Dr. Simon Holland is currently a student in the Master of Global Surgical Care (MGSC) program. Alongside his studies, he is a Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of British Columbia and Chair of Orbis Canada. Read on to learn what led him to pursue the MGSC and how his experiences in global surgical care continue to shape his work.
Can you please tell us about your career or professional background?
I am from Zimbabwe, where I graduated from medical school and developed an interest in ophthalmology. In the absence of postgraduate training in Zimbabwe, I studied in the UK, USA, and Canada before moving back, only to find that I had lost my citizenship. I then joined Orbis, an NGO involved in international training in ophthalmology. I have had an excellent experience with Orbis over many years, but eventually moved back to Canada to work in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of British Columbia. Presently, I chair Orbis Canada and run an outreach clinic in Northern British Columbia.
What has inspired you to study and work in the field of global surgery? What has been most meaningful to you in your surgical education journey so far? Please share any experiences you have had in global surgery work.
I am fortunate to have had multiple excellent experiences working with innovative programs in LMICs. These include the use of simulation in remote areas, Cybersight training, and hospital-based programs. I have found working in eye care to be very rewarding, as one can achieve so much with relatively minimal resources.
What attracted you to the MGSC? How do you plan to use the skills and knowledge gained from this program in your career in the future?
Most of my experience in LMIC countries has been in fieldwork. I thought I had a lot to learn regarding how to develop programs and do collaborative work with other disciplines to be more effective. I also wanted to help with work in remote parts of British Columbia and better understand the needs and challenges.
How has your experience in the Master of Global Surgical Care (MGSC) program impacted your work with Orbis? Conversely, how have your professional and lived experiences shaped the way you engage with the MGSC program?
I found the experience of the Master of Global Surgical Care program to be what I hoped for—providing information and training about many aspects of international work. The courses are demanding but rewarding in the quality of training given.
Your work with Orbis and the UBC Northern Outreach Program has taken you across diverse global and local contexts, from international eye care training to initiatives in northern Canada. Can you share a moment that has been especially meaningful to you, and how it has shaped the way you think about sustainable, equitable eye care within the broader field of global surgery?
I think the courses provide a comprehensive route for gaining knowledge regarding international eye care that is not easily obtained elsewhere. I have started to understand how eye care can be integrated into overall health care.
I understand you’ve mentored hundreds of eye health professionals and surgical trainees through various programs you are involved with. How has mentorship shaped your own career? Do you have any advice you would like to give to surgical trainees or eye health professionals who are interested in global surgery and global eye care work?
I have learned so much more from the trainees and colleagues I have worked with than I have passed on myself. Working internationally has many challenges but many more rewards. Despite the present global problems, I would encourage anyone who has an opportunity to become involved in international work.
Is there any work/document/article that you are currently working on that you’d like to promote? Our community would love to find out what our students are currently working on. How can our community learn more about you? (Website, LinkedIn, YouTube, etc.)
Current work and initiatives can be found through Orbis Canada. Information about Orbis Canada’s programs and activities is available here: https://can.orbis.org/en
Details about the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital aircraft visit to Vancouver on June 5 can be found here: https://orbiscan.akaraisin.com/ui/planepull2026
Additional information about Orbis Canada’s work includes projects exploring AI-assisted screening for diabetic retinopathy in rural and remote communities in Canada.