More Than Surgery: Building Capacity for Lifelong Patient Care
Dr. Justin French Inspires the Next Generation of Cataract Surgeons in Monoglia
For many patients, cataract surgery is the moment their world becomes clear again—the moment shadows, blurs, and darkness are replaced with light, color, and detail. But behind every sight-restoring surgery is a surgeon who once stood where today’s residents stand: learning, practicing, and finding the confidence to take the lead in the operating room.
In April of 2025, Dr. Justin French, a Canadian ophthalmologist with Laurel Surgical Foundation, spent invaluable time teaching ophthalmology residents the art and precision of cataract surgery. His work is more than instruction. It is the passing on of a life-changing skill that will ripple through countless patients’ lives for decades to come.
Why Teaching Surgical Skills Matters
In rural Mongolia, the shortage of skilled cataract surgeons means long waiting lists and preventable blindness that robs people of their independence, livelihoods, and dignity. While global eye care organizations can send visiting surgeons to perform eye surgeries, the most sustainable solution is to train local physicians to perform these surgeries themselves.
By mentoring residents in surgical techniques, Dr. French is helping to build a healthcare system that no longer relies solely on visiting teams. This approach ensures continuous access to high-quality eye care, even in remote provinces where resources are limited.
From Observation to Operation
For many residents, cataract surgery training is their first opportunity to perform delicate, sight-saving procedures. Under Dr. French’s guidance, residents move from observation to hands-on practice. Learning everything from the intricate steps of cataract removal to the art of patient-centered care.
The impact is immediate:
Residents gain confidence in their surgical abilities.
Patients receive treatment sooner from doctors they know and trust.
Communities gain hope, knowing skilled care is available close to home.
Sustainable Change in Eye Care
Cataracts remain the leading cause of preventable blindness worldwide. In rural areas, building local surgical capacity is the single most effective way to fight this crisis. Each resident Dr. French trains can restore sight to thousands of people over the course of their career; people who will be able to work, care for their families, and live with independence.
This is the heart of sustainable healthcare: knowledge shared, skills multiplied, and futures changed.
A Legacy Beyond the Operating Room
Dr. French’s work is a reminder that the most powerful aspect of surgery isn’t just the procedure itself—it’s the transfer of skills, confidence, and purpose. Every lesson given, every technique mastered, and every resident empowered becomes a beacon of hope for the patients they will serve.
At Laurel Surgical Foundation, we believe that teaching is the ultimate act of healing. Through partnerships, training programs, and dedicated mentors like Dr. Justin French, we are working toward a future where preventable blindness is no longer a barrier to living a full and dignified life.
“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the water to create many ripples.”
Join Us in Building a Future of Sight
Your support allows us to continue training surgeons, equipping hospitals, and restoring vision where it’s needed most.
Donate Today and help us create a world where every patient has access to skilled surgical care.