthen the capacity of eye care workforces to deliver better care within their own communities.
Mission & Vision.
Our work is guided by a clear purpose: strengthening eye care systems by making high-quality education more accessible to the people and communities who need it most.
Our Mission
To strengthen eye care workforce capacity in low- and middle-income countries through facilitating accessible clinical and public health education, in service of resilient, equitable health systems.
Our Vision
A world where underserved communities are supported by a well-trained, self-sustaining local eye care workforce, eliminating avoidable visual impairment.
Education that reaches where care is needed.
Our Team
Meet the people driving excellence in eye-care education, clinical practice, governance and global health.
Executive Team
01
Dr. Pirindhavellie
Govender-Poonsamy
Director of Finance & Governance
Optometrist, academic researcher and global health consultant with over 25 years of experience in clinical practice, eye-care education and public health policy.
02
Mr Benji
Chandra
Executive Director
Senior university practitioner and clinical educator combining academic rigour with extensive clinical experience and a passion for sustainable global health education.
03
Ms Pirakalai
Manikavasagar
Head of Clinical Education
UK-qualified optometrist with experience spanning clinical optometry, public health research, community eye care and ophthalmic education.
Board of Directors
01
Mr. Karthi Govender
02
Ms. Denise Anthony
03