366 - Breaking Barriers in Eye Health with Dra. Maria Montero

Listeners, we are back this week with Dra. María Montero

In today's episode, we have a powerful conversation with the remarkable Dra Maria Montero, an ophthalmologist and surgeon for Orbis Flying Eye Hospital. We explore the gender issue of blindness and learn about her incredible work providing free cataract surgeries in underserved communities around the world. Join us as we dive into her personal journey, the impactful work of Orbis, and the life-changing impact of eye surgery on both children and adults.

Dr. Maria Montero is an ophthalmologist, surgeon, mother, role model, and mentor. She initially became a doctor because she wanted to know how her own body worked. She completed her residency in ophthalmology at the Asociación para Evitar la Ceguera (APEC) in México. Soon after, she started her subspecialty year on the anterior segment of the eye, focusing on the intricacies of cataracts because “you can change a person’s life in just 15 minutes with cataract surgery.”

Dr. Montero later served as head of the cataract department and teaching director at a hospital in Mexico City in 2016. In her capacity as a doctor, Dr. Montero was inspired to participate in campaigns to perform free cataract surgeries in underserved communities. This led her to find Orbis, a global eye care nonprofit, where, in January 2017, she joined the team working on the organization’s Flying Eye Hospital – a fully accredited teaching hospital on a plane – to train eye care professionals around the world that don’t have access to it, including throughout Latin America.

As a Latina, she is proud to support other professionals in her own community. When she first found Orbis, she finally understood the saying “Do what you love and you will never work again.”

During this episode we talked about:

05:37 In Mexico, medical school starts after high school.
09:13 Fascinated by orthopedics, but disliked surgical lifestyle.
12:47 Orthopedics isn't about strength, but technique.
16:11 Cataract clouds lens, requires surgery for vision.
18:42 Diabetic retinopathy requires regular eye check-ups.
21:08 Cataract surgery restores independence and vision quickly.
26:04 Surgical procedure removes cataract using tiny incision.
28:54 Gender inequality persists in various countries' societies.
34:01 Clinic provides eye healthcare and trains locals.
36:37 Training in ophthalmology with sustainable approach.
40:56 Surgery for baby with bilateral cataract.
43:37 Surgery helps children become more lively and social.
47:15 Regular eye check-ups are important to detect diseases.
51:51 Discussion on eye care importance.

Some clarifications:

1. The official name of the organization is Orbis International.

2. Maria said Orbis has 16 country offices, but it’s actually 14.

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And don't ever forget to Stay Shining!

366 - Breaking Barriers in Eye Health with Dra. Maria Montero