Eve J. Higginbotham, SM, MD’s electric delivery of the 80th Jackson Memorial Lecture marked her as only the fifth woman to deliver the prestigious lecture.
From her early days as the first woman to head a university-based ophthalmology department in the United States at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, to her influential role as the inaugural Vice Dean for Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity at the Perelman School of Medicine, Dr. Higginbotham’s career is anchored in a steadfast pursuit of excellence and equity in health care.
Dr. Higginbotham’s lecture, titled "Striving Toward Better Eye Health Beyond Our Waiting Rooms," served as a powerful conduit for her message about the importance of ocular health in the spectrum of public health. Dr. Higginbotham stated, "The integration of eye health within the broader public health dialogue is overdue. We need to prioritize it as we do other major health challenges, given its profound impact on quality of life and economic productivity."
Highlighting the staggering global burden of preventable visual impairments and the critical role ophthalmologists play in addressing these challenges, Dr. Higginbotham bore witness to the value of expanding focus beyond traditional metrics and toward wider “social determinants of health” (SDOHs)—such as environmental, behavioral, and socioeconomic factors—that significantly affect eye health.
Dr. Higginbotham is renowned for her role in the Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study. This landmark study reshaped the management of ocular hypertensive patients worldwide by demonstrating the efficacy of early intervention. "This study not only altered clinical practice but also showcased the necessity for diversity in clinical research," Dr. Higginbotham attests. The implications of Dr. Higginbotham’s work have encouraged a more inclusive approach to clinical trials, ensuring that findings are applicable across diverse populations.
Dr. Higginbotham also touched upon the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in ophthalmology. She explained how AI can enhance diagnostic accuracy and personalize treatment plans, making significant inroads in underserved communities where healthcare disparities are most pronounced. "By leveraging AI, we can make eye care more accessible and tailored to individual needs, bridging the gap between advanced medical research and everyday clinical practice," she states of the technology’s potential.
In her powerful lecture, Dr. Higginbotham also called for ophthalmologists and health care providers to think globally and act locally. By integrating eye health into the broader public health framework and embracing technological advancements, the medical community can ensure that ophthalmic care is recognized as a vital component of overall health and well-being.
Dr. Higginbotham’s closing remark encapsulated her personal mission: "We must educate to activate." This powerful directive emphasizes the need for continued education and advocacy to transform the landscape of health care—a task that Dr. Higginbotham continues to work onward with dual passion and dedication. As the medical community looks forward, leaders like Dr. Higginbotham advocate to ensure that eye health remains a crucial part of the conversation in improving global health outcomes.
by Maressa Park